In the 1990s, WWE came up with Hell in a Cell, a new type of steel cage match. The cage completely enclosed the ring, and the only way in or out was through a gate that was locked with chains.
Over time, Hell in a Cell became a famous way to settle big rivalries. This year, CM Punk and Drew McIntyre will face each other at Bad Blood in what’s being called the last match of their nine-month-long feud inside the Hell in a Cell.
For a while, Hell in a Cell lost its excitement, especially when it became its own pay-per-view event. The matches felt like they were just part of the event, rather than being about fierce rivalries.
Although there were some average matches, the Hell in a Cell structure remained brutal, and there have been many memorable matches. Let’s take a look at the top 10 Hell in a Cell matches in WWE history:
10. Six Pack Challenge for the WWE Championship (Armageddon 2000)
The main event at Armageddon was a six-man Hell in a Cell match for Kurt Angle’s WWF Championship. The challengers included The Undertaker, The Rock, Triple H, Rikishi, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. At the time, The Rock and Triple H were in a serious feud, as were The Undertaker and Rikishi, who had recently become a major player.
Stone Cold had just returned from an injury that almost ended his career. The match was intense, with all the superstars bleeding heavily. The most memorable moment was when The Undertaker chokeslammed Rikishi off the cell into the truck bed filled with pine chips. Austin and The Rock had a tense staredown, hinting at a future rivalry. In the end, Kurt Angle kept his title by sneaking in a victory, which earned him more respect from the fans.
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9. Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker (No Mercy 2002)
One of Brock Lesnar’s best matches and one of the greatest Hell in a Cell matches ever was against The Undertaker. The storytelling here was incredible. Vince McMahon wanted to make Lesnar the next big star in WWE, so he booked Lesnar to dominate the match.
The Undertaker knew his role and allowed Brock to look strong by being on the receiving end for most of the match. Lesnar repeatedly targeted The Undertaker’s injured hand, making him appear like a heartless monster. In the end, Lesnar won cleanly, showing his strength and skill.
8. Seth Rollins vs Edge (Crown Jewel 2021)
Seth Rollins is known for having great Hell in a Cell matches, and his battle with Edge at Crown Jewel is a standout.
In his second run with WWE, Edge was just as good as before, if not better at storytelling in matches. Rollins, being a modern-day version of what Edge was during the Ruthless Aggression era, made this match even more meaningful.
Edge had to embrace his darker side, something he resisted throughout the match, to finally defeat Rollins. This match was a storytelling masterpiece and earned its spot on this list.
7. The Undertaker vs Mankind (King of the Ring 1998)
This is the most iconic Hell in a Cell match of all time. Even if you’re not a hardcore fan, you’ve probably seen the famous moment where Mankind was thrown off the top of the cell.
This match wasn’t great from a technical standpoint; it was chaotic and terrifying. However, it helped Mankind earn the respect of fans by showing how much he was willing to sacrifice for the business. This match is remembered more for its unforgettable moments than for the actual wrestling.
6. Batista vs Triple H (Vengeance 2005)
Batista and Triple H clashed several times in 2005, but their Hell in a Cell match at Vengeance stands out as the most memorable. This was exactly what a Hell in a Cell match was meant to be: brutal and bloody, the perfect way to end their rivalry.
It also solidified Batista as a top star. Triple H let his protégé win cleanly, passing the torch to Batista, who would go on to dominate the next decade.
5. The Undertaker vs Edge (SummerSlam 2008)
The Undertaker and Edge’s feud was the biggest on WWE’s blue brand in 2008, with a storyline full of drama, including marriages and betrayals. Many thought their Hell in a Cell match wouldn’t be brutal due to the PG era, but they proved everyone wrong by using plenty of weapons and showcasing their intense rivalry.
Undertaker got the victory, ending his feud with Edge, and it became one of the best matches of 2008.
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4. Triple H vs Cactus Jack (No Way Out 2000)
Mick Foley, as Cactus Jack, returned to Hell in a Cell and recreated his famous fall from the top of the cell. However, this match was much better overall, with Triple H and Foley having great chemistry.
With the WWE Championship and Foley’s career on the line, the stakes were high, and both men delivered amazing performances. Triple H ended Foley’s career with a Pedigree after slamming him through the cell’s ceiling, cementing his position as the top heel.
3. The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels (Bad Blood 1997)
The first-ever Hell in a Cell match is still considered by many to be the best. It had everything, from brutal moments using the cell to the debut of Kane, who interfered and helped Shawn Michaels win.
This match set the standard for all future Hell in a Cell matches and is still remembered as one of the greatest.
2. Cody Rhodes vs Seth Rollins (Hell in a Cell 2022)
Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins with a torn pectoral muscle, visible through the bruising on his body. Despite his injury, Cody delivered an incredible performance, making this one of the best Hell in a Cell matches of the modern era.
Cody’s victory while severely injured earned him massive respect from fans, and the match showcased both superstars’ dedication to their craft.
1. The Undertaker vs Triple H (WrestleMania 28)
Dubbed “The End of an Era,” this match is often considered the greatest Hell in a Cell match in WWE history. With Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee, this match was filled with drama, memorable moments, and near falls that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The match told an emotional story of two legendary wrestlers battling to see who was truly the best, with both men giving everything they had. Despite Triple H’s best efforts, The Undertaker extended his undefeated WrestleMania streak, and the match became an instant classic.
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