WWE Hell in a Cell 2012: Ranking the Wrestlers Who Have Performed Best in HIAC

The wrestlers who have performed best in Hell in a Cell aren’t always the ones who win.

Arguably, the most grueling match in the WWE’s history, Hell in a Cell has provided many great moments as well as some shocking turn of events. The wrestlers who have been in the demonic structure have imprinted unforgettable memories among fans that surely will last for a lifetime.

But what goes into judging these wrestlers’ performances? For starters, wrestlers in the cell must use it effectively instead of simply turning their match into a glorified street fight. Wrestlers’ impact amongst fans and other wrestlers is also a factor.

Additionally, the moments the wrestlers provide in these types of matches brings that element of nostalgia for older fans. These matches are memorable moments that live in fan’s minds forever. No surprise fans always bring up the past matches when Hell in a Cell rolls around.

Here are the top performers in the history of Hell in a Cell. 

7. Batista

The Animal should be noted for his performances.

He fought both the Undertaker and Triple H, two men who thrive and made their careers in Hell in a Cell. And he defeated them both.

Batista’s first Hell in a Cell match in 2005 with Triple H at WWE’s Vengeance pay-per-view lived up to the brutality. He withstood every painful attack Triple H could give him. He was victorious after delivering a spinebuster on the steel steps to Triple H and hitting the Batista Bomb for the three count.

Batista’s match with Undertaker at 2007’s Survivor Series was a seesaw bout. Batista once again showed he could compete with the best of them in this match. Even though Edge interfered and helped Batista win, no one should doubt that The Animal made an impact in Hell in a Cell.

Batista went 2-0, and considering whom he beat, it’s an impressive 2-0.

6. Edge

Edge only fought in one Hell in a Cell match, and it was one not to be forgotten.

His 2008 SummerSlam encounter with the Undertaker saw Edge utilize every move he could think of. He used nearly every weapon at hand, including tables, ladders and chairs.

It was Edge’s spear to Undertaker that took down a section of the cell that had fans talking. Part of the cell wall fell when Edge speared the Phenom through. He then speared Taker again on the outside through the ECW table.

Even though Edge lost to the Deadman, the Rated-R Superstar proved that in fans’ eyes, he was a main-eventer. 

5. Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar had many things to prove to the fans and the wrestlers.

In 2002, The Next Big Thing was the WWE champion at the time, and he was going into No Mercy inside the cell with the Undertaker.

Lesnar would walk out not only the champion but also a man who could thrive in an extreme environment.

Lesnar and Undertaker fought in a bloodbath. First, Lesnar bled. Later on, the Undertaker bled. It should go down as the bloodiest match in the cell’s history.

Who could forget Lesnar using the ceiling as monkey bars kicking the Undertaker on the turnbuckle?

Both men suffered in this match. The end came when Lesnar reversed a tombstone and countered with the F-5. Lesnar then scaled the cage, looking as if he went through war but still wanted more. As he held his WWE title over his head, Lesnar stated to the wrestling world that he was truly the man.

4. Shawn Michaels

Michaels took part in two great Hell in a Cell matches against the Undertaker and Triple H.

Both told different stories, and both featured a very different Shawn Michaels.

In 1997’s Bad Blood PPV, he won the first hell in a cell match against the Undertaker. He took many bumps and showed how the cell can be utilized.

The Heartbreak Kid was tossed around by the Phenom, bloodied and thrown around like a rag doll. He even fell from the cell too after trying to hold on. Many fans and wrestlers were talking about this match for quite some time.

Fast forward to 2004’s Badd Blood PPV. His match with Triple H became the longest match inside the cell, coming in at 47 minutes. Every match between these two were amazing, but their match in the cell was simply spectacular.

In this match they gave it everything they had and were exhausted. Both men utilized the cage to its fullest extent. Michaels even used a weapon he made famous: the ladder.

Fans loved this match at the time. It should be considered one of the greatest Hell in a Cell matches if not the greatest.

Shawn Michaels showed the cell’s brutality in two different ways. He helped set the standard for wrestlers to follow when wrestling in the cell.

3. Mick Foley

Mick Foley was a hardcore icon amongst the wrestling world long before he stepped into Hell in a Cell.

After his Hell in a Cell matches with both Triple H and the Undertaker, he became something more.

It was Foley who was thrown from the top of the cage and through the top on the same night in 1998’s King of the Ring. The amazing thing about that night was Foley still competed, still performed for the crowd. In fact, Foley came out later that night interfering in the WWE title match featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin against Kane.

Foley then went on to face Kane later in the year inside the cell, showing no fear of the demonic structure.

His match at No Way Out with Triple H inside the cell proved Foley still had what it took to captivate the fans. When he fell through the cell, the ring gave way. Foley still moved after taking the hellacious bump and unbelievably walked under his own power.

Foley provided these moments for his love of the fans. And the fans appreciated his willingness to sacrifice his body.

Hell in a Cell shortened Foley’s career and understandably so. Thanks to Hell in a Cell, Mick Foley went out with a bang.

2. Undertaker

The Undertaker has made a career inside Hell in a Cell.

How many moments has he been a part of in these matches? How many men has he fought and defeated inside the cell?

Taker has beaten many inside the cell but also lost to others. What makes Taker amazing is the style of matches he’s had in the cell.

He’s had matches where referees cannot control the Deadman. His early matches with Mankind, HBK, Lesnar and the six-man match at Armageddon proved Taker couldn’t be controlled.

Taker’s later matches with Randy Orton and CM Punk demonstrated the Deadman at the time still could go with the future of the WWE.

Young fans will remember his victory over Triple H at this past WrestleMania. The storytelling was superb, and it reestablished Undertaker as the dominant wrestler.

It’s hard to pick any singular moment from Undertaker inside the cell. He’s had so many. However, Undertaker provides these countless moments whenever he’s in a Hell in a Cell.

1. Triple H

The Game has competed in nearly every type of match inside the cell.

From classic singles matches to tag teams and handicap matches, Triple H has done it all. He’s made his career inside the cell.

Triple H has fought many competitors and has won six Hell in a Cell matches. He’s had historic moments with Foley, Michaels and most recently the Undertaker. His match with Chris Jericho at 2002’s Judgment Day is underrated for the sheer brutality. That match also marked the first time the cell didn’t break, and neither man took a bump from the top.

The match ended with Triple H giving Jericho the Pedigree on top of the cell.

His most recent match with Undertaker showed Triple H could still tell a great story. It truly marked the end of an era in brutality and showed the fans he still captivates an audience.

Hell in a Cell showed Triple H’s mean streak, which has remained with him in his entire wrestling career.