The New Day (Xavier Woods & Big E) (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) – Hell In A Cell match for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships

Background: At SummerSlam, The Usos defeated The New Day to regain the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Two weeks later on SmackDown, The Usos earned the right to choose the stipulation for The New Day’s championship rematch by defeating New Day in a non-title match. The Usos chose a Street Fight, which occurred on the Sin City SmackDown on September 12, where The New Day defeated The Usos to regain the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. The following week, The Usos invoked their championship rematch for Hell in a Cell. On the September 26 episode, after The Usos defeated The Hype Bros, The New Day, who were seated in the front row, said that they wanted to defend the SmackDown Tag Team Championship in a Hell in a Cell match, to which The Usos accepted. The following week, the two teams met in the ring for a verbal confrontation where The New Day claimed to have made the SmackDown tag team division relevant and that their matches with The Usos have been the best matches of those respective shows.

Previous PPV matches: This is the fourth PPV match between these two teams (not including kick-off show matches). The New Day have won all of the previous three matches.

Hell In A Cell PPV Record: Big E is 2-1 at Hell In A Cell, Xavier Woods is 0-1, The Usos are 0-2.

Match: Usually Xavier Woods being in the match means that The New Day are going to lose but it isn’t always the case. The two teams leave the ring as the bell rings and grab weapons from outside. There’s a fast pace from the outset and Big E hits his spear through the ropes but ends up hitting the cell himself. Xavier smashes his trombone over one of the Usos. Big E finds another trombone and then a cow bell under the ring which Woods beats down Jey Uso with. And then a cymbal. The Usos then beat down Big E with kendo stick. Jimmy hits a brutal looking running butt splash in the corner of the cell. New Day hit up up down down for a near fall. New Day then trap Jey in the corner of the cell using kendo sticks! Jey does get free in time to save his brother. The Usos then hit a suicide dive version of the doomsday device. The Usos then hit splashes on Big E for a near fall.

The Usos handcuff both New Day members. They then hit Xavier with kendo sticks as he hangs from the ringpost. Big E fires up and tosses both Usos around and rams them into the cell. Big E hits a big ending for a near fall. The numbers become too much as The Usos hit Big E with super kicks and splashes but Xavier Woods saves the match for the champions. Jimmy and Jey double team a handcuffed Xavier Woods with kendo sticks and a chair. Then then hit double splashes onto Xavier who has a chair across him which is enough for the three.

Result: The Usos win the Smackdown tag team championships by pinfall.

Review: This was a fantastic match. One of the better Hell In A Cell matches over recent years. The titles have been going back and forth between the two teams which I don’t think is too necessary but this is a huge win for The Usos. What did I say about Xavier Woods being in matches? Two quality tag teams had a real quality match tonight.

Rating: 8.5/10

Randy Orton vs. Rusev

Background: At SummerSlam, Randy Orton defeated Rusev in 10 seconds. The two had a rematch on the September 19 episode where Rusev defeated Orton, also in about 10 seconds, but after Orton had already had a match with Aiden English. The following week, in celebration for Rusev defeating Orton, he was presented with the key to his hometown in Bulgaria by the town’s mayor. English was on hand to sing a song for the celebration and the mayor proclaimed September 26 as “Rusev Day”. Orton then appeared and gave an RKO to English, followed by one to Rusev. Another match between the two was scheduled for Hell in a Cell. On the final SmackDown before Hell in a Cell, Orton faced English with Rusev at ringside, however, Orton defeated English

Previous PPV matches: This is the second PPV match between these two men, Randy beat Rusev at Summerslam.

Hell In A Cell PPV Record: Rusev is 1-1 at Hell In A Cell, Randy Orton is 4-2.

Match: Randy attempts to hit the RKO early much like he did at Summerslam but Rusev manages to evade it. Orton starts the match well but Rusev soon takes control. Rusev hits a spinning heel kick for a one count. Rusev is mostly slow and methodical in his attack, much like Orton, but he does have that explosiveness. Rusev tries to lock on the accolade but Orton slides out of the ring just for Rusev to hit him with a superkick. Orton avoids a splash from the middle rope and then hits the hangmans DDT. Orton motions for an RKO but Rusev counters and looks for the accolade just for Orton to wiggle out and hit the RKO for the victory.

Result: Randy Orton wins by pinfall.

Review: This match was ok, a little slow. There were a few good spots in there but it had a big match to follow and probably had the job to bring the crowd back down. Randy Orton wins which I’m not sure does a lot for either man. I’m assuming it’ll be the end of this rivalry.

Rating: 4/10

AJ Styles (c) vs. Baron Corbin vs. Tye Dillinger – Triple threat match for the United states Championship

Background: On the August 29 episode of SmackDown, United States Champion AJ Styles officially reinstated the U.S. Championship Open Challenge that was answered by Tye Dillinger. Baron Corbin also came out as he also wanted to answer the challenge, but was too late. Styles defeated Dillinger to retain the title and Corbin attacked Dillinger, who was saved by Styles. The following week, Dillinger faced Corbin with Styles on commentary. Corbin won the match with heel tactics. Afterwards backstage, Styles offered Dillinger a title match the following week and Dillinger accepted. During the match, Corbin attempted to interfere, but Styles attacked him with the Phenomenal Forearm, and then defeated Dillinger. After the match, Corbin attacked them both and said that he would be the next challenger for the title. That match, however, did not occur as Corbin attacked Styles before the match and Dillinger attacked Corbin. The following week, Corbin had a rematch with Dillinger with Styles again on commentary. Corbin won the match by countout and declared that he would take the United States Championship. A title match between Styles and Corbin was scheduled for Hell in a Cell. On the final SmackDown before Hell in a Cell, Corbin again faced Dillinger where Dillinger defeated Corbin with a rollup pin.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time triple threat match between these men.

Hell In A Cell PPV Record: All three men make their Hell In A Cell debut tonight.

Match: Tye Dillinger and AJ Styles double team Baron Corbin in the early going. AJ and Dillinger then go at it and there’s plenty of near falls. Corbin gets back into the match and disposes of Dillinger. Corbin manages to pick off Styles and Dillinger separately. He also slows the pace right down. Corbin throws AJ into the barricade and then goes back to work on Tye. AJ looks to leap into the ring at one point but Corbin catches him with a right hand. If I was a betting man I’d say Dillinger is in the match to take the pinfall from Corbin. Oh, and I am a betting man. AJ finally gets back into the match and takes down Corbin. AJ motions for a Styles Clash but Corbin back body drops him out onto the apron. Styles low-bridges Corbin and knees him in the face. AJ counters the Tye-breaker but Dillinger counters the Styles Clash. AJ then locks on the calf crusher but Corbin breaks it up.

Styles hits a phenomenal forearm to Corbin on the outside. Corbin shoves AJ into the ringpost and then battles Dillinger in the ring. Corbin hits deep six and then a massive chokeslam backbreaker to AJ. There’s a good spot with the three men hitting clotheslines. Styles hits a springboard 450 on Corbin but Dillinger breaks up the pinfall. AJ hits the phenomenal forearm on Dillinger but Corbin boots AJ out of the ring and pins Dillinger for the three!

Result: Baron Corbin wins the United States Championship by pinfall.

Review: This match was ok. Probably Styles weakest PPV match since joining WWE. It did get better towards the end when the pace picked up. A lot of the match was fairly dull though. Corbin wins the United States Championship and maybe AJ goes on to the main event scene.

Rating: 5/10

Natalya (c) vs. Charlotte – Smackdown Women’s Championship match

Background: On Smackdown a few weeks ago, Natalya interrupted Charlotte Flair, who was commenting on her father Ric Flair’s recovery from real-life medical issues. Charlotte subsequently challenged Natalya to a title match, but was interrupted by Becky Lynch, Naomi, and Tamina. General Manager Daniel Bryan then scheduled a fatal four-way match between the four to determine Natalya’s challenger at Hell in a Cell, which was won by Charlotte. After Charlotte defeated Ms. Money in the Bank Carmella on the September 26 episode, she was confronted by Natalya, who said she was glad that Ric Flair was doing better so that he could see his daughter fail at Hell in a Cell. The following week, Natalya and Carmella teamed up to face Charlotte and Becky where Natalya made Charlotte tap out to the Sharpshooter

Previous PPV matches: This is the fourth PPV match between these two girls. Charlotte has won the previous three matches.

Hell In A Cell PPV Record: Charlotte is 2-0 at Hell In A Cell, Natalya is 1-0.

Match: Charlotte gets the better of Natalya in the early going and struts. Both girls then attempt their finishers but the other counters. Natalya takes the advantage and works the left leg of Charlotte. These are definitely two of the top 10 greatest women in WWE history. Natalya dominates for a long time, working the left leg of her challenger. She hits a sit-out powerbomb for a very near fall. Charlotte hits a big boot to get back into the match but it also hurts herself. Natalya counters the figure four by kicking Charlotte out of the ring. Natalya then kicks Charlotte into the ring steps before tossing Charlotte into the ring and locking on the sharpshooter! Charlotte gets out of it by sending Natalya into the bottom turnbuckle. Charlotte hits a moonsault to the outside on Natalya and both girls are down. Both girls get up and Natalya grabs a chair and smashes Charlotte’s knee with it. It’s a DQ win for Charlotte.

Result: Charlotte wins by disqualification.

Review: This match was ok. It wasn’t terrible. The psychology was very good and Charlotte really sold well. I thought Charlotte would go on to win and then Carmella would cash-in but I’m wrong. This feud will continue I think.

Rating: 5.5/10

Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – WWE Championship match

Background: At SummerSlam, Jinder Mahal defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the WWE Championship due to a distraction from The Singh Brothers. On the following episode of SmackDown, as retribution for The Singh Brothers costing Nakamura his WWE Championship match, General Manager Daniel Bryan scheduled Nakamura to face The Singh Brothers in a handicap match that Nakamura won. Afterwards, Mahal attacked Nakamura, but Nakamura countered with the Kinshasa. On the August 29 episode, Nakamura and Randy Orton defeated Mahal and Rusev. After the match, Orton attacked Nakamura with an RKO. A number one contendership match between Nakamura and Orton was scheduled for the following week, in which Nakamura defeated Orton to face Mahal for the WWE Championship at Hell in a Cell. The next few weeks, Mahal and The Singh Brothers made fun of Nakamura and mocked his facial expressions and signature poses. Nakamura attacked the Singh Brothers, but Mahal then attacked Nakamura. On the final SmackDown before Hell in a Cell, Nakamura’s in-ring interview with Renee Young was interrupted by The Singh Brothers. During the distraction, Mahal attacked Nakamura from behind. Nakamura attempted to fight off the three, but was overwhelmed.

Previous PPV matches: This is a second PPV match between these two men, Jinder previously beat Nakamura at Summerslam.

Hell In A Cell PPV Record: Both men make their Hell In A Cell debut tonight.

Match: The crowd are firmly behind Shinsuke Nakamura in this match. Samir and Sunil Singh are in the corner for Jinder. Nakamura out-wrestled and mocks Mahal in the early going. Jinder gets back into the match by throwing Shinsuke into the ringpost and over the barrier. There’s some long rest-holds from Mahal and some nice striking from Nakamura. The fight goes to the outside where Nakamura takes out the Singh brothers. Every time Nakamura takes the advantage he gets distracted by the Singh brothers. The referee sends them to the back as Nakamura his a Kinshasa! The referee is distracted long enough for Jinder to grab the bottom rope on the pinfall attempt. Jinder heads out of the ring but Nakamura goes after him and takes him back to the ring. Jinder kicks Nakamura as he gets into the ring and then avoids a second Kinshasa before hitting the Khallas for the victory!

Result: Jinder Mahal wins by pinfall.

Review: This match was ok. It wasn’t terrible but Nakamura is wasted in wrestling Mahal. I’d prefer to see Mahal against the likes of AJ Styles, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens. The Jinder title reign continues and surely won’t still be champion come Wrestlemania.

Rating: 5/10

Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler

Background: Dolph Ziggler has been making a big deal out of entrances as of late and how meaningless they are. Ziggler claims that his in-ring work is far more important. Bobby Roode, a newcomer to Smackdown with an elaborate entrance theme has found the whole thing ridiculous and challenged Ziggler to a match at Hell In A Cell.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two men.

Hell In A Cell PPV Record: Dolph Ziggler is 1-2 at Hell In A Cell, Bobby Roode makes his main roster PPV debut tonight.

Match: Dolph Ziggler’s music stops with a record scratch and Ziggler walks out to no music. There’s some nice wrestling between the two in the early going. A lot of newcomers to the main roster tend to go through Dolph Ziggler. Guys like Tyler Breeze, Baron Corbin and now Bobby Roode have all had their first feud with Ziggler and I’m sure there are more. He takes Roode down with a sleeper and Bobby looks like he’s out but he manages to fight out of it. Roode looks for the glorious DDT but Ziggler counters and then hits a DDT of his own for a near fall. Roode counters a zigzag but Dolph goes back to the sleeper. Dolph then kind of hits a fame-asser for a near fall. Roode counters a superkick and hits a spinebuster and then attempts the glorious DDT but Dolph counters. The two men then exchange pinfalls, Dolph pulls the tights but Roode rolls through and also pulls the tights for the three! Ziggler attacks Roode after the bell with a zigzag.

Result: Bobby Roode wins by pinfall.

Review: This was a good match. These two men have chemistry, the match had a much better pace than the previous few matches. There were no frills, it was just a wrestling match between two talented competitors. Bobby Roode gets the win as he should on his PPV debut but we’ll have to see if this feud is over.

Rating: 6.25/10

Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens – Hell In A Cell match

Background: Kevin Owens blames Shane McMahon for losing his United States Championship and when Shane referee’d a match between the two, AJ still won. Owens has taken shots at Shane’s family and then made the feud more personal by attacking Shane’s father, Vince McMahon after Vince made the match between the two for Hell In A Cell.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two men.

Hell In A Cell PPV Record: Kevin Owens is 2-0 at Hell In A Cell events, Shane makes his debut at the event tonight.

Match: Shane McMahon attacks Kevin Owens as he makes his entrance and the two men battle it out outside the cell. The fight does go into the cell where Owens takes the advantage. Owens looks for senton bomb off the top but Shane counters, getting his knees up. It’s pretty back and forth but I expect Owens to take the advantage for longer. Shane is great to watch and he attempts a shooting star press but Owens gets out of the way before hitting a frog splash of his own. Shane counters a pop-up powerbomb and locks on a triangle choke but Owens breaks free before powerbombing Shane onto the ring steps. Owens then lays Shane on a table before cannonballing himself but McMahon gets out of the way! Shane then hits coast to coast before getting bolt cutters and and cutting through the chains keeping the door locked!

The two men then battle to the outside. Owens crotches Shane on the door. KO then lays Shane on an announce table and climbs up the cell but can’t bring himself to jump off. Shane then climbs up and the two men fight it out 20 feet up. Shane hits a side Russian leg sweep, a powerslam and a suplex on top of the cell. Owens hits a pop-up powerbomb on top of the cell. Owens looks to throw Shane off the cell but Shane puts the brakes on. Owens and McMahon then climb down the cell and Shane actually knocks Owens down and through an announce table! Shane then drags Owens and lays him over another announce desk before climbing the cell. Shane looks down at Owens but there’s someone else lurking down there in black and whoever it is pulled Owens out of the way and Shane goes crashing through the table! It’s Sami Zayn! EMT’s come out with a stretch for Shane but Sami drags Owens and lays him on top of Shane. The referee makes the count and Kevin Owens wins the match!

Result: Kevin Owens wins by pinfall.

Review: This was a good match. The spot at the end really made it although there were good spots throughout. The match told a great story and for me was on par with the opener. Sami Zayn appears to have turned heel and helped his old best friend. The finish was brilliant though, as was the lead up. This feud looks far from over.

Rating: 8.75/10