Ranking The 28 Greatest Hell In A Cell Matches In WWE History
13. Daniel Bryan Vs. Randy Orton (Hell In A Cell 2013)
There was simply too much talent between them for Bryan and Orton not to have a great match at some point. It was not a classic, their Hell in a Cell match, but it was one of the best versions of the gimmick in the last half decade. The climax was clearly setting up something foul, as it became apparent that evil Authoritarian, Triple H, expected special guest referee, HBK, to do dirty work on his behalf. That dirty deed ended up being a superkick to Bryan when the "Yes!" man had the momentum in his favor. The previous two PPVs had done a poor job of delivering Bryan vs. Orton matches that seemed fitting for those who purchased the show, while also fanning the flames of the top feud so that it could continue to be built on television. It had that familiar aura that did the Cell bouts of old. The Miami crowd responded, doing their part to add a much-needed backdrop. Orton and Bryan delivered unique variations of moves, a pace befitting of a presumed end, and clear cut motivation to steal the show for the first 3/4 of the match. Then, Triple H came to the ring and prompted more story-driven action reminiscent of the previous two PPVs. The camera shifted back and forth, creating necessary confusion that well told the tale of corporate collusion.
"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.
