WWE Hell in a Cell 2014: Power Ranking Every Match at PPV
The WWE's recent Hell in a Cell pay-per-view was one of the most anticipated in recent months. Not just because we got to see two former Shield compatriots finally get their hands on each other, but because of the cell structure itself.
It is a scenario that often provides chaos, drama and excitement—which makes for a hugely anticipated pay-per-view show.
With eight matches on the main card, there was plenty to discuss, and plenty to run the rule over across all three hours of the show.
Naturally, though, there were some matches that graded higher than the rest, with two in particular threatening to steal the entire show.
Let's take a look at all eight matches from Hell in a Cell, ranking them from worst to best.
8. AJ Lee vs. Paige
1 of 8
We start with a feud that has promised much over the last few months, but yet again, it failed to deliver when it really mattered on pay-per-view.
AJ Lee vs. Paige should be so much better than what it currently is, and it's a bit of a mystery as to how the WWE can improve on their rivalry.
They keep throwing additional Divas into the mix, and perhaps that is part of the problem. Paige and AJ are probably the two most talented female competitors in the WWE, so simply letting them wrestle on their own might be the best solution moving forward.
But unfortunately, they just didn't manage to pull it off at Hell in a Cell.
7. Rusev vs. Big Show
2 of 8
The reason this match ranks so low down is quite simple—it was just a completely predictable outcome.
Rusev and Big Show had some decent chemistry in spells, but the match never really seemed to completely take off throughout.
We were given a tease as to what would actually happen 24 hours later, when everyone expected Mark Henry's emergence as an eventual heel turn.
Having Henry down at ringside toward the end notched up the interest a bit, but ultimately a clean Rusev win was inevitable, and that's why this match didn't really capture the imagination.
6. Sheamus vs. the Miz
3 of 8
It's tough to really know whether we were expecting too much from Sheamus and The Miz, who hadn't really set the world alight in the days and weeks prior to Hell in a Cell.
Yet again, it was Damien Sandow—or Damien MizDow, whichever—who grabbed the limelight with some real comedy moments, showing just why the fans are buying into him at the moment.
In the ring, Sheamus and The Miz gave it a go, but ultimately it was far from the match of the evening.
A retain for Sheamus seemed the logical choice, and it will be interesting to see where the WWE will go with him from here.
Could a feud with someone such as Rusev be on the cards, with the United States Championship the prize for the victor?
5. Nikki Bella vs. Brie Bella
4 of 8
The match between The Bella Twins was one of the most pleasant surprises of the night, to be perfectly honest.
It seemed somewhat inevitable that Nikki would be the sister that triumphed—but the quality of the match was actually really good.
It far outshone Paige's contest against AJ Lee and was one of the more enjoyable Divas matches in recent months.
Of course, there is more to come from this storyline with Brie now becoming Nikki's assistant, and it would be great to see them back in the ring again in the coming months.
If they can top this match with another of high quality, they will be doing a wonderful job.
4. Goldust and Stardust vs. The Usos
5 of 8
Any match involving The Usos is bound to bring plenty of excitement and enjoyment—such is the way they approach each and every match they compete in.
Goldust and Stardust themselves are great performers, and that all mixes together to provide the ingredients for a good, solid addition to the middle of the card.
And although it dipped in certain places, overall the quality was quite good. The crowd were pretty into it, especially with The Usos, and this contest rounded off an impressive trio of matches to open Hell in a Cell.
Hopefully they get the chance to battle again at Survivor Series, potentially with a longer match time, too.
3. John Cena vs. Randy Orton
6 of 8
The first of two matches inside Hell in a Cell was between two guys who've had more feuds together than perhaps any other pair of stars in recent WWE history—John Cena and Randy Orton.
After it was decided that Cena and Orton would square off again on pay-per-view, the only thing that would intensify the stakes was the fact it was a HIAC match.
But actually, it was a really enjoyable match, with both guys giving it their all throughout. There were some great spots in the match—not least that RKO that countered an Attitude Adjustment.
With Orton potentially turning face in the coming weeks, this may well be the last we see of Cena vs. Orton for some time. And if that is the case, they finished the latest chapter of their incredible rivalry with a well-worked, nicely executed match.
It came as a nice surprise, in truth.
2. Dolph Ziggler vs. Cesaro
7 of 8
The top spot could quite easily have gone to either of the matches in the top two positions, to be honest.
The main event just edges it out—but that doesn't mean Dolph Ziggler vs. Cesaro was a poor showing. In fact, it was one of the most technically brilliant matches we've seen in recent months.
Perhaps the WWE's most talented pair of workers, it was somewhat expected that Ziggler and Cesaro would have great chemistry inside the ring. We weren't disappointed.
Some have questioned the decision to end the match after just two falls, but actually, that helped add to the intrigue and the surprise factor around the match.
It also makes fans want more of this thrilling rivalry—which hopefully we'll get in the next few weeks leading up to Survivor Series.
Both men deserve massive, massive credit.
1. Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins
8 of 8
Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins. The match people have wanted to see for so long, largely due to the fact the WWE have teased it for so long.
Locking them inside Hell in a Cell was a piece of genius, and we saw a match that did the demonic structure proud.
It was a certified contender for Match of the Year, there is no doubt about that. Both men brought a high level of intensity and drama to the match, which often had fans on the edge of their seats.
The biggest problem people have with the match, though, is the ending.
In truth, having someone else come down and interfere—thus starting off a completely different rivalry—is something we were used to seeing in the Attitude Era. It was an exciting twist, and was something nobody saw coming—which is what we as WWE fans crave more than anything, surely?
As well as that, it leaves the door nicely open on Rollins vs. Ambrose for future months—maybe even with a run toward WrestleMania, to find a definitive winner once and for all.
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