By Alex Al-Kazzaz
How ironic is it that despite how critical I have been of the WWE for several years now, I watch a PPV that I highly enjoy? Yes, in my opinion, last night's Hell in a Cell show was terrific. Honestly, the main event was so good that I was in tears at the end. Perhaps I have solidified myself as a lifelong educated pro wrestling fan that may be critical of WWE, but still loves and appreciates the company.
Maybe I've just been frustrated too long and let it get too deep in my head. Whatever the case, I am very grateful for last night's show. WWE...please keep up the excellent work. MAKE ME COME BACK FOR MORE!
First thing's first, major props to Asuka, Becky Lynch, and Bianca Belair for a spectacular triple threat match for the Raw Women's Championship. Personally, I am bummed that Asuka didn't win because I adore Asuka. However, as far as Asuka goes, I am just happy that she's back! But as a strong supporter of women's pro wrestling, I enjoyed what I saw.
I am sure I am not the only one that enjoyed seeing MVP submit to Bobby Lashley's Hurt Lock submission maneuver. Didn't we all suspect that Cedric Alexander would attempt to interfere in the match? Well, he did, but to say that it backfired would be an understatement. Omos would dispose of Alexander only to receive a spear from Lashley and Lashley would have MVP all to himself and BOOM! Game over! At this point, I feel like the feud is finished, but my gut feeling tells me that Omos isn't finished with Lashley yet.
Kevin Owens vs Eli..., I mean EZEKIEL! I don't have anything to say about this match honestly. Ezekiel appears after Wrestlemania and claims that he's NOT Elias, but Elias' younger brother. Kevin Owens repeatedly tries to expose Ezekiel as Elias and this storyline really has been...well comedic is the best way to put it. Ezekiel loses to K.O. and now what? Ezekiel disappears from television and Elias comes back?
The Judgement Day(Edge, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley) vs AJ Styles, Finn Balor, and Liv Morgan. I am not too sure how I should feel about Ripley being involved in tag team action since she dropped the Raw Women's Championship. She would team with Nikki A.S.H. and then with Morgan. Okay, honestly, I do miss seeing Ripley in singles action, but in her case, it is what it is, right? She's working with a WWE Hall of Famer, so things aren't as bad as I possibly fear. Morgan was impressive in the match. Honestly, everyone did a fantastic job. Not surprisingly, The Judgement Day won, but the match went pretty well. In addition, it's great to see Styles and Balor teaming up! A little bit of New Japan Pro Wrestling Bullet Club nostalgia!
Fans, without a doubt, must be content seeing Madcap Moss beat Happy Corbin in a No Holds Barred match. Moss' character has gotten well over with the fans ever since he became a face. Fans knew that at one point, one way or the other, the two would split and feud. And we all knew that there's NO WAY that Corbin would be the face, right? I predicted that tensions between Moss and Corbin would begin after Moss cost Corbin his match at Wrestlemania against Drew McIntyre. I'd say that the Moss and Corbin feud is over now. Shall I say that Happy Corbin will be Sad Corbin again? Who knows!?
Theory vs Mustafa Ali. It's good to see Ali again, wouldn't you say? In January, he requested his release from WWE. At the time, he'd been off of television for a while. He returned in late April defeating The Miz and he soon got into the US title picture as he engage in a feud with Theory. It's unknown if WWE management plans to eventually put the US title on Ali. No doubt, it would be great provided that Ali is utilized correctly. If there are plans to make him the champion, they need to build him up for it. And if that's the case, it makes sense for Ali to lose this time to Theory. Honestly, there's no reason to end the feud now. Ali and Theory work well together and the feud should eventually culminate with Ali winning the title, and getting over as a face. At the same time, management can't bury Theory. As long as their matches go great, then Ali and Theory will be okay.
Now, it's for the MAIN EVENT! It's certainly heartbreaking to hear that Cody Rhodes has a pectoral injury. Who knows how much time he'll miss. Cody's chest certainly told the story. Badly bruised. No doubt, Cody was in serious pain, but he worked the match to the best of his ability and it was beautiful.
Seth "Freaking" Rollins being the master of mind games, took that skill to another level. When he revealed himself wearing polka dot gear similar to Cody's late father, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes, the intensity of the match only went higher. It's normal for the villain to pull a tactic to where he affects the good guy mentally and emotionally.
What a match it was. The match went so well that it brought me to tears. I find it interesting that the match briefly became a Texas Bullrope Hell in a Cell match. Cody was paying homage to his late Dad. The match felt like a thriller film. I can't praise both competitors enough for such a brilliant match. Cody's willingness to work the match despite his injury shows his love, commitment, and dedication to the wrestling business. Kudos to both guys for putting on a hell of a show. The finish of the match could not have been more brilliant.
Due to Cody's injury, I felt sure that Rollins would emerge victorious. I even felt that Cody would be written off of television. But Cody would pick up the win and it's safe to say that the feud is officially finished. While Cody's future is unclear, Rollins' future is unclear, as well. Cody is likely to miss time to heal from his injury. But as far as Rollins goes, we'll have to wait and see.