WWE Hell In A Cell 2017: Assessing The Potential Quality Of All 8 Matches

3. The New Day Vs. The Usos - WWE SmackDown Tag Team Title Hell In A Cell Match

Shane McMahon Kevin Owens
WWE.com

This should handily surpass everything else on the show. Perhaps even more than that.

The great thing about this series is that the matches are both stupidly exciting on face value - the two über-athletic and hugely characterful teams clearly love working with each other, and because of that, don't mind properly laying it in to get their matches over as something legitimate - and reward those paying strict attention. They are more than the sum parts of their moves; they only get sh*t in that makes sense, and they remember the sh*t they got in the last match to make the next match logical and easy to immerse oneself in. The work, both in the ring and in the promo department, surely elevates this to the forefront of the WWE Feud of the Year conversation. As a complete package - killer workrate, entertaining segments, longevity, consistency - nothing beats it.

This is one of few feuds in recent memory to earn the legendary stipulation. If this match builds on the superb body of work all five men have assembled - and makes best use of the structure's inherent drama and gravitas - this might best Tyler Bate Vs. Pete Dunne from TakeOver: Chicago as WWE Match of the Year.

Maximum Star Rating Ceiling: ****3/4

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!