WWE Hell in a Cell 2011:
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Review:
This is the DVD review of this release, a Blu-Ray version is also available.
As Hell in a Cell is a gimmick-led B-Show PPV you could be forgiven for expecting a lesser quality of show, but as is so often the case within WWE, they deliver when you are least expecting it. Whilst TLC ended the year with perhaps the strongest PPV WWE could have given us, HiaC is up there with the best of a pretty solid 2011.
The first contest of the night is a very solid effort between Sheamus and Christian. They had a good series of matches and this is one of the strongest, a great opener and start to this show.
We are then treated to Sin Cara vs Sin Cara. Sin Cara (Azul) has been plagued by injury as of late and encountered some difficulty adapting to WWE’s style resulting in a harsh reputation as a ‘botcher’. However, this is one of his better outings as he is fighting another Luchador in Sin Cara (Negra) now known as ‘Hunico’ and they mesh nicely. An enjoyable contest which changes the pace appropriately for the next match which was an unannounced Tag Team Championship match between the Champions “Air Boom” and Vickie Guerrero’s charges Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger.
It’s not an ideal scenario for a Championship contest to not be built up in the lead-in weeks to the PPV, but when you have four Wrestlers as capable and consistently entertaining as the men in this match then it becomes a lot less important as you know you will get a great match.
The shame here, is that the matches are all consistently good on this show but due to an extremely packed card they feel slightly rushed. It is a very quick-paced event, which I like, however Title Matches and Feud-enders deserve more time.
Mark Henry and Randy Orton have the first of the Titular matches here, we are informed as the Cell lowers that this will be the 22nd Hell in a Cell match in WWE hitory, and Mark Henry’s first. Having been told this it is surprising how ominous the structure still appears and Mark Henry looking at it with trepidation is a very nice touch. Randy Orton was a wonder in 2011, I grew tired of him after supporting him for years, due to his ‘Superman of Smackdown’ booking but must admit that his feuds last year elevated Mark Henry, Christian and Sheamus and he was exciting again. This match is excellent and an important lift to Mark Henry’s Monster Heel persona.
Cody Rhodes unveils his new Intercontinental Title, which is…. The OLD IC Belt. He wants to hold the Championship held by Macho Man and Shawn Michaels, this is brilliance! He then has an impromptu bout with John Morrison. A second unannounced match and yet another great encounter. Rhodes wrestling in street-clothes leads to some hilarious moments both in-ring and on commentary.
The Divas Contest is, well, how to put this? A great comedown match before the Main Event? Not Beth’s fault? I don’t really know what to say about it, you can hear Beth directing K2 and calling spots to the clueless Champion, before relieving her of her duties as Title-holder. Ah, that’s what I can call this match… an act of Mercy by Beth Phoenix.
Now I won’t spoil the ending of the Main Event for those who have not seen it, but this Pay Per View ends on a fantastic high-note. Which in no way takes away from the excellent encounter inside the cage. Firstly, my favourite feud of last year was CM Punk vs Alberto Del Rio, the chemistry between these two was nothing short of exhilarating for fans of actual wrestling and every meeting was a joy. This was the start of a new-found vicious streak for ADR and his antics in this match are very entertaining, CM Punk is wonderful as always and Cena is on top form. This was a great way to end a solid and consistently great PPV, the ending of which (the PPV not the Match) was purely icing on a very tasty cake.
Rating: 8/10
Card:
Sheamus vs. Christian
Matt Striker interviews Mark Henry
Sin Cara vs. Sin Cara
David Otunga wants to help CM Punk
WWE Tag Team Championship Match
Air Boom (Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne) vs. Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger
Hell in a Cell Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry
Josh Mathews interviews Alberto Del Rio
Intercontinental Championship Match
John Morrison vs. Cody Rhodes
Triple H in his office
Divas Championship Match
Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix
Triple Threat Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship
John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio
Special Features
JR interviews Mark Henry
Monday Night Raw 19th September, 2011
Home Video Exclusive
Matt Striker interviews Alberto Del Rio
Hell in a Cell 2nd October, 2011
