Hell in a Cell
Hell in a Cell is a hardcore professional wrestling match stipulation originated by WWE, in which combatants are confined inside a towering, roofed steel cage structure that fully encloses the ring and ringside area to prevent interference or escape, with the bout won exclusively by pinfall or submission within the ring itself. The cage stands 20 feet in height, encloses the ring and ringside area, and weighs around five tons[1][2], allowing for unrestricted no-disqualification action including climbs, weapon use, and perilous high-risk spots against the unforgiving metal framework. The structure has evolved from an original design of 16 feet high and two tons to the current larger version. Debuting on October 5, 1997, at the Badd Blood: In Your House pay-per-view event in St. Louis, Missouri, the inaugural Hell in a Cell pitted The Undertaker against Shawn Michaels in a savage feud-ender that introduced the concept's brutal potential, complete with a demonic atmosphere and the debut of Kane[3][4]. This matchup established the format as a vessel for personal vendettas and extreme storytelling, evolving from traditional steel cage matches by adding a roof and expanded footprint for greater danger and spectacle[5]. Over nearly three decades, more than 50 Hell in a Cell contests have taken place, often headlining major events and featuring up to six participants, with the stipulation's legacy marked by iconic violence such as Mick Foley's (as Mankind) plummet through the cage roof onto the announce table in 1998; the most recent match as of 2024 was at Bad Blood between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre[3][2]. The Hell in a Cell has profoundly influenced WWE's programming, serving as the backdrop for seven World Championship changes and earning acclaim for its role in pushing physical and narrative boundaries, though it has drawn criticism for the inherent injury risks to performers. In 2009, WWE launched a pay-per-view event titled Hell in a Cell, held annually until 2022, where at least one such match headlined the card, further cementing the format's cultural significance within the industry[4]. Despite occasional variations—like multi-man eliminations or career-threatening stipulations—the core remains a symbol of unyielding combat, reserved for WWE's most heated rivalries[6].Match Concept
Rules and Objectives
The Hell in a Cell match is an enclosed, no-disqualification contest where wrestlers battle inside a massive steel cage surrounding the ring and ringside area, with no count-outs enforced to permit unrestricted action throughout the structure.[2] The primary objective is to achieve victory via pinfall or submission, typically within the ring, though rare exceptions have allowed pins outside it, such as on the cage roof.[7] Escape over the top of the cage or through the door is permitted for tactical purposes like climbing to fight atop the structure, but it has never been a valid win condition and remains rare due to the emphasis on decisive in-match finishes.[4] Since its debut in 1997 under WWF bylaws, the "no escape" rule has defined the format as a contained blood feud settler, evolving from traditional steel cage matches where exiting the enclosure could secure a win; this shift ensured prolonged, high-stakes violence without premature conclusions, and no Hell in a Cell bout has ever ended via escape.[2] The stipulation reinforces isolation, with the cage door locked at the start to bar external involvement, though wrestlers may use the environment—including the cage walls and roof—for weapons and maneuvers.[7] The referee operates from outside the cage, positioned at ringside to monitor visibility through the chain-link fencing and signal the bell only upon confirming a pinfall or submission, as internal access is impossible during the match.[4] These procedural elements, established in the 1997 WWF guidelines, have seen no major alterations in win mechanics or interference prohibitions into the 2020s, maintaining the match's core as a brutal, self-contained showdown without time limits.[2]Cage Design and Construction
The Hell in a Cell is an imposing steel cage structure engineered to fully enclose the wrestling ring and surrounding ringside area, enforcing containment during the match. Constructed primarily from open-weave steel mesh chain-link fencing supported by robust steel posts, the design incorporates a solid mesh ceiling to eliminate any possibility of aerial escape. This configuration distinguishes it from simpler cage variants by creating a fully sealed environment that encloses the ring and ringside area. The materials emphasize durability, with the fencing providing visibility for spectators while the reinforced framework withstands intense physical interactions.[4][7] Debuting in 1997, the original Hell in a Cell measured 16 feet in height and weighed over two tons, reflecting an early emphasis on scale to intimidate and isolate combatants. By the early 2000s, WWE upgraded the structure to its current standard of 20 feet tall and roughly five tons, enhancing overall stability and enabling more dynamic utilization of the elevated roof space without compromising integrity. These evolutions prioritize both spectacle and structural resilience, particularly following high-impact moments that tested the cage's limits.[4][1][8] The construction process involves the WWE production crew assembling the cage from prefabricated modular panels, which are transported to the venue and methodically installed around the pre-set ring. This setup typically occurs in the hours leading up to the event, as captured in official time-lapse documentation, ensuring precise alignment and secure fastening to the arena floor. Safety considerations are integral to the build, featuring deep ground anchors to prevent shifting under load, internal ring padding on turnbuckles and posts to cushion impacts, and a singular access door locked with heavy chains and a padlock—designed for referee entry while allowing rapid intervention by medical personnel through designated emergency points. Post-incident reinforcements, such as additional bracing added after structural breaches in the late 1990s and early 2000s, have further solidified the cage against unintended failures.[9][4][10]Historical Development
Origins and Debut
The concept of Hell in a Cell originated from wrestling executive Jim Cornette, who pitched the elevated, roofed cage structure to WWF Chairman Vince McMahon as a way to resolve high-stakes feuds where interference had repeatedly undermined conclusions, aiming for an inescapable environment that would force a definitive outcome. Cornette drew inspiration from Memphis-style steel cages that enclosed the ring and ringside area and the roofed design of WarGames matches.[11] The Hell in a Cell match was first announced in mid-1997 amid the intensifying rivalry between The Undertaker and WWF Champion Shawn Michaels, which had escalated following a controversial double count-out at SummerSlam that year, leaving their conflict unresolved and fans demanding closure. McMahon positioned the structure as the ultimate solution for their no-holds-barred confrontation, revealing it during WWF programming as a custom-built enclosure to determine the number one contender for the WWF Championship at Survivor Series. The buildup emphasized the feud's supernatural undertones, with Michaels aligning with The Hart Foundation against The Undertaker's dark persona, heightening anticipation for the unprecedented spectacle.[10] The debut occurred on October 5, 1997, at Bad Blood: In Your House in St. Louis, Missouri, where The Undertaker faced Shawn Michaels in the main event, lasting approximately 30 minutes and culminating in Michaels' victory via pinfall after interference from The Hart Foundation, followed by the dramatic debut of Kane through a burst of pyrotechnics resembling a "Hellmouth." Production for the inaugural event presented significant challenges, as the 16-foot-high steel cell was constructed in secrecy to preserve the surprise for the performers and audience, with the crew testing its structural integrity under intense time pressure. WWE promoted the match as "the deadliest structure in sports entertainment," billing it in advertisements as an innovative cage that would trap combatants in unrelenting peril, marking a pivotal shift in WWF's presentation of extreme matches.[12][10][13]Evolution and Variations
Following its debut, the Hell in a Cell format began incorporating more extreme elements in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including high-risk maneuvers from the cage's roof and explicit allowances for weapons under the no-disqualification rules. The 1998 King of the Ring event featured the first prominent roof spot when The Undertaker threw Mankind off the top of the cell onto the announcer's table, followed by a chokeslam through the roof onto the ring canvas, setting a precedent for dramatic aerial risks that influenced subsequent matches. Weapons such as chairs, tables, and sledgehammers became staples, enhancing the match's brutality while adhering to the core no-escape stipulation.[4] In the mid-2010s, the format expanded to include women's divisions, with initial teases during storylines in 2016 leading to the first full women's Hell in a Cell match that same year at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, where Sasha Banks defended the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Charlotte Flair inside the structure. This milestone marked a significant evolution, integrating the stipulation into women's programming and paving the way for future high-stakes bouts, such as Bayley vs. Sasha Banks in 2020. Notable variations emerged to hybridize the format with other concepts, adding unique thematic twists. The Kennel from Hell match at Unforgiven 1999 between Al Snow and Big Boss Man for the WWF Hardcore Championship incorporated a secondary cage atop the cell containing rottweilers, intended to escalate the chaos but resulting in logistical issues with the dogs.[14] In the 2020s, adaptations focused on broader accessibility beyond premium live events, including house show implementations with scaled-down structures for regional tours and occasional use in NXT programming with cage variations, though full Hell in a Cell structures have been rare in developmental events. In recent years, including 2024, Hell in a Cell has continued to headline major events like Bad Blood, maintaining its role in high-stakes rivalries. These non-pay-per-view uses allowed for experimentation with the format in live settings, maintaining the core rules while adjusting for venue constraints.Notable Matches
Iconic Male Matches
The Hell in a Cell stipulation has hosted numerous iconic male matches that have elevated the format through extreme physicality, dramatic storytelling, and career-defining moments, often serving as blowoffs to heated rivalries. The June 28, 1998, King of the Ring event featured one of the most infamous encounters between The Undertaker and Mankind (Mick Foley), where Foley was thrown off the top of the cell onto the announce table below, resulting in a concussion, a dislocated jaw, and the loss of several teeth—the first major injury angle associated with the structure. The match's brutality continued inside the cell, culminating in Foley being chokeslammed onto a bed of thumbtacks after the pair fought their way through the steel roof, solidifying its status as a benchmark for high-risk wrestling.[15][16] At Judgment Day on May 19, 2002, Triple H defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Chris Jericho in a grueling Hell in a Cell match marked by daring cage climbs, including Jericho scaling the structure only to be pedigreed by Triple H atop the roof, emphasizing the personal animosity fueled by Jericho's obsession with Triple H's wife, Stephanie McMahon. The 25-minute war showcased innovative use of the environment, with both competitors spilling blood and utilizing the cell's walls for high-impact maneuvers, helping establish Jericho as a main-event threat in WWE.[17][18] The rivalry between Triple H and Batista reached its brutal climax at Vengeance on June 26, 2005, in a Hell in a Cell match for the World Heavyweight Championship, serving as the trilogy's decisive chapter following Batista's title win at WrestleMania 21 and a no-contest at Backlash. Triple H unleashed a vicious assault with a steel chain, drawing significant blood from Batista, but the champion retained via pinfall after a Batista Bomb, marking the first time Triple H was pinned clean in the structure and underscoring Batista's evolution from Evolution member to dominant force.[19] At Hell in a Cell on October 27, 2013, Daniel Bryan challenged Randy Orton for the vacant WWE Championship in a match guest-refereed by Shawn Michaels, deeply intertwined with the emerging Authority storyline where Triple H stripped Bryan of the title earlier that night to favor Orton. The 22-minute contest highlighted Bryan's underdog resilience against Orton's calculated aggression, ending with an RKO for Orton's victory, but it amplified fan support for Bryan's "Yes!" movement leading into his WrestleMania 30 triumph.[20][21] At Hell in a Cell on June 5, 2022, Cody Rhodes battled Seth Rollins in a blood-soaked main event amid post-pandemic crowd energy, with Rhodes competing through a torn pectoral muscle and utilizing creative weapon spots like a chair-assisted Cross Rhodes to secure the win despite the injury. The match's intensity and Rhodes' heroic performance drew widespread acclaim for revitalizing the stipulation in front of a live audience after years of limited attendance.[22][23] At Bad Blood on October 5, 2024, CM Punk faced Drew McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match to settle their ongoing rivalry, marked by personal attacks and interference from outside forces. The 38-minute brutal encounter featured multiple weapon spots, including chains and tables, culminating in Punk's victory via GTS after McIntyre was left bloodied, ending their feud and highlighting Punk's resilience post-injury return.) These encounters exemplify common themes in male Hell in a Cell matches, including their pivotal role in championship narratives—such as six World Heavyweight Championship victories or defenses within the structure—and moments that defined careers, like Foley's resilience or Bryan's fan-driven ascent.[2][1]Landmark Female Matches
The introduction of Hell in a Cell matches for female competitors marked a significant milestone in WWE's push for gender equality, beginning with the Women's Revolution in 2015, which elevated women's wrestling to main event status. These bouts, starting in 2016, showcased technical prowess, intense storytelling, and high-stakes drama, often defending championships and drawing record audiences. Women's Hell in a Cell matches use the standard cage structure, emphasizing narrative depth over extreme violence. The inaugural women's Hell in a Cell match occurred on October 30, 2016, at Hell in a Cell, pitting Raw Women's Champion Sasha Banks against Charlotte Flair in a 16-minute contest that main-evented the pay-per-view for the first time in WWE history for a women's match. Flair captured the title via Figure-Eight submission after a hard-fought battle involving kendo sticks and chair shots, symbolizing the division's arrival on wrestling's biggest stage. This match, viewed by over 1.5 million on WWE Network, set a benchmark for women's extreme matches and highlighted the athletic capabilities of the roster.[24] In 2017, at Hell in a Cell on October 8, Charlotte Flair defended the SmackDown Women's Championship against Natalya in a 15-minute technical showcase that expanded the stipulation to the blue brand. Flair retained via Figure-Eight after countering Natalya's Sharpshooter, incorporating chain-assisted spots that underscored the match's brutality while maintaining a focus on in-ring psychology. This bout reinforced the format's viability for women, drawing praise for its pacing and execution amid the ongoing evolution of the division. The 2018 Hell in a Cell event on September 16 featured Raw Women's Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Alexa Bliss in a controversial 9-minute match marred by a kendo stick incident. Initially ruled a no-contest due to Bliss using the weapon, the decision was overturned after Rousey attacked a referee, allowing her to win via armbar and retain the title. The match generated significant buzz, contributing to a record gate of over $1 million at the AT&T Center, though it sparked debates on booking and safety. A pivotal 2020 clash at Hell in a Cell on October 25 saw Sasha Banks challenge SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley in the longest women's Hell in a Cell match to date, lasting 27 minutes and 29 seconds as the main event. Banks won the title with a Bank Statement submission following intense action on the roof, including ladder spots, blending high-risk maneuvers with their year-long rivalry's emotional payoff. This match, praised for its endurance and innovation, peaked at 1.6 million viewers on the WWE Network. Another landmark occurred on October 6, 2019, at Hell in a Cell, where Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch defended against Sasha Banks in an 18-minute grudge match. Lynch retained via Dis-Arm-Her after a table spot and multiple near-falls, solidifying her "The Man" persona and the division's star power. These contests, including two Raw Women's Championship defenses and one title change since 2016, broke barriers by integrating women into WWE's most iconic stipulation, fostering greater parity and fan investment post-Women's Revolution.Reception and Legacy
Critical and Fan Reception
The Hell in a Cell match garnered widespread critical acclaim in its early years for revolutionizing professional wrestling stipulations through its imposing steel structure and capacity for high-stakes drama. Wrestling Observer Newsletter founder Dave Meltzer awarded the debut encounter between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels at Bad Blood: In Your House in 1997 a perfect five-star rating, praising its innovative pacing and psychological intensity that set a new benchmark for cage matches.[25] This sentiment echoed across the industry, highlighting how the format elevated personal rivalries into legendary spectacles during the late 1990s and early 2000s.[13] By the 2010s, reception grew more divided as the stipulation's frequent booking, including the launch of an annual Hell in a Cell pay-per-view in 2009, drew criticism for overexposure and reducing its aura of rarity. Industry observers argued that using the cell in over a dozen matches per decade diluted its impact, turning what was once a rare blowoff into a routine element of WWE programming.[26] Despite this, select bouts like Daniel Bryan versus Randy Orton for the WWE Championship in 2013 received strong praise for their emotional depth and chaotic storytelling, with reviewers noting the match's ability to blend technical prowess with narrative tension even amid controversy.[21] More recently, the 2024 Hell in a Cell match between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood earned a five-star rating from Meltzer, praised for its brutality and storytelling.[25] Critics also pointed to predictability in outcomes, where heels often emerged victorious to propel ongoing arcs, contributing to perceptions of formulaic booking in later iterations. In response to these concerns, WWE discontinued the dedicated Hell in a Cell premium live event after 2022, shifting the structure to more occasional, story-driven applications to restore its prestige.[27] Fan engagement remained robust, with community-driven ratings on sites like Cageside Seats frequently averaging above three stars for marquee cell matches, reflecting enduring appeal in the streaming era.[28]Cultural Influence and Safety Concerns
Hell in a Cell has left a significant mark on popular culture, particularly through its portrayal of extreme physical risk and dramatic storytelling, which has been referenced in mainstream media and other entertainment forms. ESPN has extensively covered the match type, highlighting moments like the 1998 clash between The Undertaker and Mankind as pivotal in WWE history, contributing to wrestling's broader appeal beyond niche audiences.[29] The format's intensity has inspired cinematic variations in rival promotions, such as AEW's 2020 Stadium Stampede match, a large-scale, no-holds-barred brawl that echoed the enclosed chaos of Hell in a Cell while adapting it for empty-arena production during the COVID-19 pandemic.[30] Documentaries have further amplified its cultural footprint by examining the human cost behind the spectacle. The 2025 episode of Vice's "Dark Side of the Ring" titled "Mick Foley: Hell in a Cell" delves into the 1998 match's legacy, featuring Foley's firsthand account of the physical toll and its role in elevating wrestling's dramatic narrative.[31] Such coverage has helped transition Hell in a Cell from a wrestling staple to a symbol of endurance in sports entertainment, influencing how high-stakes conflicts are depicted in television and film. Safety concerns have been central to discussions surrounding Hell in a Cell since its inception, given the structure's height and unforgiving steel design, which has led to numerous legitimate injuries over its history. In the debut 1997 match at Badd Blood, Shawn Michaels sustained a legitimate knee injury after being thrown into the cage wall by The Undertaker, highlighting early risks in the untested format.[32] The most infamous incident occurred in 1998 at King of the Ring, where Mick Foley, as Mankind, was thrown off the cell roof by The Undertaker, resulting in a dislocated shoulder, bruised kidney, temporary loss of consciousness, and a knocked-out tooth from the impact.[15] Another notable case is Shane McMahon's burst blood vessel and blown-out belly button after leaping off the cell roof against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 32 in 2016.[33] In response to these dangers, WWE has evolved its approach to safety in cage matches, incorporating structural modifications and medical protocols. Following high-profile incidents in the late 1990s and 2000s, the company reinforced the cell's roof and walls starting in the early 2000s to prevent unintended breaks, as seen in Foley's second fall through the cage in 1998.[34] By the 2010s, WWE introduced comprehensive concussion management protocols in 2015, mandating baseline testing, post-match evaluations, and scans for head impacts in extreme stipulations like Hell in a Cell, aiming to address long-term neurological risks.[35] These measures, combined with reduced emphasis on rooftop spots, reflect a shift toward performer welfare, though critics argue the match's inherent violence continues to pose ethical challenges. The format's legacy includes over 50 Hell in a Cell matches in WWE since 1997, which have influenced independent promotions by popularizing enclosed cage concepts for high-drama feuds.[36] Many indies have adapted similar structures for signature events, drawing from WWE's blueprint to create affordable yet intense spectacles that homage the original while navigating budget constraints.[37] This proliferation underscores Hell in a Cell's role in standardizing extreme wrestling globally, though its decreased frequency in WWE post-2022—following the discontinuation of the dedicated pay-per-view—signals ongoing prioritization of safety over spectacle.[38]Match Listings
Male Hell in a Cell Matches
The male Hell in a Cell matches represent the majority of the match type's usage in WWE, with 48 contests featuring exclusively male participants from the debut in 1997 through the most recent in 2024. The Undertaker leads all wrestlers in appearances with 14, followed by Triple H with 10; notable win-loss records include The Undertaker at 8-6, Triple H at 6-4, and Randy Orton at 5-3.[2][39] These matches have often carried high stakes, such as championships or career implications, and durations vary widely based on the narrative intensity. No male Hell in a Cell matches have occurred in 2023 (except WrestleMania 39) or 2025 as of November 2025.[3]| Date | Event | Participants | Winner | Stipulation | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 5, 1997 | Badd Blood: In Your House | The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels | Shawn Michaels | Singles match (#1 contender for WWF Championship) | 28:05 |
| June 15, 1998 | Raw Is War | The Undertaker & Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Kane & Mankind | No contest | Tag team match | 10:38 |
| June 28, 1998 | King of the Ring | The Undertaker vs. Mankind | The Undertaker | Singles match | 16:43 |
| August 24, 1998 | Raw Is War | Kane vs. Mankind | No contest | Singles match | 7:41 |
| March 28, 1999 | WrestleMania XV | The Undertaker vs. Big Boss Man | The Undertaker | Singles match | 9:48 |
| February 27, 2000 | No Way Out | Triple H (c) vs. Cactus Jack | Triple H | Singles match (WWF Championship; loser's career on the line) | 23:59 |
| December 10, 2000 | Armageddon | Kurt Angle (c) vs. The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Undertaker vs. Triple H vs. Rikishi | Kurt Angle | Six-man match (WWF Championship) | 25:45 |
| May 19, 2002 | Judgment Day | Triple H vs. Chris Jericho | Triple H | Singles match | 24:31 |
| October 20, 2002 | No Mercy | Brock Lesnar (c) vs. The Undertaker | Brock Lesnar | Singles match (WWE Championship) | 27:18 |
| June 15, 2003 | Bad Blood | Triple H (c) vs. Kevin Nash | Triple H | Singles match (World Heavyweight Championship) | 18:50 |
| June 13, 2004 | Bad Blood | Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels | Triple H | Singles match | 47:26 |
| June 26, 2005 | Vengeance | Batista (c) vs. Triple H | Batista | Singles match (World Heavyweight Championship) | 26:54 |
| December 18, 2005 | Armageddon | The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton | The Undertaker | Singles match | 15:20 |
| September 17, 2006 | Unforgiven | D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels & Triple H) vs. Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon & Big Show | D-Generation X | Handicap match | 25:04 |
| November 18, 2007 | Survivor Series | Batista (c) vs. The Undertaker | Batista | Singles match (World Heavyweight Championship) | 21:24 |
| August 17, 2008 | SummerSlam | The Undertaker vs. Edge | The Undertaker | Singles match | 26:43 |
| October 4, 2009 | Hell in a Cell | The Undertaker (c) vs. CM Punk | The Undertaker | Singles match (World Heavyweight Championship) | 21:05 |
| October 4, 2009 | Hell in a Cell | John Cena vs. Randy Orton (c) | John Cena | Singles match (WWE Championship) | 25:45 |
| October 4, 2009 | Hell in a Cell | D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels & Triple H) vs. Legacy (Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase) | D-Generation X | Tag team match | 20:50 |
| October 3, 2010 | Hell in a Cell | Randy Orton (c) vs. Sheamus | Randy Orton | Singles match (WWE Championship) | 21:43 |
| October 3, 2010 | Hell in a Cell | Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker | Kane | Singles match (World Heavyweight Championship) | 21:38 |
| October 3, 2010 | Hell in a Cell | Edge (c) vs. Jack Swagger | Edge | Singles match (World Heavyweight Championship) | 11:10 |
| September 26, 2011 | Raw | John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Jack Swagger | John Cena | Five-man match (WWE Championship #1 contender) | 5:01 |
| October 2, 2011 | Hell in a Cell | Mark Henry (c) vs. Randy Orton | Mark Henry | Singles match (World Heavyweight Championship) | 14:50 |
| October 2, 2011 | Hell in a Cell | CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. John Cena | Alberto Del Rio | Triple threat match (WWE Championship) | 23:58 |
| April 1, 2012 | WrestleMania XXVIII | The Undertaker vs. Triple H | The Undertaker | Singles match (special guest referee Shawn Michaels) | 30:52 |
| October 28, 2012 | Hell in a Cell | CM Punk (c) vs. Ryback | CM Punk | Singles match (WWE Championship; Paul Heyman in shark cage) | 15:05 |
| October 27, 2013 | Hell in a Cell | CM Punk vs. Ryback (with Paul Heyman) | CM Punk | Handicap match | 13:48 |
| October 27, 2013 | Hell in a Cell | Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan | Randy Orton | Singles match (WWE Championship; special referee Triple H) | 27:15 |
| October 26, 2014 | Hell in a Cell | John Cena vs. Randy Orton | John Cena | Singles match (#1 contender for WWE World Heavyweight Championship) | 26:25 |
| October 26, 2014 | Hell in a Cell | Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose | Seth Rollins | Singles match | 16:10 |
| October 25, 2015 | Hell in a Cell | Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt | Roman Reigns | Singles match | 20:15 |
| October 25, 2015 | Hell in a Cell | Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker | Brock Lesnar | Singles match | 17:10 |
| April 3, 2016 | WrestleMania 32 | The Undertaker vs. Shane McMahon | The Undertaker | Singles match (if Shane wins, he gains control of Raw) | 30:05 |
| October 30, 2016 | Hell in a Cell | Kevin Owens (c) vs. Seth Rollins | Kevin Owens | Singles match (WWE Universal Championship) | 21:50 |
| October 30, 2016 | Hell in a Cell | Roman Reigns (c) vs. Rusev | Roman Reigns | Singles match (WWE United States Championship) | 24:35 |
| October 8, 2017 | Hell in a Cell | Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon | Kevin Owens | Singles match (special referee Keith Hart) | 11:15 |
| October 8, 2017 | Hell in a Cell | The Usos (Jey & Jimmy) (c) vs. The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) | The Usos | Tag team match (SmackDown Tag Team Championship; tornado tag rules) | 22:00 |
| September 16, 2018 | Hell in a Cell | Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy | Randy Orton | Singles match | 20:05 |
| September 16, 2018 | Hell in a Cell | Roman Reigns (c) vs. Braun Strowman | No contest | Singles match (WWE Universal Championship; special referee Nick Aldis) | 12:20 |
| October 6, 2019 | Hell in a Cell | The Fiend vs. Seth Rollins (c) | The Fiend | Singles match (Universal Championship; match stopped by referee) | 9:25 |
| October 25, 2020 | Hell in a Cell | Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso | Roman Reigns | I Quit match (Universal Championship) | 29:20 |
| October 25, 2020 | Hell in a Cell | Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre (c) | Randy Orton | Singles match (WWE Championship) | 30:35 |
| June 18, 2021 | SmackDown | Roman Reigns (c) vs. Rey Mysterio | Roman Reigns | Singles match (Universal Championship) | 16:01 |
| June 20, 2021 | Hell in a Cell | Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Drew McIntyre | Bobby Lashley | Singles match (WWE Championship) | 21:35 |
| June 21, 2021 | Raw | Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Xavier Woods | Bobby Lashley | Singles match (WWE Championship) | 9:00 |
| October 21, 2021 | Crown Jewel | Edge vs. Seth Rollins | Edge | Singles match | 24:55 |
| June 5, 2022 | Hell in a Cell | Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins | Cody Rhodes | Singles match | 25:40 |
| April 2, 2023 | WrestleMania 39 | Edge vs. Finn Bálor | Edge | Singles match | 15:35 |
| October 5, 2024 | Bad Blood | CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre | CM Punk | Singles match | 32:15 |
Female Hell in a Cell Matches
Female Hell in a Cell matches debuted in 2016, marking a significant milestone in WWE's push for women's wrestling parity by featuring the structure in a title bout for the first time. These contests have been rare, emphasizing high-stakes narratives around championships and personal rivalries. As of November 2025, five such matches have occurred, all under WWE's women's division titles on the main roster.[41][42] The following table provides a chronological record of these matches, including event details, participants, outcomes, title implications, and durations where documented.| Event | Date | Participants | Winner | Title Implications | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hell in a Cell 2016 | October 30, 2016 | Sasha Banks (c) vs. Charlotte Flair | Charlotte Flair | Raw Women's Championship (won) | 16:50 |
| Hell in a Cell 2017 | October 8, 2017 | Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Charlotte Flair | Alexa Bliss | Raw Women's Championship retained | 16:07 |
| Hell in a Cell 2019 | October 6, 2019 | Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sasha Banks | Becky Lynch | Raw Women's Championship retained | 25:30 |
| Hell in a Cell 2020 | October 25, 2020 | Sasha Banks vs. Bayley (c) | Sasha Banks | SmackDown Women's Championship (won) | 24:31 |
| Hell in a Cell 2021 | June 20, 2021 | Bianca Belair vs. Bayley (c) | Bianca Belair | Raw Women's Championship (won) | 25:45 |