10 Modern WWE Hell In A Cell Matches That Didn't Feel PG

Randy Orton is a fascinating performer. In his late career, with only a few exceptions, his singles matches have been increasingly slow and methodical. Sometimes, when he's committed and the aura is correct, this slow pace adds to the intensity of the narrative. Sometimes it's just boring. But it was perfect here.

His match with Jeff Hardy might not have many electrifying bumps or blood pouring everywhere, but it ranks as the most brutal PG Cell match because he channels his strengths into delivering a classic villainous performance. The infamous spot, where Orton wrenches a screwdriver through the pierced hole in Hardy's ear, wouldn't have been as sickening or notorious if he'd done multiple major spots beforehand.

Orton knows exactly how to pace a match like this, generating sympathy for his opponent through his merciless dominance and cruel mutilation of Hardy's body, while making the central moment of the match feel as violent as a botched blade job. The rest of the match is brutal as well, making the most of the stipulation, but it will always feel transported from another era because of that spot. It's still hard to believe that they got away with it in the PG era.