Welcome to the Mastermind Analysis review of WWE Hell in a Cell 2016. The thoughts and opinions expressed below are those of The Mastermind only, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of the entire F4R team. Let us know what you think in the comments, or by getting involved on Facebook! But for now, on with the show...
Pre-PPV Thoughts
The last PPV I watched on the Network was Armageddon 2000. This is interesting for 2 reasons; Firstly, the main event of Armageddon 2000 was the first wrestling match to make me feel something. Kurt Angle entered as the champion, looking terrified with the prospect of taking on 5 of the top guys of the Attitude Era. I felt scared for him... Secondly, the main event was a Hell in a Cell match. And the reason I felt scared for Kurt Angle, is because the entire build for the show was around the danger of the match. Stephanie was trying to talk HHH out of it; Flashbacks from previous HIACs were constantly shown to hit home the seriousness of what was happening. Flashforward to 2016, and HIAC is now something the womens division has earned. Such a shame really because it doesn't make it feel dangerous at all.
I'll admit i've been sick for a while with food poisoning, so I'm way behind on Raw catch-ups, so my predictions are likely to be a little off, as I have no real info to go on...
Pre-Show
Cedric Alexander, Lince Dorado, and Sin Cara vs Tony Nese, Drew Gulak, and Ariya Daivari
Prediction: Holy Teddy-Long-6-Man-Tag Batman!! I'll be doing a lot of presuming in my predictions, so I'm presuming this is a random thrown together 6 man to kill time and try to showcase the Cruiserweights. I'm also presuming there's been no charachter development in the division, so I'll go with the babyface team to win.
Match Analysis: Not a bad showcase for the 6 men involved. They all hit their moves relatively crisply, all 6 men looked like they belonged in the ring on that stage. Until there's some charachter development, there will never be much point to the heel team winning a high-flying spectacle, so I wasn't suprised by the outcome. As far as kick off matches go, without any real storyline, it won't get much better than this!
[***]
Main Show
Roman Reigns © vs Rusev
Prediction: Much as I dislike Roman Reigns, I'm much happier with him in the US title picture than the Universal picture. The title seems much more suited to his position at the moment, so maybe they can build him slowly, develop his charachter a bit and then put him into the main event once he feels fresh and ready. I was a big fan of Rusev as the US Champ, but I don't see Roman losing this one. Although, I'm not expecting much from the match.
Match Analysis: You know what... That wasn't actually bad! I really wish WWE would let some matches (like HIAC) tip the scales a bit more to the extreme end sometimes. Matches like this, with some genuine intensity, could really benefit from a small blade job. That said, the Accolade/steel chain combo was a suprisingly violent way and innovative way to apply the hold, and I was pleasently suprised when he locked it in. It's just a shame Reigns powered out and won with a pretty weak looking spear. But still, a pretty good opener for the main show!
[****]
Bayley vs Dana Brooke
Prediction: I must say, it's refreshing to see a proper feud in the womens division that isn't over the Womens Championship. I can't say I know too much about the feud, but I am a total mark for Bayley, so lets say that basic Huganomics is bringing home the W.
Match Analysis: It's been a while since I've seen Dana Brooke in action, and i'll admit she's starting to show signs of improvement (finally!!). As far as the result, I'm not shocked in the slightest. The match served it's purpose as a nice cool-down match after the opening HIAC match, Bayley rolls forwards, and Dana gets some more experience under her belt.
[**3/4]
Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs The Club
Prediction: A few months ago, news was that Vince was big on Cass and was contemplating giving him a big singles push. Combining that with The Club being the jobbers of the tag division, and I've got to believe that Enzo & Cass are winning this one.
Match Analysis: I'm starting to think Enzo & Cass aren't as over as I think they are. I don't think i've seen them get a PPV win this year, despite loving their work. I guess The Club need a victory, so this was it. A very short, standard tag team match. Nothing special, but it's good to see Gallows & Anderson get a win!
[***]
Kevin Owens © vs Seth Rollins
Prediction: Seth Rollins just doesn't feel like he's connecting as a babyface lately. I feel they missed the boat on his face turn, and the result has ended up as a charachter shift that feels more like a cough. Kevin Owens is still one of my favourite heels, so I hope he retains and continues his reign as the longest Universal Champ in history...
Match Analysis: Well that was interesting, again. I can't see them being allowed to get anymore 'extreme' in the cell, past a double table bump and a powerbomb through the metal chairs. I'm glad Jericho got involved, and I loved the set-up with KO seemingly thwarted by the complex controls of a fire extinguisher! I'm not glad with the lack of development between Team Kevin & Chris though. It seems they've just kept on rolling as they were. Not that that's an overly bad thing, but I'm a fan of storyline progression.
[****1/4]
TJ Perkins © vs Brian Kendrick
Prediction: I am not a fan of wrestlers getting numerous title shots despite constant losing. I know Kendrick won a non-title match, but there's so much talent in the cruiser-weight division, it doesn't seem worthwhile having Kendrick have so many title shots. I also have a really bad feeling that TJP is going to lose this one. Why else would Kendrick be in the match-up again? I'm predicting Kendrick to win and take over as the lead heel of the division.
Match Analysis: Sometimes, I hate being right. Not only does the outcome of the match make TJP look like a mug, but he's also lost his title! Not good for a guy I want to get behind. I can't help but feel that out of everyone in the Cruiserweight division, Brian Kendrick is the one who needs charachter development the least. Yet he's been given the lions share of title shots and big-show matches. In the meantime, we've got a ton of super talented individuals who haven't really seen any benefit while the already-established Kendrick gets the spotlight. I just hope WWE don't make the same mistakes as TNA did with their X-Division. These high flying guys can be so much more than spot monkeys if given the same treatment as those bigger than them.
[***3/4]
The New Day © vs Cesaro & Sheamus
Prediction: The New Day are rolling onto a record breaking title reign, and I couldn't be happier. Kofi Kingston has been desperately looking for a gimmick to stick for the best part of a decade... Xavier Woods spent years growing as a person, overcoming his insecurities, to become the performer he is today... And Big E... He's a cool guy! On the flip side, Cesaro & Sheamus - despite having some very entertaining matches against each other - just feel like the new Contenders-of-the-Month. There's no harm in them taking the loss here, and who knows, they could even reignite their feud! New Day to keep on rolling...
Match Analysis: Is it just me, or have New Day had more than their fair share of DQ losses as the champs. I wasn't too hot on in during their heel run, and I dislike it even more as babyfaces. Up until the point of DQ, the match was really picking up steam, so the finish took the wind out of the sails a bit. Which is a shame really because they all deserved better.
[***1/2]
Sasha Banks © vs Charlotte
Prediction: Somehow, WWE manage to keep finding ways to promote matches that are "for the first time ever...". I can't say I was over the moon about Mick Foley treating this match like a gift for Sasha and Charlotte. The match should be treated as dangerous, career-threatening... Not a pat on the back for good work. That said, the girls have the opportunity to make history and if they gel, and work on some big spots, this could end up being a memorable match. Lets hope the Womens Championship doesn't turn into a hot potato... Sasha to retain, maybe give Charlotte some well deserved time off?
Match Analysis: Ugh! The hot potato continues!! I really don't understand why?! Why give Sasha all these title wins, only for her to keep losing on PPV? Ending aside, the match stole the show, they left absolutely everything in the ring. It was fuelled on emotion, attitude, and downright agression. It was hard to watch in places, but I put that down to their ability to sell like champs!! As far as womens matches go, that was pretty special!
[****1/2]
Overall Show
On paper, 3 HIAC matches may have been overkill, and in a very family-friendly climate, it is very tricky for those involved to put on something different in each match. Unfortunately that means more than one match having involvements from tables and chairs, but they definately tried to keep it all different. There wasn't a weak match on the card tonight, the roster really brought their A-Game, and short of some big names making a return for Survivor Series, there's not a lot they could have done to out on a better show. Very strong B-show for Raw tonight. Now, bring on Survivor Series, as I'm ready for a big show feel...!!
The last PPV I watched on the Network was Armageddon 2000. This is interesting for 2 reasons; Firstly, the main event of Armageddon 2000 was the first wrestling match to make me feel something. Kurt Angle entered as the champion, looking terrified with the prospect of taking on 5 of the top guys of the Attitude Era. I felt scared for him... Secondly, the main event was a Hell in a Cell match. And the reason I felt scared for Kurt Angle, is because the entire build for the show was around the danger of the match. Stephanie was trying to talk HHH out of it; Flashbacks from previous HIACs were constantly shown to hit home the seriousness of what was happening. Flashforward to 2016, and HIAC is now something the womens division has earned. Such a shame really because it doesn't make it feel dangerous at all.
I'll admit i've been sick for a while with food poisoning, so I'm way behind on Raw catch-ups, so my predictions are likely to be a little off, as I have no real info to go on...
Pre-Show
Cedric Alexander, Lince Dorado, and Sin Cara vs Tony Nese, Drew Gulak, and Ariya Daivari
Prediction: Holy Teddy-Long-6-Man-Tag Batman!! I'll be doing a lot of presuming in my predictions, so I'm presuming this is a random thrown together 6 man to kill time and try to showcase the Cruiserweights. I'm also presuming there's been no charachter development in the division, so I'll go with the babyface team to win.
Match Analysis: Not a bad showcase for the 6 men involved. They all hit their moves relatively crisply, all 6 men looked like they belonged in the ring on that stage. Until there's some charachter development, there will never be much point to the heel team winning a high-flying spectacle, so I wasn't suprised by the outcome. As far as kick off matches go, without any real storyline, it won't get much better than this!
[***]
Main Show
Roman Reigns © vs Rusev
Prediction: Much as I dislike Roman Reigns, I'm much happier with him in the US title picture than the Universal picture. The title seems much more suited to his position at the moment, so maybe they can build him slowly, develop his charachter a bit and then put him into the main event once he feels fresh and ready. I was a big fan of Rusev as the US Champ, but I don't see Roman losing this one. Although, I'm not expecting much from the match.
Match Analysis: You know what... That wasn't actually bad! I really wish WWE would let some matches (like HIAC) tip the scales a bit more to the extreme end sometimes. Matches like this, with some genuine intensity, could really benefit from a small blade job. That said, the Accolade/steel chain combo was a suprisingly violent way and innovative way to apply the hold, and I was pleasently suprised when he locked it in. It's just a shame Reigns powered out and won with a pretty weak looking spear. But still, a pretty good opener for the main show!
[****]
Bayley vs Dana Brooke
Prediction: I must say, it's refreshing to see a proper feud in the womens division that isn't over the Womens Championship. I can't say I know too much about the feud, but I am a total mark for Bayley, so lets say that basic Huganomics is bringing home the W.
Match Analysis: It's been a while since I've seen Dana Brooke in action, and i'll admit she's starting to show signs of improvement (finally!!). As far as the result, I'm not shocked in the slightest. The match served it's purpose as a nice cool-down match after the opening HIAC match, Bayley rolls forwards, and Dana gets some more experience under her belt.
[**3/4]
Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs The Club
Prediction: A few months ago, news was that Vince was big on Cass and was contemplating giving him a big singles push. Combining that with The Club being the jobbers of the tag division, and I've got to believe that Enzo & Cass are winning this one.
Match Analysis: I'm starting to think Enzo & Cass aren't as over as I think they are. I don't think i've seen them get a PPV win this year, despite loving their work. I guess The Club need a victory, so this was it. A very short, standard tag team match. Nothing special, but it's good to see Gallows & Anderson get a win!
[***]
Kevin Owens © vs Seth Rollins
Prediction: Seth Rollins just doesn't feel like he's connecting as a babyface lately. I feel they missed the boat on his face turn, and the result has ended up as a charachter shift that feels more like a cough. Kevin Owens is still one of my favourite heels, so I hope he retains and continues his reign as the longest Universal Champ in history...
Match Analysis: Well that was interesting, again. I can't see them being allowed to get anymore 'extreme' in the cell, past a double table bump and a powerbomb through the metal chairs. I'm glad Jericho got involved, and I loved the set-up with KO seemingly thwarted by the complex controls of a fire extinguisher! I'm not glad with the lack of development between Team Kevin & Chris though. It seems they've just kept on rolling as they were. Not that that's an overly bad thing, but I'm a fan of storyline progression.
[****1/4]
TJ Perkins © vs Brian Kendrick
Prediction: I am not a fan of wrestlers getting numerous title shots despite constant losing. I know Kendrick won a non-title match, but there's so much talent in the cruiser-weight division, it doesn't seem worthwhile having Kendrick have so many title shots. I also have a really bad feeling that TJP is going to lose this one. Why else would Kendrick be in the match-up again? I'm predicting Kendrick to win and take over as the lead heel of the division.
Match Analysis: Sometimes, I hate being right. Not only does the outcome of the match make TJP look like a mug, but he's also lost his title! Not good for a guy I want to get behind. I can't help but feel that out of everyone in the Cruiserweight division, Brian Kendrick is the one who needs charachter development the least. Yet he's been given the lions share of title shots and big-show matches. In the meantime, we've got a ton of super talented individuals who haven't really seen any benefit while the already-established Kendrick gets the spotlight. I just hope WWE don't make the same mistakes as TNA did with their X-Division. These high flying guys can be so much more than spot monkeys if given the same treatment as those bigger than them.
[***3/4]
The New Day © vs Cesaro & Sheamus
Prediction: The New Day are rolling onto a record breaking title reign, and I couldn't be happier. Kofi Kingston has been desperately looking for a gimmick to stick for the best part of a decade... Xavier Woods spent years growing as a person, overcoming his insecurities, to become the performer he is today... And Big E... He's a cool guy! On the flip side, Cesaro & Sheamus - despite having some very entertaining matches against each other - just feel like the new Contenders-of-the-Month. There's no harm in them taking the loss here, and who knows, they could even reignite their feud! New Day to keep on rolling...
Match Analysis: Is it just me, or have New Day had more than their fair share of DQ losses as the champs. I wasn't too hot on in during their heel run, and I dislike it even more as babyfaces. Up until the point of DQ, the match was really picking up steam, so the finish took the wind out of the sails a bit. Which is a shame really because they all deserved better.
[***1/2]
Sasha Banks © vs Charlotte
Prediction: Somehow, WWE manage to keep finding ways to promote matches that are "for the first time ever...". I can't say I was over the moon about Mick Foley treating this match like a gift for Sasha and Charlotte. The match should be treated as dangerous, career-threatening... Not a pat on the back for good work. That said, the girls have the opportunity to make history and if they gel, and work on some big spots, this could end up being a memorable match. Lets hope the Womens Championship doesn't turn into a hot potato... Sasha to retain, maybe give Charlotte some well deserved time off?
Match Analysis: Ugh! The hot potato continues!! I really don't understand why?! Why give Sasha all these title wins, only for her to keep losing on PPV? Ending aside, the match stole the show, they left absolutely everything in the ring. It was fuelled on emotion, attitude, and downright agression. It was hard to watch in places, but I put that down to their ability to sell like champs!! As far as womens matches go, that was pretty special!
[****1/2]
Overall Show
On paper, 3 HIAC matches may have been overkill, and in a very family-friendly climate, it is very tricky for those involved to put on something different in each match. Unfortunately that means more than one match having involvements from tables and chairs, but they definately tried to keep it all different. There wasn't a weak match on the card tonight, the roster really brought their A-Game, and short of some big names making a return for Survivor Series, there's not a lot they could have done to out on a better show. Very strong B-show for Raw tonight. Now, bring on Survivor Series, as I'm ready for a big show feel...!!