WWE Hell in a Cell PPV Results
October 2, 2011
Live from New Orleans, La.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

The first of two WWE PPVs this month started with a video package previewing the double main event Hell in a Cell matches of Cena vs. Punk vs. Del Rio for the WWE Title and Henry vs. Orton for the World Title.

Announcers: Michael Cole introduced the show alongside Jim Ross and Booker T. Cole noted Jerry Lawler is "still recovering" from injuries.

In-ring: Christian was out first to start the PPV action. After a video package documenting the Christian-Sheamus feud, they came back to live action to show The Miz and R-Truth - in street clothes - walking through the stands with tickets in-hand to arrive at the front row. VP of talent relations John Laurinaitis quickly walked out and called for security to escort them away, but Miz pointed to his ticket. Miz told John to kick everyone else out if he's kicking them out. The crowd chanted, "Let them stay," as Laurinaitis walked them out of the arena. Sheamus then came out to face Christian.

1 -- CHRISTIAN vs. SHEAMUS

After the bell sounded, the announcers debated whether Laurinaitis has the right to remove Miz and Truth if they had tickets, prompting Cole to say the "promoter" has discretion to eliminate fans. When was the last time "promoter" was used on WWE TV? Christian tried to play mouse to Sheamus's cat early on, trying to frustrate and anger Sheamus. Christian got the best of the exchange and began wearing down Sheamus. Sheamus tried to make various comebacks, but couldn't maintain momentum, selling the effects of Christian's work. Christian tried to finish off Sheamus with a Tornado DDT, but Sheamus kicked out of a pin attempt. Sheamus came back with a knee lift, then went up top for a flying shoulder tackle. The crowd got fired up with Sheamus now firmly in control. He called for the end, which allowed Christian to avoid a Brogue Kick. The action moved to the floor, where Christian avoided a catapult and delivered the Spear.

Sheamus avoided a ten count by re-entering at eight, so Christian landed another hard spear mid-ring. Sheamus kicked out, though, frustrating Christian. Christian tried to follow with a top-rope move, but Sheamus moved. They teased finishers, then Christian missed with a third Spear and crashed into the turnbuckle. Christian turned around and stumbled into the Brogue Kick, giving Sheamus the pin and the win.

WINNER: Sheamus at 13:41. Nice, competitive match to start the PPV. Christian can spin the loss coming out of the PPV, while Sheamus picked up a solid singles victory to likely set up a title run at Henry. (**1/4)

Backstage: Speaking of Henry, Matt Striker brought in Mark Henry for an interview. Henry cut off Striker before he could get in a question. Henry then mocked Striker's voice before transitioning into his own voice to cut a promo on Randy Orton. He said he doesn't care if it's Hell in a Cell or a back alley, the bottom line is Orton is joining the Hall of Pain.

In-ring: They went right back to the ring for Sin Cara's music. The blue & yellow real Sin Cara came out first. The music transitioned to a darker version of Sin Cara's music to bring out the black and silver fake Sin Cara. This should be an amazing announcing call.

2 -- SIN CARA vs. SIN CARA

As the two men circled the ring, Cole recapped that Sin Cara was injured at Money in the Bank in July, then they thought he returned a month later, but it turned out to be the imposter stealing his identity. Cole also referenced Sin Cara's background as a top draw in Mexico. Lots of early counters and high-flying before the real Sin Cara cleared the faker to the outside and delivered a flip dive splash. Faker then took control and they reversed the sequence leading to black & silver delivering a flip dive splash. The crowd was not into this, of note. B&S Sin Cara became frustrated when he was unable to put away original Cara. The crowd then moved to restlessness, leading to the two men picking up the pace. Original Cara landed a big splash on the outside that momentarily popped the crowd before they returned to the ring. The two men traded control again before original Cara countered a powerbomb into a victory roll for the pin and the win. Now we can end Michael Cole's attempt to botch the Spanish language.

WINNER: Original Cara at 9:46. Tough match. The crowd wasn't into the story or match and the spots were hit & miss. WWE has to go back to the drawing board on the Sin Cara character. (*)

Backstage: C.M. Punk was shown taping up for later tonight when David Otunga walked in. Otunga asked for some of Punk's time, but Punk wanted him gone. Otunga continued anyways that he's representing the WWE Superstars around here. Punk said he's stubborn and hates lawyers. Punk told him to be gone and Otunga obliged this time.

In-ring: Back in the arena, WWE tag champions Air Boom came out for a bonus match. As expected, their opponents were Ziggler and Swagger, who were brought out by Vickie Guerrero.

3 -- WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER & JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- WWE Tag Title match

The face tag champions took control early on, drawing early screams from Vickie. Swagger then cut off the smaller Bourne to begin working him over. Ziggler lost control when he missed with a corner splash, then Kofi tagged into the match. Kofi quickly lost control, though, when he spilled to the outside via nefarious activity by the heels. As the heels worked over Kingston, Cole began ranting against Triple H. He said Ziggler and Swagger have been put in terrible situations since they spoke out against Hunter. So, being granted a Tag Title shot is being put in a terrible position?

Bourne eventually took a hot tag and cleaned house on the heels before delivering a flying double knee smash for a close two count. Bourne followed with a standing moonsault for a two count. The action broke down moments later and Bourne found himself in trouble coming out of the scrap. The heels then attempted a top-rope powerbomb combination, but Bourne countered on Swagger with a huracanrana. Kingston then yanked Dolph out of the ring as Bourne scored a quick three for the win. Vickie was shocked into silence. After a replay, she unleashed her inner rage with a verbal assault on Swagger.

WINNERS: Bourne & Kingston at 11:20 to retain the Tag Titles. Solid tag match. Not particularly memorable, though, in what amounted to an extended version of what would normally air on TV. (**)

DVD plug: Triple H in "Inside Out."

Arena: Back live, the Hell in a Cell cage began to lower as the crowd popped. Cole plugged the World Title will be determined inside the Cell next.

After a lengthy video package on the Orton-Henry feud, Mark Henry was the first man out for the title match. Cole said they're having a Hell in a Cell match for "just the twenty-second time in history." Like the Ultimate X match in TNA, that's too many times. Henry slowly made his way to the ring and then inside the cage as Jim Ross discussed the Cell and Henry's histories. After a pause, Randy Orton's music played to a big reaction. As Orton slowly walked out, Cole said Triple H is the only other wrestler with a better win percentage than Orton inside the Cell. Meanwhile, Booker actually said this isn't about the title for Orton, which was yet another blow to the value of titles in WWE. Cole then plugged the Vengeance PPV in three weeks. Tony Chimel handled the formal ring intros from outside the Cell before the bell sounded.

4 -- World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY vs. RANDY ORTON -- World Title match -- Hell in a Cell match

Orton tried to be the aggressor early on, but Henry cut him off and the two men traded control. Henry then began a slow, methodical attack on Orton outside of the ring, using the Cell as a weapon. Henry then tried to toss the ring steps into Orton's face, but Orton moved out of the way and the steps crashed into the wall. Henry went back on the attack, trying to make Orton cry uncle. Orton ran back into the ring to catch a breather, then kicked out of an early World's Strongest Slam from Henry.

Moments later, Henry tried a World's Strongest Slam on the ring steps on the floor, but Orton grabbed the Cell wall to avoid before dropping Henry into the steps. The crowd popped for the comeback. Back in the ring, Orton delivered a DDT before teasing the RKO. And he connected. Orton made the cover, but Henry kicked out, drawing gasps from the crowd. Orton, stunned, tried to regroup before going for The Punt, but Henry countered with the World's Strongest Slam. Henry with the pin for the win.

Post-match: Henry left the ring with the title belt, but then returned to the ringside area to find a chair under the ring. Henry delivered a World's Strongest Slam, then placed Orton's foot inside the chair as Cole rattled off the names of wrestlers Henry has injured. Henry went for a big splash, but Orton was able to avoid at the last second. The crowd popped as Orton picked up the chair and jabbed it into Henry's gut before delivering a chair shot to the back. Orton then chased Henry up the entrance ramp with multiple chair shots to the back. Orton tried a final blow, but Henry kicked him away and left.

WINNER: Henry at 15:59 to retain the World Title. Expected finish and expected basic use of the Cell structure during the match. The post-match allowed Orton to save face and keeps him in the title picture going into Vengeance. (Are you shocked the Hell in a Cell match didn't resolve the issue and was merely a bridge to the next match?) (**)

Backstage: Josh Mathews brought in Alberto Del Rio for an interview on being in a three-way WWE Title match inside the Cell later tonight. Del Rio said he's not a criminal and doesn't belong in the Cell. He said he's coming back from hell tonight with the WWE Title.

In-ring: After a promotional spot, IC champion Cody Rhodes came to the ring dressed in a suit. He was flanked by his bagmen. Rhodes cut a promo on the home and arena audiences before placing the current IC Title belt inside its own paper bag. Rhodes then asked for the velvet bag. He pulled out a new IC Title belt with the classic white look. The crowd popped. Rhodes said he's holding the classic version held by Ricky Steamboat, Bret Hart, "Macho Man" Randy Savage (big pop), and even "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Rhodes said he will wear the classic title belt, but with more pride and dignity than any of them. He said he will defend the title anytime, anyplace. Suddenly, John Laurinaitis's scratchy voice interrupted. "Yes, John?" Rhodes squeaked with annoyance. On-stage, Laurinaitis introduced himself and noted Triple H demanded Rhodes defend the title tonight. He said Rhodes is going to defend it right now against this man...cue up John Morrison's music. Ross noted Rhodes said anytime, anyplace, against anybody. Cole said he didn't mean it literally.

5 -- Intercontinental champion CODY RHODES vs. JOHN MORRISON -- IC Title match

Rhodes, in street clothes and nice shoes, tried to duck Morrison early on before Morrison scored some early nearfalls. Rhodes made his way to the outside to remove his fancy dress shirt, but Morrison tossed it into the crowd. Rhodes tried to walk away, but Morrison grabbed him and tried to throw him back into the ring. Rhodes blocked, then Rhodes clutched the ringpost to attempt to get counted out, but Morrison threw him back into the ring. Rhodes then cut off Morrison, who took the bait. Rhodes tried a figure-four leglock, which drew a few whoos from the crowd, but Morrison escaped. Morrison and Rhodes went back and forth before Morrison landed a Pele kick that Ross called by name. Rhodes kicked out, then rolled up Morrison for a quick three count for the win.

WINNER: Rhodes at 7:20 to retain the IC Title. Another downer for Morrison, who was unable to put away a wrestler in street clothes. Meanwhile, Rhodes continues to thwart obstacles put in his way to build some credibility. Wait, isn't he a heel? (*1/4)

Backstage: Triple H was on the phone when Laurinaitis interrupted. Hunter told him to shut up because he makes the matches around here. Laurinaitis then sent Hunter into the backstage area, where Miz and Truth managed to sneak back into the building and attack the tag champions. Hunter got security to escort them away before reprimanding Laurinaitis on not getting police to ensure they didn't make it to the arena. Ezekiel Jackson and Alex Riley got cameos checking on the tag champions in the background.

6 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY (w/Eve) vs. BETH PHOENIX (w/Natalya) -- Divas Title match

Beth and Natalya were out first for the next title match on what has turned into Night of Champions II, with the only title not defended tonight being the U.S. Title, but the U.S. champion was in the Tag Title match. Once the bell sounded, Beth acted like this would be an easy win, so Kelly popped her in the mouth with a forearm, which angered Beth. Beth dominated and continued to be frustrated when Kelly escaped pinfalls. It looked like the other title matches, but, this time, Natalya interfered behind the ref's back to allow Phoenix to hit the Glam Slam on Kelly for the win. They stayed with Beth's post-match victory moment for a while.

WINNER: Phoenix at 8:32 to capture the Divas Title. Classic heel story of Beth being frustrated by Kelly so many times that she resorted to interference to capture the title. It also gave Kelly an "out" and set up the re-match. Unlike the match in Buffalo two weeks ago, the crowd wasn't interested in this one.

Vengeance PPV plug: Mark Henry will destroy everyone.

Arena: The Cell began to lower to the ring for the main event before they went to a video package on the WWE Title feud. Back live, Alberto Del Rio was the first man out for the title match. Cole asked why it's fair Del Rio's title re-match was granted in a three-way Cell match, ignoring Hunter offered Del Rio a title re-match on Raw two weeks ago, which Del Rio turned down. After a pause, Cult of Personality played to bring out C.M. Punk. Punk and Del Rio stared each other down before they paused again to bring out WWE champion John Cena. They just hit the top of the third hour, so this is either going really long or they have an extended post-match angle planned.

7 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. C.M. PUNK -- three-way WWE Title match -- Hell in a Cell match

Everyone got their time in the spotlight with the three men trading control of the action early on. The crowd came to life with a "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" dueling chant during this opening sequence. The closest they came to blood was Punk coming up halfway bleeding from his back after Del Rio shoved him off the ring steps into the side of the Cell. More exchanges trading control before Del Rio introduced a chair into the proceedings to smash Punk and Cena with chair shots to the back. Del Rio then went up top for a senton splash and connected to Punk's back. Suddenly, Cena dropped Punk with the Attitude Adjustment, but Del Rio broke up the pin. Punk then delivered the G2S to Cena, but Del Rio yanked Punk out of the ring. Del Rio back in control. That didn't last long, as Punk cut off Del Rio and landed a Macho Man elbow drop from the top rope for a two count. Punk then wanted a top-rope elbow on Cena, but Del Rio shoved Punk off the top through a table set up ringside earlier.

Back in the ring, Cena dropped Del Rio to the mat with the STF. On the outside, though, Ricardo managed to KO the ref, unlock the cage, and enter the cage, which allowed Del Rio to break free when Cena was distracted. Cena then dropped Ricardo with the AA on the floor, but Del Rio popped Cena with a steel pipe introduced by Ricardo and locked Cena out of the cage. Back in the Cell, Del Rio and Punk battled one-on-one as Cena continued to sell on the floor outside the Cell. Cena then came to life and realized the door was locked. Ricardo didn't have the key, though, as Del Rio kept it. Cena tried to bust open the door, but it wouldn't budge. Del Rio then taunted Cena from inside the cage before returning to the ring to pop Punk in the face with the pipe. Del Rio made the cover and it was good for the win to re-capture the WWE Title.

WINNER: Del Rio at 24:10 to capture the WWE Title. Okay main event. It had its moments, but not PPV main event-worthy. As for the finish, they did everything they could to distract from Del Rio winning the title and Cena losing the title based on the post-match. It didn't even seem like the crowd really realized what happened and it's just another nail in the coffin for the value of WWE's top title. (**1/2)

Post-match: Cena stormed the Cell once it began to be raised to attack Del Rio, but Miz and R-Truth entered the Cell to jump Cena. Laurinaitis and Triple H then ran down to restore order, but the Cell was re-lowered to the ground. They checked with the production team, but they lost control. The entire locker room and security ran down to the Cell as Miz and Truth began assaulting referees and cameramen inside the Cell. Eventually, someone with bolt cutters stormed the ring to cut open the Cell and allow police to arrest Miz and Truth. Booker said they need Street Justice here. As Miz was being taken away, Triple H teed off on Miz. He shoved down Laurinaitis before WWE security pulled Hunter away. Anarchy on the outside. Miz and Truth were eventually hauled off to the back as Hunter sold anger. The credits came on the screen at 10:38 p.m. EST as they faded out.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This PPV-buying audience deserved a payoff or a major development to the top angle, not more questions on who re-lowered the cage, which made it seem like a $45 Raw episode. Concerning the overall PPV, it wasn't a bad PPV, but it was one of the worst of the year from WWE. It just did not need to happen.

***

Follow along with PWTorch columnists Greg Parks (@GregMParks) and Sean Radican (@SeanRadican) with live PPV tweets tonight.

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