WWE Programming's Best Matches for Week of October 31

Last weekend, Bleacher Report readers voted the Hell in a Cell match between Brock Lesnar and the Undertaker as the best bout of the previous week.

In terms of star power and spectacle, the Beast and the Phenom were always going to stand out. However, their final battle didn't pull any punches between the ropes. This was one of the more brutal Hell in a Cell matches in recent years, and fans seem to have responded to that.

Not every bout needs to be a bloodbath—but the way this stipulation is promoted by WWE can set audiences up for disappointment without a certain level of peril. This match delivered on that, and it will likely go down as one of the better contests to play out inside the structure as a result.

Contender No. 1: Team Reigns vs. Team Rollins on Monday Night Raw

It seems increasingly likely there won't be a traditional elimination match on the Survivor Series card, so this week both of WWE's flagship weekly broadcasts featured one.

While the SmackDown bout was simply a method of emphasizing the Wyatt Family, the main event of Raw was a very engaging setup for the pay-per-view's cancelled world title match. Moreover, it was a compelling end to a good show.

Credit: WWE.com

This was a classic five-on-five encounter akin to the earlier Survivor Series pay-per-views—a gaggle of fan favourites taking on a motley crew of villains. It's simple stuff, but it works, particularly when the likes of Kevin Owens play off others so well.

The in-ring action felt fluid throughout, making full use of its 10 participants to keep things fresh. This is where a roster filled with strength, speed and technique really comes into play, as different styles can mesh quite nicely given the right setting.

Credit: WWE.com

This bout did good work to build anticipation for the title match between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins—even though we now know that it was in vain. The preview of an Usos-New Day feud also offered plenty to be excited about.

However, the greatest success of this match was the fact it satisfied as a Raw main event. It felt like essential viewing, and that has to be the end goal of any bout that closes the show.

Contender No. 2: Apollo Crews vs. Finn Balor on NXT

It's very frustrating to see a title match end in a non-finish, especially when it's been hyped for several weeks—but sometimes that's the exact response that's required.

This week's NXT main event had no conclusive ending, but the chaos that ensued set up two compelling feuds that will see the brand through the end of the year. Moreover, fan response to the match being spoiled allowed for the top two villains on the show to be firmly established.

However, none of this would have worked if the match itself hadn't been as engaging as it was. Finn Balor and Apollo Crews have styles that mesh thanks to each man's extensive work on the Japanese scene, even if their paths didn't cross in that time.

Crews, despite being a relative newcomer to NXT, didn't look at all out of place squaring off with Balor. He has a great deal of potential, especially when he's paired with someone who caters to his abilities as well as Balor does.

Before it came to a crashing halt, the intensity that this bout built up in its closing moments was quite remarkable. With both Balor and Crews matching one another move for a move, it was a situation that felt capable of producing the next NXT champion.

It seems both Balor and Crews will have their hands full for the immediate future—but hopefully it won't be too long before we see these two hot prospects meet in the ring once again.

Contender No. 3: Brie Bella vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch vs. Paige on Monday Night Raw

With Charlotte comfortably installed as champion, it seems the Diva's Revolution is finally set to break through its own hype and start delivering.

This week saw a lively Fatal 4-Way establish the No. 1 Contender set to face Charlotte for her title at Survivor Series. Given the division's focus is now squarely on possession of the belt, it bodes well for a similar focus to be put on in-ring action.

It's fair to say Brie Bella was the odd woman out in this contest. Compared to the likes of Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Paige, Bella simply doesn't have the same high level of ability.

However, that doesn't mean Brie is dead weight—in fact, this bout made full use of her presence. That being said, this was a showcase for the three women who earned their spot on the main roster by standing out in NXT.

Paige always seemed likely to pick up the win, and she did so in fine fashion—preying on Lynch, weakened by Banks' Bank Statement submission hold. Despite all the moving parts at play, this bout never suffered from the amount of competitors cluttering the ring.

It's also great to see Lynch and Banks being presented as future title contenders rather than just fodder for the next in line for a shot. The Divas division is being built with one eye on what's coming next, and that's bound to reap benefits further down the line.

Which bout was your match of the week? Don't forget to make your choice by voting in the poll and then state your argument in the comments section below.