In the realm of WWE, few match types evoke as much excitement, brutality, and chaos as Hell in a Cell. This iconic match features two or more wrestlers engaging inside an imposing steel structure that promises punishment for anyone who makes contact with its unforgiving walls.
Since its introduction in 1997, Hell in a Cell has delivered some of the most captivating contests in WWE history, cementing its status as a pivotal part of the WWE narrative to this day. Typically occurring only once or twice per year, these matches symbolize the climax of intense rivalries between wrestlers.
Often, Hell in a Cell signifies a wrestler’s last opportunity to capture a coveted championship or settle a deeply personal feud. In 2009, WWE expanded this concept into a themed pay-per-view event that ran annually until 2022. While some fans view later cell matches as less impactful than their predecessors, a few outstanding encounters still shine through.
Compiling a list of the greatest Hell in a Cell matches is no simple task; however, I have identified ten matches that exemplify the sheer brilliance of this match type, based on in-ring quality, storytelling, and long-lasting impact on the wrestlers and the company.
10 The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Armageddon 2005
|
Date |
December 18, 2005 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Providence, Rhode Island |
|
Winner |
The Undertaker at 31:31 |
After struggling to establish a face persona, Randy Orton returned to his villainous roots in 2005, setting his sights on The Undertaker and his legendary undefeated streak. Following Orton’s initial defeat, tensions simmered until the Legend Killer interfered in Taker’s title shot, reigniting their feud.
Over subsequent months, both wrestlers exchanged victories, leading to a climactic confrontation in December where they met inside Hell in a Cell—an appropriate setting given The Undertaker’s legacy in this type of match. Despite intense attempts from Orton for assistance from his father, the match ended with Taker delivering one final Tombstone to seal Orton’s fate.
This showdown encapsulated Orton’s goal to prove himself against wrestling’s greatest legend but also showcased his overconfidence and its consequences. While it resolved their long-standing feud, the match itself was somewhat hampered by a slow initial pace, along with the controversial bloodshed involving Bob Orton due to his health history.
9 D-Generation X vs. The McMahons & Big Show
Unforgiven 2006
|
Date |
September 17, 2006 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
|
Winner |
D-Generation X at 25:05 |
In the tumultuous year of 2006, Vince McMahon found himself embroiled in a rivalry with Shawn Michaels, leading to intense battles involving McMahon, his son Shane, and even the Spirit Squad. Eventually, with the return of Triple H, D-Generation X reemerged, setting the stage for a substantial showdown.
As tensions escalated, the McMahons enlisted the Big Show to their side, culminating in a chaotic affair at Unforgiven inside Hell in a Cell. The match was laden with violent moments and blood, showcasing D-Generation X’s signature humor amidst the chaos. Despite lacking deep wrestling technique, the humorous elements were quintessential to DX’s charm, ensuring an entertaining spectacle.
8 Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
Hell in a Cell 2022
|
Date |
June 5, 2022 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Rosemont, Illinois |
|
Winner |
Cody Rhodes at 24:20 |
After a successful stint in All Elite Wrestling, Cody Rhodes returned to WWE in 2021, quickly reigniting his rivalry with Seth Rollins. Following victories for Rhodes at WrestleMania 38 and Backlash, their rivalry reached a dramatic conclusion at Hell in a Cell, despite Rhodes suffering a torn pectoral muscle prior to the match.
With a striking bruise visible on his shoulder, Rhodes faced Rollins, who taunted him by donning the polka-dot attire of Dusty Rhodes, Cody’s father. Throughout their battle, Rollins relentlessly targeted Rhodes’ injury, while Cody symbolically employed a bullrope, a nod to his family’s legacy. Ultimately, Rhodes emerged victorious, solidifying this match’s status as one of the best in modern history and the final contest at the Hell in a Cell event.
7 The Undertaker vs. Edge
Summerslam 2008
|
Date |
August 17, 2008 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Indianapolis, Indiana |
|
Winner |
The Undertaker at 26:44 |
The dramatic rivalry between The Undertaker and Edge intensified after Edge’s wedding was interrupted by the revelation of his affair with Alicia Fox. Vickie Guerrero, enraged by Edge’s betrayal, reinstated The Undertaker, setting the stage for a Hell in a Cell showdown at Summerslam 2008.
This match was a fierce confrontation filled with brutal moments and dramatic circumstances, ultimately culminating in The Undertaker chokeslamming Edge through the ring, a fitting end to their storied rivalry. Many consider this encounter to be among the finest in Edge’s career and a remarkable testament to the storytelling abilities of WWE at that time.
6 Triple H vs. Cactus Jack
No Way Out 2000
|
Date |
February 27, 2000 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Hartford, Connecticut |
|
Winner |
Triple H at 24:00 |
The fierce conflict between Triple H and Cactus Jack at No Way Out marked a significant moment for both athletes. For Mick Foley, it signaled the twilight of his career as a full-time competitor, while recognizing Triple H’s ascent as a main-event star.
After a brutal street fight at the Royal Rumble, Cactus Jack challenged Triple H to a rematch inside Hell in a Cell, with the stipulation that he would retire if he lost. Their fierce encounter was laden with ferocity, showcasing the resilience of both competitors. Despite the intense nature of this match, Foley later returned to the ring, slightly detracting from what many consider to be a legendary confrontation.
5 6-Way Hell In A Cell Match
Armageddon 2000
|
Date |
December 10, 2000 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Birmingham, Alabama |
|
Winner |
Kurt Angle at 32:12 |
While WWE predominantly reserved Hell in a Cell for one-on-one encounters, Armageddon 2000 featured a unique six-man brawl inside the cell. After Kurt Angle seized the WWF Championship from The Rock at No Mercy, a series of brutal confrontations ensued, prompting Commissioner Mick Foley to set up this all-star match.
The event culminated in a chaotic and hard-hitting affair lasting thirty minutes, concluding with Angle stealing a pin from The Rock following a Stone Cold Stunner. This match prioritized carnage over storytelling, creating an unforgettable spectacle, albeit a one-time occurrence that maintains its exclusive legacy.
4 Triple H vs. Batista
Vengeance 2005
|
Date |
June 26, 2005 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
|
Winner |
Baptista at 26:53 |
The compelling narrative during the Ruthless Aggression era revolved around the dissolution of Evolution and Batista’s battle for Triple H’s World Heavyweight Championship. After two years of mentorship, Batista finally recognized the threat his former ally posed to his own success and challenged him.
Following a triumphant victory at WrestleMania 21, Batista and Triple H met again inside Hell in a Cell at Vengeance. The match highlighted Batista’s ferocity, demonstrating why he earned the moniker “The Animal, ”while Triple H’s efforts to maintain control showcased their contrasting roles. Many fans regard this match as one of Batista’s best performances and a definitive encounter that underscored the intensity of their rivalry.
3 The Undertaker vs. Triple H
WrestleMania 28
|
Date |
April 1, 2012 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Miami Gardens, Florida |
|
Winner |
The Undertaker at 30:53 |
After their previous clash at WrestleMania 27, where The Undertaker triumphed despite sustained damage, the Deadman sought a rematch to clear any doubts regarding their rivalry. The intense exchanges between him and Triple H were amplified with Shawn Michaels as the special referee, who found himself torn between friendship and impartiality.
As the match unfolded, the stakes grew higher, with Michaels’ reluctant involvement heightening tensions. The bout is often hailed as one of the finest moments in Undertaker’s career, marking a highlight in both his and Triple H’s legacies. While opinions vary on its ranking among Undertaker’s matches, few can deny its significance in their storied careers.
2 The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
Badd Blood: In Your House
|
Date |
October 5, 1997 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
St. Louis, Missouri |
|
Winner |
Shawn Michaels at 30:00 |
A pivotal clash emerged from the fallout of Shawn Michaels inadvertently costing The Undertaker a championship match against Bret Hart, setting the stage for a fierce confrontation at Badd Blood. This match was revolutionary, showcasing the dynamic and brutal nature of the Hell in a Cell structure for the first time.
With an exhilarating thirty-minute battle, the match cemented its place in wrestling history not only for the intensity of the fight but for the shocking debut of Kane, The Undertaker’s brother, whose interference secured Michaels’ victory. This memorable event reshaped professional wrestling and is remembered for both its match quality and dramatic story development.
1 The Undertaker vs. Mankind
King of the Ring 1998
|
Date |
June 28, 1998 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
|
Winner |
The Undertaker at 17:38 |
The most iconic match in the history of Hell in a Cell is undoubtedly the clash between The Undertaker and Mankind at King of the Ring 1998. Their feud escalated following Mankind’s interference in a match, resulting in a brutal showdown that forever changed the perception of this match type.
In a breathtaking moment that has become legendary, The Undertaker hurled Mankind off the top of the cell, sending him crashing through the announcer’s table—a feat almost beyond comprehension. The intense brutality of this matchup, combined with Mankind’s incredible toughness and unforgettable commentary, solidified it as a seminal moment in WWE history. No subsequent Hell in a Cell match has matched its adrenaline-fueled chaos and emotional weight, leaving an indelible mark on wrestling lore.
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