WWE Hell in a Cell - Grades & analysis
Lived up to its lofty expectationsWWE Hell in a Cell (HIAC) took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Sunday with seven featured matches, which was main evented by the third meeting between Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker since Lesnar’s return to WWE.The preshow kicked off with a victory for the team of Neville, Ziggler and Cesaro over Rusev, Sheamus and Barrett.We grade and analyse each of the matches at the PPV.
#1 US Open Challenge: Alberto Del Rio beats John Cena to become the new US Champion
Who would be John Cena’s mystery opponent? The Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) had been swept by one speculation after another linking superstars like Dolph Ziggler, Dean Ambrose, and even Daniel Bryan to the spot.
However, when the time came to present the challenger, WWE Creative scored a big victory over all the so called pundits.
Zeb Colter would emerge (on a scooter) to answer Cena’s challenge and there were audible groans from the crowd, anticipating that it would be Jack Swagger stepping up. While they were getting ready to accept another one of WWE’s seemingly dumb decisions, a returning Alberto Del Rio emerged from the back.
Fans were on their feet cheering for the former four-time World Champion, who had been fired from WWE over a year ago for standing up to a social media manager who allegedly made a racist joke at him. Once the surprise was revealed, everyone knew what the outcome was going to be.
With Cena planning to take time off after the PPV, it was as clear that the challenger would win the US title. That is exactly what happened at the end of a not so glorious match that lasted just more than eight minutes.
Del Rio countered Cena’s AA into a Backstabber and left the champ on the mat with a powerful kick to the face. Three seconds and a pinfall later, Del Rio would be declared the new United States Champion.
Analysis: The much maligned WWE Creative really scored big with getting Del Rio back to beat Cena. Not only was Del Rio not on any one’s radar as a potential opponent for Cena, but he has also been widely appreciated from all quarters for standing against a racist bully even though it lead to the termination of his first spell at the WWE – something that might lead WWE to finally recapture the Latino fanbase following the departure of Rey Mysterio.
Del Rio is also the current Mega Champion of Mexican promotion AAA. How that adds to his status as the United States Champion remains to be seen.
The only questionable aspect is associating him with someone like Zeb Colter who has been previously part of almost xenophobic storylines involving the Real Americans. WWE clearly feels that Del Rio still needs a mouthpiece – Ricardo Rodriguez, if you are still there somewhere, please step up.
Grades: B for the match, A for the suspense