Hell In a Cell
* Poll results: Grade WWE’s Hell in a Cell PPV
* Poll results: Best match at Hell in a Cell
– The 2018 WWE Hell In a Cell Kickoff pre-show opens live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Host Jonathan Coachman welcomes us as we see the new red Cell structure hanging above the ring. He’s joined by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, Peter Rosenberg and SmackDown General Manager Paige. David Otunga will join them later.
The panel goes over some of tonight’s matches. Coach leads us to a video package for the SmackDown Women’s Title match. We get more discussion on some of tonight’s matches, including Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella vs. The Miz and Maryse. We go backstage to Charly Caruso with Dean Ambrose and WWE Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins. Ambrose says the balance of power will not change tonight but Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre will not leave with the RAW Tag Team Titles, and will realize they never had the power to begin with. Rollins notes that The Shield may hold all the RAW men’s titles after tonight and this is just another chance to prove why they are the workhorses of the brand. They walk off and we go to a break.
We get a promo for Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy next. Paige reveals that this Cell match will open the pay-per-view. David Otunga has joined the panel, replacing Booker. They discuss the match and how Jeff is promising to do something crazy tonight. Coach leads us to a promo for tonight’s WWE Title match. The panel discusses tonight’s RAW Women’s Title match next. Alexa Bliss joins Coach from backstage and comments on the massive ego that RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey has. Bliss is confident about becoming a six-time champion tonight. She says Rousey isn’t 100% right now but Rousey won’t admit that. Coach hypes The Undertaker’s return to RAW tomorrow night and the match with Triple H at WWE Super Show-Down. We go to the announcers at ringside.
SmackDown Tag Team Title Match: Rusev Day vs. The New Day
Tom Phillips welcomes us to ringside as fans continue to find their seats in the arena. He’s joined by Corey Graves and Byron Saxton. Out first are SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day – Big E, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston. They take mics and do comedy, but also give props to their opponents. They go to perform a little rhyme they wrote for their opponents but Aiden English interrupts. Fans chant “Rusev Day” as English comes to the stage to do his introduction. English has a clearing-of-the-throat-off with The New Day. He then takes shots at The New Day and introduces his partner, Rusev. Out he comes with Lana as Greg Hamilton does the introductions.
The bell rings and English starts off with Kofi. Woods watches from ringside. English looks to catapult Kofi but he lands on his feet. Kofi drops English and hits a double stomp for a quick pin attempt. Rusev tags in and blocks kicks. Rusev rams Kofi back into the corner. They run the ropes and Rusev catches a cross-body. Rusev unloads with knees to the gut. Rusev with a big fall-away slam for a close 2 count. The screen splits with a promo for Bliss vs. Rousey. We come back and Rusev keeps Kofi grounded now.
Kofi fights up and out but Rusev beats on him in the corner. Rusev places Kofi on the top turnbuckle and rocks him. Rusev climbs up but Kofi leaps out, nailing a big tornado DDT from the top. Big E rallies fans as English reaches for a tag. English and Big E tag in at the same time. Big E with several big belly-to-belly suplexes for a pop. Big E stands over English and dances. Big E runs the ropes and hits the big splash. Rusev tags in to make the save. Rusev with clotheslines and a big kick to Big E. Rusev with more offense and a big spin kick. Kofi runs in but Rusev takes him out. Big E comes from behind but Rusev drops him with a kick for a 2 count.
Fans chant for Rusev Day as Rusev waits for Big E. Big E avoids the Machka Kick. Rusev goes for a takedown but it’s blocked. Rusev gets sent over the top but English tags in and Big E doesn’t see it. Big E gets dumped over the top. English runs the ropes and leaps out, taking Big E down on the floor. English brings it back in and drops Big E on his face for a close 2 count. English goes to the top but misses a senton as Kofi tags in. They hit the big double team on English but can’t get the pin. More back and forth. Kofi misses Trouble In Paradise. Rusev tags in but Kofi dumps him over the top. Kofi rocks English with a kick. Kofi runs the ropes and Big E launches him out onto Rusev but Rusev kicks him out of the air. Big E gets sent face-first into the apron. Woods checks on him.
Rusev brings Kofi back into the ring to put him away but English tags in. They have some words and Lana looks frustrated. This leads to English going to the top and hitting a diving headbutt but Kofi kicks out. English channels his inner-Rusev and applies The Accolade on Kofi. Big E runs in but Rusev nails the Machka Kick. English keeps The Accolade locked in on Kofi. Kofi breaks it as Rusev begs for the tag. Rusev runs in but gets sent to the outside by Kofi. Kofi nails Trouble In Paradise on English for the pin to retain.
Winners: The New Day
– After the match, The New Day celebrates as Rusev Day shows frustration at ringside. We go to replays. The New Day continues their celebration in the ring as Rusev Day heads to the back.
– We go back to the panel and they discuss tonight’s card. We go backstage to Mike Rome and WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, who will be the special referee for tonight’s main event. Foley talks about getting emotional when he arrived to the arena and saw the Cell earlier today. Foley says tonight is not about his journey, it’s about Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman tearing each other apart, and he just happens to have the best seat in the house. Acting RAW General Manager Baron Corbin walks in and welcomes Foley to his first pay-per-view. Corbin says he’s pulling out all the stops tonight, but with Stephanie McMahon’s blessing. Foley offers to give Corbin some pointers but Corbin says he’s good and will let the action speak for him. Corbin walks off. We go back to the panel for more discussion on tonight’s main event. Coach leads us to a video package for Strowman vs. Reigns. We get final hype from the panel and that’s it for the Kickoff.
– The 2018 WWE Hell In a Cell pay-per-view opens up with a video package. We’re live from the sold out AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas as Tom Phillips welcomes us. He’s joined by Corey Graves and Byron Saxton.
Hell In a Cell: Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton
We go right to the ring as the new red Cell structure is lowered around the ring. Randy Orton is out first to a pop. Tom introduces the Spanish and German announce teams at ringside. Jeff Hardy is out next to a bigger pop as Greg Hamilton does the introductions.
Hardy approaches the Cell and has words with Orton, who stares him down from the inside. Hardy enters and the referee locks it up. The bell rings and Hardy immediately rushes Orton, beating him into the corner. Orton fights out and goes for a suplex but Hardy avoids it. Orton drops Hardy over the top rope and brings it outside, sending him face-first into the red steel. Hardy counters but Orton beats on him and keeps control, sending him into the steel again. Hardy fights back, sending Orton into the steel. Hardy with shots into the apron and the steel. Hardy drops Orton on the outside as fans pop.
Hardy goes under the ring and brings a table out, sliding it into the ring. Orton turns it around and brings Jeff back in. Orton tries to position the table but Jeff runs the ropes and dropkicks it into Orton’s gut. Orton falls back into the steel. Hardy brings a ladder out now. Hardy approaches with the ladder but Orton brings a steel chair from under the ring and swings it. Hardy gets the upperhand and Orton goes down on the outside. Orton gets up with a steel chair shot to the back. Orton works Hardy over with strikes and uppercuts on the outside now. Orton goes for the RKO on the chair but Hardy shoves him into the steel. Hardy runs and jumps off the chair, driving Orton into the steel. Fans chant “delete!” as we get replays.
Hardy brings it back into the ring and hits the Hardyac Arrest in the corner. Hardy with a 2 count. Hardy keeps control and goes to the top. Orton cuts him off with a right hand. Orton climbs up for a superplex and nails it. Orton is slow to make the cover and Hardy kicks out at 2. Hardy fights back and goes to the top for a Whisper In the Wind. Orton kicks out at 2. Hardy keeps control and goes to the outside for more ladders. Hardy stands a ladder upside down between the ring and the steel. Hardy tries to suplex Orton into the ladder but Orton counters and slams Hardy on top of the upside down ladder.
Orton brings it back into the ring for a 2 count. Orton brings a chair into the ring and smacks Hardy over the back. Orton with another chair shot to the back. Orton talks some trash while Hardy is down and rips his shirt off. Orton with more big chair shots to the back. Orton takes off Hardy’s studded belt and whips him with it. Orton with a 2 count. Orton starts stomping on Hardy now as fans rally for him. Orton brings a ladder in the ring and positions Hardy between the legs. Orton closes the legs on Hardy and smashes him with them. Orton stomps Hardy while he’s trapped in the ladder now. Orton with another 2 count. Hardy fights back and runs over Orton with a clothesline now. Hardy with the inverted Atomic Drop, the leg drop and the low dropkick. Orton still kicks out at 2.
Fans try to rally for Hardy again. Orton blocks the Twist of Fate and powerslams Hardy. Orton with repeated pin attempts now. Orton goes under the ring and dumps out a toolbox now. Orton brings a screwdriver into the ring. Orton keeps Hardy grounded and exposes his ear. Orton puts his finger into Hardy’s ear lobe and tries to tear it. Orton slides the screwdriver into the lobe now, stretching it back. Orton twists the screwdriver while it’s in Hardy’s lobe now. Hardy gets up to his feet and breaks the vicious hols with a low blow back kick. Hardy attacks Orton with his belt now. Hardy with chair shots to Orton. Hardy with more offense and a 2 count.
Hardy goes back to the top for a Swanton Bomb but Orton jumps up and crotches him. Orton hits the second rope draping DDT. Orton stands tall and poses to a mixed reaction. Orton drops down and hits the mat, waiting for Hardy to get back up. Hardy blocks the RKO and hits a Twist of Fate in the middle of the ring. Hardy places a chair on top of Orton and goes back up top. Hardy nails a Swanton Bomb on top of Orton and the chair. Orton kicks out at 2. Hardy goes under the ring and brings another ladder and another table in. Fans pop as Hardy enters the ring. Hardy stands a ladder up in the middle of the ring. Hardy stands a shorter ladder next to the first ladder. Hardy stands the table up next, in between the taller ladder and the ropes. Hardy gets a “delete!” chant going as Orton stands up. Hardy hits a Twist of Fate and knocks Orton onto the table. Hardy unloads and positions Orton on the table. Hardy goes to the top of the short ladder. He thinks about leap-frogging the taller ladder but changes his mind. Hardy goes to the top of the taller ladder, grabs the top of the Cell and swings from it. Hardy swings a few times and drops himself down at the table but Orton has already moved and Hardy goes crashing through the table.
Fans chant “holy shit!” as the referee checks on Hardy. The referee calls for the EMTs to come check on Hardy. Orton clears the debris away and covers for the pin.
Winner: Randy Orton
– After the pin, the referee screams for help to come to the ring. Orton gets to his feet and is announced the winner to a mixed reactions as the Cell is raised above the ring. EMTs place Hardy in a neck brace and start loading him onto a stretcher at ringside. Orton’s music hits as we go to replays. Orton slowly walks up the ramp as the trainers get Hardy loaded onto the stretcher. Fans chant “Hardy!” as Orton looks on from the ramp. We get another replay of the finish as Hardy is stretchered up the ramp.
– Back from a break and Kayla Braxton is backstage with WWE Champion AJ Styles, asking how he will stay focused against Samoa Joe tonight after the recent comments about AJ’s family. AJ says he is laser-focused and can’t wait for this match to start. AJ says it’s time to stop talking and start fighting, and he’s ready to rip Joe’s heart from his chest. AJ says he will walk out with the title tonight because this is the house that he built. AJ walks off.
– Tom leads us to a video package for tonight’s SmackDown Women’s Title match.
SmackDown Women’s Title Match: Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair
We go to the ring and out first comes Becky Lynch. SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair is out next. We get formal ring introductions from Hamilton and Becky gets the biggest pop.
The bell rings and they lock up. They go to the mat and tangle with Gator Rolls. Flair takes Becky back down and keeps her grounded. More back and forth on the mat now. Flair goes for the leg but Becky counters. Becky drops Flair and runs the ropes. Flair goes for the leg again and tries for the Figure Four but Becky resists. Becky tries for the Dis-Arm-Her but Flair fights it. Becky keeps an arm hold applied but they were unable to get their submission finishers locked in. Becky with a 1 count. Flair kips up and takes Becky back down. Flair works on the leg and keeps Becky grounded. More back and forth in the corner now. Flair goes shoulder-first into the ring post. Becky sends Flair out to the floor and follows to drop her again. Fans pop for Becky. Becky brings it back into the ring for a 2 count.
Becky drops Flair again and continues to work on both arms. Becky with another pin attempt. Flair fights back but Becky keeps her grounded as fans chant “let’s go Becky” at her. Becky keeps a hammerlock applied and Flair can’t escape it. Flair fights up and out. Flair delivers a chop and more offense but Becky drops her for a 2 count. Becky with a leg drop and an elbow drop in the middle of the ring. Becky goes for another leg drop but Flair moves. Flair sends Becky face-first into the mat. Becky counters again and continues to focus on the arm. Flair kicks Becky off the apron and then into the barrier.
They trade big shots on the apron now. Becky drives the arm down into the mat but can’t get the pin. Becky tries for the Dis-Arm-Her again but can’t get it. Flair with a belly-to-back suplex. Fans rally for Becky again but Flair gets the upperhand. They trade shots near the corner and Flair drops Becky with a big boot. Flair goes up for a moonsault but Becky moves out of the way. Becky goes for the triangle but Flair resists. Flair powers up and nails a sitdown powerbomb for a close 2 count.
Flair and Lynch trade shots in the middle of the ring again as fans go along with them. Becky unloads with forearm shots. Becky drops Flair on her shoulder but Flair kicks out just in time. Fans chant Becky’s name again. Becky goes to the top but misses the missile dropkick. Flair catches her and turns that into a Boston Crab. Becky makes it to the bottom rope to break the hold. Becky goes to the floor and slams Flair’s shoulder and left arm into the ring post. Becky brings it back into the ring but Flair rolls her up for a 2 count. Becky goes right into the Dis-Arm-Her but Flair is close to the ropes. Flair goes under the bottom rope to break the hold. Becky holds it as the referee counts to 4. Becky comes right back in but Flair elbows her in the face. Flair goes for the Spear but Becky catches her and turns it into a roll-up for the win and the title.
Winner and New SmackDown Women’s Champion: Becky Lynch
– After the match, Flair gets emotional and looks on as Becky celebrates with the title. We go to replays. We come back and Flair is on her feet. They meet in the middle of the ring and Flair extends her hand but Becky just raises the title and talks trash in Flair’s face, saying she will never get the title back from her. Becky walks off to the back as fans cheer for her. Flair looks on.
– Back from a break and the announcers say Jeff Hardy was taken to a local hospital with severe abdominal pain.
– The announcers talk about The New Day retaining over Rusev Day on the Kickoff pre-show. We get a backstage promo from The New Day with shenanigans to hype their WWE Super Show-Down title defense against The Bar.
RAW Tag Team Title Match: Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose vs. Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler
We go to the ring and Michael Cole welcomes us to the first red brand match of the night. He’s joined by Renee Young and Graves. JoJo does the introductions as RAW Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre are out first. Cole introduces some of the other international announce teams in the arena. WWE Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins is out next, followed by Dean Ambrose. The Shield members head to the ring together.
Fans chant “burn it down!” as Rollins starts off with Ziggler. They go at it and trade holds. Ziggler drops Rollins first and talks some trash while keeping control. Rollins counters and backs Ziggler into his corner. Ambrose tags in and unloads on Ziggler. Ambrose drops elbows for a 2 count. Rollins comes back in and Ziggler ends up avoiding the Stomp. Ziggler regroups with McIntyre on the outside as the referee counts. McIntyre tags in and stuns Rollins with a big shoulder tackle. McIntyre wants Ambrose to come in. Rollins tags him in and fans pop. Ambrose and McIntyre meet in the middle of the ring, heads together. McIntyre strikes first but Ambrose fires back and unloads.
Ambrose unloads with strikes to the face. Ziggler runs in with the distraction, allowing McIntyre to turn it around on Ambrose. McIntyre and Ziggler take turns on Ambrose in the corner with quick tags now. Ziggler taunts Rollins and goes back to work on Ambrose. Rollins tries to rally for Ambrose but Ziggler beats him back down and wastes some time. Ambrose counters and drops Ziggler over the top rope. Ambrose crawls for a tag and gets it. Rollins runs in and unloads on Ziggler. Rollins with a big Slingblade. Rollins knocks McIntyre off the apron. Rollins comes off the second rope but lands on his feet. Rollins drops Ziggler with a spin kick. Rollins runs the ropes for a dive but McIntyre trips him, allowing Ziggler to nail a big DDT for a 2 count.
McIntyre tags in and works Rollins around the ring. Ziggler comes back in and keeps Rollins down. Ziggler distracts the referee, allowing Drew to nail a cheap shot on Rollins. Drew tags back in for more double teaming on Rollins. Drew stops on Rollins’ fingers and keeps him down, talking trash before a kick to the face. Ziggler with another tag and more offense to keep Rollins down. Ziggler drops a big elbow but Rollins kicks out at 1. Ziggler yells at Rollins, challenging him to do something. Rollins rocks Ziggler and fights back. Ziggler jumps on Rollins’ back with a Sleeper hold. Rollins powers to the corner with Ziggler on his back but Ziggler rakes the eyes and stops the tag. Rollins slams Ziggler as Ambrose waits for the tag. Drew tags in and charges at Rollins but Rollins sends him to the floor. Drew comes right back in and stops the tag. Rollins and McIntyre go at it now. Drew slams Rollins on his shoulder but Ambrose breaks the pin up. Drew yells at Ambrose as he goes back to the apron.
Rollins fights out of the corner and knocks Ziggler off the apron. Drew tries to stop the tag but Rollins makes it. The referee doesn’t see the tag and Ambrose is forced back out. The champions take advantage of the distraction and beat Rollins down in the corner. Ziggler tags back in and takes Rollins to the top for a superplex. Rollins blocks it and knocks Ziggler to the mat. Ziggler runs right back up but gets sent to the mat again. Drew tags in but Rollins boots him from the top. Rollins nails a Blockbuster as Ambrose waits for the tag again. Drew stops the tag but Rollins kicks him and rolls through, finally making the tag. Ambrose runs in and unloads on McIntyre, beating him down in the corner. Ziggler also gets dropped by Ambrose. Ambrose runs the ropes and clotheslines Drew. Ambrose with more offense on Drew. Drew counters a move, then Dirty Deeds. Ambrose with a 2 count off the counter. More back and forth with Ambrose getting the upperhand for another pin attempt.
Ambrose goes to the top but has to kick Ziggler away as he approaches on the apron. Ambrose goes to hit Dirty Deeds on the apron but McIntyre charges from in the ring and knocks Ambrose to the floor. Ambrose sends Drew into the ring post and Ziggler into the barrier. Ambrose brings Drew back into the ring and goes to the top. Ambrose comes off the top but Drew catches him and hits a belly-to-belly suplex into the turnbuckle. Rollins makes it back to the apron to get the tag. Ziggler and Rollins come in at the same time. Rollins launches himself to take Ziggler down. Ziggler ends up on the floor and Drew checks on him. Rollins runs the ropes for a suicide dive but the champions catch him. Ambrose runs the ropes for the dive next and he takes everyone down on the floor.
Both teams almost get counted out. Rollins counters a DDT and turns it into a Falcon Arrow for a 2 count on Ziggler. Fans chant “burn it down!” as Rollins cranks up for the Stomp. Rollins tangles with Ziggler but nails a Buckle Bomb for a 2 count as Drew breaks it up. Ambrose runs in and tangles with Drew. Drew sends him over the top. Ziggler and Rollins exchange roll-ups. Ziggler with a big Zig Zag on Rollins for a very close 2 count as fans pop big. Drew tags in and goes to double team Rollins but Ambrose pulls Ziggler out of the ring and Rollins superkicks Drew. Rollins ends up going to the top and hitting the Frogsplash to Drew’s back but Drew kicks out just in time. Ambrose tags in as they take Drew to the top for a double team move. Ziggler runs in and pulls Rollins down. Rollins tosses Ziggler to the floor. Rollins ends up landing hard on the floor as Ziggler moves. Drew takes out Ambrose from the top with a clothesline. McIntyre kips up. Ziggler tags in for the double team in the corner but Ambrose fights them off. Rollins tags in as Ambrose sends Drew out of the ring, falling out with him. Rollins with a big superplex on Ziggler. Rollins holds it and goes for the Falcon Arrow but Drew runs in with a Claymore Kick to Rollins. Ziggler covers Rollins for the pin to retain.
Winners: Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler
– After the match, Drew gets up and grabs the titles while Ziggler is still down with Rollins. Drew helps Ziggler up as we go to replays. Drew carries Ziggler up the ramp on his shoulder as Ziggler’s music plays. We see Braun Strowman backstage watching the match, smiling. Mick Foley appears and Braun asks what he wants. Foley says they need to have a little talk. Foley goes on about how the Cell will change Braun’s life but no matter how chaotic it gets, Foley needs Braun to respect his authority. Braun says all Foley needs to do is stay out of his way and count the pin. Braun goes on and says Foley does not want a monster problem. Foley calls it a good talk and walks off.
– Back from a Mixed Match Challenge promo and Tom leads us to Samoa Joe’s bedtime story from SmackDown.
WWE Title Match: Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles
We go to the ring and out first comes Samoa Joe. WWE Champion AJ Styles is out next. Hamilton does formal ring introductions as Joe taunts AJ.
The bell rings and AJ unloads, taking Joe into the corner. Joe turns it around and unloads with strikes. More back and forth. AJ drops Joe with a kick, sending him to the floor for a breather. AJ with a big knee from the apron. AJ with more big moves on the floor, sending Joe into the announce table with double boots. AJ brings it back in and looks to springboard at Joe but Joe sees it and rolls back to the floor. AJ leaps out but Joe knocks him out of the air with a knee. AJ gets up but Joe floors him on the outside. Joe sends AJ into the steel steps now. Joe brings it back into the ring for a 1 count.
Joe works AJ around the ring. AJ fights back but Joe sweeps his legs out. Joe with a boot to the face in the corner while AJ is down now. Joe runs the ropes and nails the big knee to the face in the corner. AJ fights back and connects with a headbutt. AJ with more strikes in the corner. Joe counters and drops AJ out of the corner with an enziguri.
AJ is on the floor for a breather now. Joe runs the ropes and leaps out, knocking AJ into the announce table. Joe brings it back into the ring for a 2 count. AJ fights back and stuns AJ. AJ looks to turn it around but Joe launches himself at AJ and turns him inside out. Joe with another pin attempt before keeping AJ grounded in the middle of the ring. Joe takes AJ to the top and rocks him with headbutts. Joe looks for a superplex but AJ slides down and brings Joe down face-first. Fans do dueling chants now. AJ unloads with strikes in the ring now. AJ with a splash in the corner and a big flying forearm but Joe kicks out at 2.
AJ ends up countering and catching Joe in a big inverted DDT from the corner off a moonsault attempt. AJ with a moonsault from the second rope but Joe gets his knees up. Joe powerbombs AJ for a 2 count. Joe goes right into a Crab submission. Joe immediately turns that into the STF in the middle of the ring. AJ gets his foot on the bottom rope to break the hold. Joe with headbutts in the corner now. Joe drops AJ with a forearm smash in the corner. Joe whips AJ hard into the corner. AJ side-steps as Joe charges in. AJ fights back but Joe hits him in the throat. AJ keeps going and lifts Joe up on his shoulders. AJ brings Joe down with a Rack Bomb and holds it for a 2 count.
AJ springboards in from the apron and hits the big 450 but Joe kicks out just in time. AJ calls for the Styles Clash but Joe counters and catapults AJ face-first into the turnbuckles. Joe bounces off the ropes and floors AJ with a vicious lariat. AJ still kicks out at 2. AJ is bleeding from the nose now. Joe goes for the Musclebuster but it’s blocked. Joe blocks the Styles Clash. AJ tries to pull Joe out of the corner for the Calf Crusher but they keep fighting. Joe drops AJ with a stiff enziguri but he’s slow to make the cover and AJ kicks out at 2. Joe goes for a clothesline but AJ nails the pele kick. Joe dumps AJ to the apron but AJ nails a forearm. AJ springboards in for the Phenomenal Forearm but Joe catches him on the way down and applies the Coquina Clutch. AJ stops it from being fully locked in. Joe finally drops back and applies the hold but AJ immediately turns that into a pin to retain.
Winner: AJ Styles
– After the bell, Joe is furious. He yells at the referee while standing over AJ as AJ’s music hits. Joe goes to the announce table, ranting about the call. Graves kisses up to him. AJ slowly gets to his feet as the referee hands him the title. Joe runs back in and grabs the title, raising it in the air to a pop. AJ drops Joe, sending him out of the ring. AJ’s music hits again and he raises the title to a pop. We go to replays. An irate Joe marches up the ramp, apparently yelling for SmackDown General Manager Paige. AJ continues his celebration as we get a replay from a different angle. That replay shows AJ did tap out. AJ looks on as his music plays and we go to another break.
– Ronda Rousey is backstage warming up as Natalya talks to her.
– Charly Caruso is backstage with The Miz and Maryse. Miz says Daniel Bryan should be thanking them for letting him be relevant again by being next to them. He goes on and says they will turn Bryan and Brie Bella’s cheap publicity stunt into a PR nightmare. Maryse also weighs in and threatens Brie. They laugh about Bryan and Brie being irrelevant losers, kiss and walk off.
– Tom leads us to a video package for tonight’s mixed tag team match.
Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella vs. The Miz and Maryse
We go to the ring and out first comes Maryse with her own theme. The Miz is out next. The It Couple heads to the ring together. Brie Bella is out first for her team. Daniel Bryan is out next and they head to the ring together as fans chant “yes!” with them.
Brie wants to start the match and Maryse stares her down. Brie charges but Maryse jumps to her corner and avoids it. Maryse tags Miz in. Bryan tags in and they size each other up. Maryse provides a cheap distraction from the apron, allowing Miz to deck Bryan and unload on him. Miz drops Bryan in the corner and plays to the crowd for boos. Bryan avoids a move and runs the ropes for a clothesline to drop Miz. Bryan mounts Miz in the corner and rocks him as fans count along. More back and forth. Bryan goes for the Yes Lock but Miz avoids it and goes to the floor for a breather.
Miz taunts Bryan from the outside. Bryan tags in Brie, which brings in Maryse. Brie charges but Maryse immediately tags in Miz, which brings Bryan back in. Maryse stop to pose on her way out. Bryan catches a kick and hits the Dragonscrew leg whip to bring Miz back down. Bryan rocks Miz again but they run the ropes and Miz connects with a knee to the gut. Miz taunts Brie before hitting the corner dropkick on Bryan. Miz with a second corner dropkick while mocking Bryan. Miz mocks the “yes!” chant and hits the flying corner clothesline next. Miz goes to the top but Bryan cuts him off and Miz falls down. Bryan rocks Miz in the corner now. Bryan climbs up for a super hurricanrana and Miz goes down.
Bryan leads a “yes!” chant as he waits for Miz to get up. Miz dodges the flying knee and rolls Bryan up for a 2 count. Bryan turns that into the Yes Lock but Maryse runs in to break it up. Brie chases Maryse around the ring and back in. The referee stops Brie. Miz takes advantage of the distraction but can’t hit the Skull Crushing Finale as Bryan rolls him up for a 2 count. Bryan with “yes!” kicks in the corner and a corner dropkick. He goes for another corner dropkick but lands on his head as Miz moves out of the way. Miz keeps Bryan grounded and works him over, forcing Brie to watch. Brie tries to rally the crowd. Bryan fights out but Miz hits the backbreaker/neckbreaker combo for a 2 count.
Miz with shoulder thrusts in the corner now, followed by the “yes!” kicks as fans chant “no!” at him. Miz drops Bryan in the corner and goes back to taunting Brie. They end up top but Bryan counters and fights back, headbutting Miz to the mat. Bryan stands straight up and goes for the diving headbutt but Miz moves out of the way. Bryan crawls for a tag to Brie. Miz grabs his leg and goes to punching on the back of his head. Miz gets knocked over the top to the floor. Bryan crawls for the tag and in comes Brie, which brings Maryse in. Maryse hesitates and in comes Miz to get in between them. Brie punches Miz and beats on him against the ropes. Brie runs the ropes and baseball slides between Miz’s legs, knocking Maryse back on the floor. Brie slams Maryse’s head over and over into the announce table. Bryan sends Miz to the floor and nails the flying knee from the apron. A big “yes!” chant starts up now.
Miz counters and whips Bryan into the barrier. Brie returns to the ring and tackles Maryse. Brie with a missile dropkick from the second rope for a 2 count as Miz breaks the pin up. Bryan runs back in and beats Miz into the corner. Bryan yells at Miz in his face. They now have Miz and Maryse on their knees in the middle of the ring. Brie and Bryan deliver “yes!” kicks to their opponents while fans chant with them. Miz and Maryse duck to avoid the final kicks, rolling to the floor. It looks like they’re about to walk out on the match. Brie and Bryan run after them and club them from behind. Brie brings Maryse back into the ring. Brie calls for Brie Mode. She sends Maryse into the rope for the knee to the face. Maryse accidentally knocks Miz out of the ring. Brie tries to take advantage with a roll-up but Maryse turns that pin attempt around and pins Brie for the win.
Winners: The Miz and Maryse
– After the bell, Miz and Maryse quickly retreat to the stage to celebrate. A disappointed Brie and Bryan look on from the ring as Miz’s music hits. Miz and Maryse kiss on the stage and continue their celebration while Brie apologizes to Bryan in the ring.
– Back from a break and the RAW announcers show us highlights from the Orton vs. Hardy Cell match that opened tonight’s pay-per-view. Cole says doctors at the local hospital report that Hardy has been throwing up blood and is in severe abdominal pain. Cole says WWE will have another update on Hardy later.
– We get a video package for tonight’s RAW Women’s Title match.
RAW Women’s Title Match: Alexa Bliss vs. Ronda Rousey
We go to the ring and out comes Alexa Bliss with Mickie James and Alicia Fox. RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey is out next with Natalya. We get formal ring introductions from JoJo.
The bell rings and we get an early takedown. Bliss goes for the injured ribs early on but Rousey counters. Rousey with a quick pin attempt. Rousey with more offense and another quick pin attempt. They lock up again and go to the ropes. Bliss gets in Rousey’s face but gets dropped with a jab. Bliss takes Rousey to the corner and stomps away on the ribs. Rousey drops Bliss again and mounts her. Rousey goes for the armbar but she’s distracted by Mickie and Alicia getting on the apron.
Rousey keeps control and teases the armbar again but gets distracted. Rousey has words with Fox and James at ringside now. Rousey decks Bliss and brings her back into the ring. Rousey taunts Bliss. Bliss charges but Rousey moves and Bliss lands out on her friends at ringside. All three go down. Rousey brings Bliss back into the ring but Bliss counters and drops her. Bliss works on the injured ribs now. Bliss with a 2 count. Bliss rams Rousey into the corner and hits a thrust. Bliss with a stiff kick to the ribs. Fox and James applaud as the referee checks on Rousey.
Bliss takes Rousey back down and applies an abdominal stretch as Rousey sells the rib injury. Bliss tightens the hold as Mickie taunts Rousey from the outside. Fans start rallying for Rousey. Rousey counters and scoops Bliss on her shoulders. It looks like Rousey’s ribs give out on her as Bliss drops her. Bliss with more offense and a 2 count. Bliss with another stretch on the mat now as Rousey screams out in pain. Natalya tries to rally the fans for her. Bliss takes Rousey back face-first into the turnbuckles. Bliss with more kicks in the corner. Bliss goes to the top but Rousey cuts her off and climbs up. They tangle on the top now. Bliss counters and slides down. Rousey with a right hand to stop the powerbomb attempt. Rousey gets turned upside down in the corner and Bliss dropkicks her in the ribs for a 2 count.
Bliss takes Rousey back down with a submission to focus on the ribs. Bliss stops another comeback attempt with a basement dropkick. Bliss launches Rousey face-first into the bottom turnbuckle and then wraps her ribs around the ring post, forcing her to scream out in pain. Fox and James get involved but Natalya has had enough. Natalya launches Fox on the floor. Mickie is on the apron with Rousey’s hair in her fist now. Rousey fights her as Natalya comes over. Bliss and Rousey collide in the middle of the ring with crossbody attempts. They both go down but Rousey sells the rib injury. The referee counts. Bliss gets up first. Rousey counters a suplex attempt and rolls Bliss up for 2. They trade pin attempts and strikes again. Bliss with more forearm shots and trash talking while Rousey is down, taunting her in her face.
Rousey powers up and yells back at Bliss in her face. Rousey with the gutwrench powerbomb out of nowhere. Rousey pounds her own ribs to psych herself up. Rousey with strikes on Bliss into the corner. Rousey charges but runs into a boot to the ribs. Rousey blocks a strike and scoops Bliss on her shoulders. Rousey drives Bliss into the mat and goes for the armbar as fans pop. Rousey locks it in and Bliss quickly taps out for the finish.
Winner: Ronda Rousey
– After the match, Rousey stands tall with the title as Natalya joins her for the celebration. We go to replays. Bliss, James and Fox watch from the stage as Rousey and Natalya celebrate.
– Cole shows us a replay of the controversial finish to Joe vs. Styles. Joe is backstage yelling at a referee and Paige now. Paige reminds Joe he has another shot at AJ at WWE Super Show-Down. Joe rants some more and says that’s not good enough. He wants AJ with no count outs, no disqualifications. Paige says there has to be a winner, she agrees with Joe for once. Joe says not to worry, there will be a winner. Joe walks off.
– The announcers hype the WWE Super Show-Down event from Australia on October 6.
– Cole leads us to a video package for tonight’s main event.
Hell In a Cell for the WWE Universal Title: Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns
We go to the ring for tonight’s main event as the red Cell is lowered around the ring. JoJo introduces the special referee for this match and out comes WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley to a pop. Foley enters the Cell and is wearing a custom referee button-up shirt. Braun Strowman is out next to officially cash in his Money In the Bank title shot. Braun does not have the briefcase with him. Braun enters the Cell and waits as the boos start up. WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is out next to a mixed reaction. Reigns stops and looks at the Cell before entering. Reigns enters the Cell and the door is chained shut. We get formal ring introductions from JoJo.
Reigns raises the title during the introductions but Braun snatches it and raises it up. Reigns rocks him and here we go. Reigns with offense but Braun sends him to the corner and runs in with a big splash. Back and forth for a few seconds until Braun rocks Reigns again. Braun charges and knocks Reigns from the apron into the steel. Reigns lands on the floor. Braun follows and sends Reigns into the red steel, then face-first into the steel ring post. Braun launches Reigns into the steel once again. Braun taunts Reigns about having nowhere to run and no way for his boys to get in and help him.
Braun brings it back into the ring but Reigns fights back. Braun grabs him by the throat. Reigns ducks a shot and rocks Braun, knocking him through the ropes. Braun recovers and nails a big shoulder tackle on the outside, sending Reigns into the steel again. Braun works Reigns over and sends him into the apron, the steel steps and the Cell several times. Reigns comes back and hits a Drive By on the outside. Braun turns it around and clubs Reigns on the outside, dropping him on the apron. Fans chant “get these hands” as Braun brings a kendo stick from under the ring. Reigns takes the stick and beats Braun with it, shattering the stick. Braun takes it and breaks it, then rolls Reigns in the ring. Reigns rocks Braun as he re-enters. Reigns grabs the steel chair and rocks Braun with it several times. Braun is still standing. Braun catches a chair shot but Reigns counters and Braun goes shoulder-first into the ring post.
Reigns drops Braun on the steel chair with a DDT but Braun kicks out at 2. Reigns with a Superman Punch, and another but Braun is still standing. Reigns goes for a third Superman Punch but Braun blocks it and chokeslams him for a very close 2 count. The announcers wonder if Foley botched the count. Braun argues with Foley now. Braun ends up running into a big boot in the corner. More back and forth. Braun lifts Reigns but Reigns connects with another Superman Punch on the way down for another close 2 count. Braun rolls to the floor for a breather.
Reigns keeps control and follows to the floor. Reigns runs around the ring and charges at Braun but Braun meets him with steel steps to the face. Braun tosses the steps into the ring and stands over Reigns. Braun rolls Reigns back into the ring and smacks him in the face with the steps again. Braun with a 2 count. Braun yells at Reigns to stay down. Braun picks the steps up again and drives them down into Reigns’ chest. Braun tosses the steps out of the ring. Braun hits a running powerslam but Reigns kicks out at 2. Braun brings a table into the ring now and leans it up in the corner. Braun scoops Reigns but Reigns slides out and stuns him with a Superman Punch, and another. Reigns hits a Spear, putting Braun through the table in the corner. Reigns rolls Braun over and covers for a close 2 count.
RAW Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre run down to the Cell now, arguing with the referee about getting inside. WWE Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose run down and attack them. Ziggler tries to escape through the crowd but they stop him and send him into the side of the Cell. Ambrose and Rollins take apart the announce table now. McIntyre makes the save and bets on Ambrose. Ziggler starts climbing the outside of the Cell and Rollins follows. They make it to the top of the Cell and start brawling. McIntyre is climbing the side of the structure now. McIntyre and Ziggler double team Rollins up top. Ambrose is climbing up now and he has a kendo stick. Fans chant “this is awesome” as Rollins gets double teamed and Ambrose climbs. Ambrose makes it on top of unloads with kendo stick shots to Ziggler and McIntyre. McIntyre blocks a shot and unloads with Ambrose, pounding on each other. McIntyre drops Ambrose with a big clothesline on top of the Cell.
Ziggler starts climbing down the side of the Cell but Rollins goes after him. We see Braun and Reigns down in the ring still. Rollins and Ziggler trade shots on the side of the Cell from way up high. Rollins and Ziggler both go flying from the side of the Cell through the announce table at ringside. A “holy shit” chant starts up. Rollins and Ziggler are laid out in the debris. The music interrupts and out comes Brock Lesnar as the crowd goes wild. Paul Heyman is with him.
Heyman argues with a standard referee about opening the Cell. Lesnar, now sporting a beard, doesn’t wait and kicks the Cell door off the hinges. Lesnar enters the Cell and hops in the ring, staring down at Reigns and Strowman. Heyman sprays something in the eyes of Foley to take him out after they argue on the outside. Lesnar brings part of the Cell door in the ring and beats on the match participants with parts of the table. Lesnar scoops Strowman and drops him with a F5. Fans chant for Suplex City now. Lesnar scoops Reigns next and hits him with a F5, dropping him on top of Braun. Lesnar stands over Reigns and Strowman to yell out. Fans chant “one more time” but Lesnar exits the Cell and heads up the ramp with Heyman. Reigns and Strowman are down in the middle of the ring. A new referee enters and calls for the bell to end the match.
No Contest
– The referee calls for more officials to hit the ring, to check on Reigns and Strowman. Hell In a Cell goes off the air with Strowman and Reigns laid out.
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