10 Most Divisive WWE Match Outcomes Ever

5. Sasha Banks Vs. Charlotte - Hell In A Cell 2016

Goldberg Lesnar
WWE.com

Few predicted that Charlotte would emerge from Hell In A Cell with the Women's Title in tow.

The division in the aftermath seemed to write itself. Charlotte could have blamed her loss of form on Dana Brooke, initiating hostilities with her former protege. Champion Banks could contend with Nia Jax. Bayley could narrowly edge out and enhance the stature of the debuting Emmalina to prepare herself for a WrestleMania title challenge.

But, against conventional wisdom, Charlotte emerged victorious - but did it position her as a dominant heel, or was it a case of rote 50/50 booking? Did it, in counterproductive fashion, underscore Banks as a stricken weakling more so than it did highlight her fortitude?

Those questions remain unanswered weeks later - and what's worrying is that, if rumours are to be believed, WWE intends to waste months' worth of time and investment, yet again, to serve the master of mainstream presence. WWE, it would appear, are not fortifying Charlotte to position her as antagonist for Bayley - but for Ronda Rousey.

Those in support of that idea really could do with remembering how terrible the post-WrestleMania season is when the Show of Shows is too heavily predicated on the stars of yesteryear.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!