WWE Hell In A Cell 2018: Star Ratings For All 8 Matches

8. KICKOFF: The New Day Vs. Rusev Day - SmackDown Tag Team Title Match

Aiden English's work was pointedly good in this match.

He performed in the storyline and in reality as if on a mission to impress. The idea, executed marvellously, was to inject the inevitable Rusev Day split with the maximum pathos. By almost winning the SmackDown Tag Team Titles for his team, but losing as a result of over-enthusiasm his partner will interpret as arrogance, WWE on the best Kickoff offering of the year successfully built their singles match.

The New Day performed with customary aplomb in the background - Big E's suplex game always looks stellar, as does everything Kofi Kingston does - in a match that added genuine depth and emotion in a slot it was too good for.

The heated, powerful exchanges between Rusev and Big E brought into focus how much both men have progressed since their lacklustre 2014 programme; Kofi Kingston is still fresh after decade in the big time; Aiden English can flat-out go: this was legit worthwhile, and worth a watch for those unable to confront the miserable spectre that was Jonathan Coachman on the Kickoff panel.

Star Rating: ***1/4