10 Times WWE Hit Themselves Where It Hurts
5. The Whole Main Event Of Hell In A Cell 2019
Oy. What a mess.
The Fiend is a brilliant character created by Bray Wyatt, a dark reflection of Bray's new, happy puppeteer persona. The introduction and execution were among the best in recent wrestling history.
Hell in a Cell is reserved for the hottest feuds; the ultimate finale for two people who want to destroy each other. The concept has led to some incredible matches.
Rollins vs Fiend in 2019 wasn't one.
In only the Fiend's second match, WWE was backed into a corner. They wanted to try to keep a babyface Seth Rollins looking strong, but didn't want to derail the aura the Fiend had.
Instead, they booked a finish that made both of them look foolish, made the Cell concept pointless (how can you have a ref stoppage in a no-DQ, no holds barred match?), and absolutely infuriated fans both at home and in the arena. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
Even more insulting, the next night on Raw they attempted to have the ref for the match explain his actions; obviously Vince saw the endless blowback online and felt the need to try to save some face.
It was a chance to make a definitive statement about WWE's faith in Bray/The Fiend and it was blown.