Ranking The 28 Greatest Hell In A Cell Matches In WWE History
15. Alberto Del Rio Vs. CM Punk Vs. John Cena (Hell In A Cell 2011)
This is a good opportunity to praise the recently-departed Alberto Del Rio, who was never the most charismatic WWE Superstar, but who could undeniably work. In the old days, guys like him were referred to as mechanics. Del Rio was one of the best mechanics WWE has had in the last decade. He was the star of the 2011 Hell in a Cell main-event. He really stepped up his game in that environment and dominated for long stretches. His credibility needed the boost back then and it got it thanks to his performance. The not-too-recently-departed, downright legendary CM Punk made his case for MVP of the match, too, for bumping like he did and making it feel like more than just a regular match surrounded by a roofed fence. The finish was thrilling. You always think Cena is going to overcome the odds, so it added great drama to see him struggle to re-enter the Cell after having been locked out. Del Rio winning back the title for the 7th title change in 2.5 months was a justifiably questionable decision, but the match itself sits firmly in the middle of the pack as, perhaps, the most forgotten of all Cell matches.
"The Doc" Chad Matthews has written wrestling columns for over a decade. A physician by trade, Matthews began writing about wrestling as a hobby, but it became a passion. After 30 years as a wrestling fan, "The Doc" gives an unmatched analytical perspective on pro wrestling in the modern era. He is a long-time columnist for Lordsofpain.net and hosts a weekly podcast on the LOP Radio Network called "The Doc Says." His first book - The WrestleMania Era: The Book of Sports Entertainment - ranks the Top 90 wrestlers from 1983 to present day, was originally published in December 2013, and is now in its third edition.
Matthews lives in North Carolina with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.
