9 Match Star Ratings For WWE Hell In A Cell 2019
8. Becky Lynch Vs. Sasha Banks - RAW Women's Title Hell In A Cell Match
Tremendous and creative from the jump, Becky responded to Sasha's early heel heat spot by grabbing the chain that locks the Cell and smashing her in the abdomen with it, in a quality, poetic sequence of retribution.
This was an awesome match loaded with intensity and an expertly-crafted sense of animosity that enabled an intoxicating suspension of disbelief. The heel/babyface dynamic was in perfect balance: Sasha, knowing what she had awakened in Becky, attempted a series of flash pins: Becky, beautifully consistent with her character, kicked out of everything, drunk on the prospect of a fight.
Sasha's ring style lent itself perfectly to the stipulation; slight and reckless, the sight of her frame careening off the mesh was as cathartic as it was harrowing, layering the match with several tones, and her Meteora into the ladder looked like (yes) hell on her knees. The pacing was masterful; she played the heel brilliantly, but it was underpinned with a respect. This was committed, and anything but cheap: in an era of 50/50 that is still ongoing, either woman would have emerged a worthy winner.
Becky "prevailed" after weathering a sustained onslaught, but not before attempting a roll-up of her own. This was an inspired sequence that put her opponent over immaculately: that onslaught was so vicious that she, just for a moment, tried to slip out of the fight. Some fans bemoaned the result - who else but Sasha is remotely worthy of prising the title away from Becky? - but for your writer's money, there were no complaints.
Becky Lynch headlining WrestleMania 35 was not her biggest achievement of 2019. Conspiring to stay credible and over in this system is walking-on-water sh*t.
Long may it continue.
Star Rating: ★★★★½