Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Welcome to my ongoing blog for WWE's Hell In A Cell.
As we reported earlier today, there were rumors all day that Cody Rhodes was hurt and unfortunately, there was truth to those stories in that he's torn his pectoral muscle off the bone. Those we have spoken to who have seen it backstage have told us it looked extremely rough and gnarly. For Cody, this couldn't have come at a worse time, given he's main eventing his first-ever WWE PPV tonight and his imagine is literally the graphic for the show and he'd been prominently figured into all the Money in the Bank promotion for 7/2 as well. The word backstage is that Rhodes has been adamant that he wants to work going forward, but in many cases with a major injury like this, discretion is the better part of valor. While no one has told me this is the plan, one would think he may be better off disappearing, getting surgery and returning for Wrestlemania season. Obviously, this is not what he would want given the momentum he's built since returning to WWE, but this is a pretty major injury, if what has been announced is 100% legit (and I have no idea currently to believe otherwise) and WWE is so conservative these days about talents working hurt that it may be just a matter of time before Rhodes is overruled. If nothing else, this adds a new dimension of intruige going into tonight's show, but certainly not in the way Cody, Seth Rollins or anyone who is invested in the main event tonight wanted.
It should be interesting to see if WWE pads the undercard to eat up some of the time that would have gone to the Hell in A Cell. I know several talents, including Veer Mahan and Rey Mysterio were brought to the show at the last minute, so we'll see.
We open Hell In A Cell with Becky Lynch vs. Asuka vs. Bianca Belair for the Raw Women's Championship. Whoever conceptualizes Becky Lynch's ring gear doesn't get paid enough. Just really fun, unique stuff every week these days and she comes of looking like a star, just this bright, askew personality that shines and is accentuated by the outfits she wears to the ring.
Asuka looked great early on cleaning house. Becky took her out while Asuka was on the top and just tore away at Bianca, putting some sympathy on the champ. Lynch's legdrop off the ropes on Bianca, who was draped across the center rope, looked awesome. She then followed it up with an ALABAMA JAM! We miss you Bobby Eaton. Asuka made the same and nearly scored the win. This was been a fun match with the usual WWE formula of one competitor temporarily out of it, only to return and make the save at the last second.
Bianca showed off her strength with a great delayed vertical suplex on Becky. They all battled and teased a Tower of Doom spot. Asuka was shoved off but nailed inverted Lung Blowers on her opponents. She scored near falls on each, so they are giving her a bit of a spotlight here. As soon as I wrote that, she pulled off stereo ankle locks. Everyone battled with Asuka drilling Bianca with a kick to the head and Becky tossing Asuka out, trying to pick the bones (which has been a regular live event finish in the past) but Asuka rebounded and broke up the pinfall at the last second.
They had a pretty unique finish. Becky had the Disarmher on Asuka in the ropes. Bianca pulled her into a KOD on the apron, but Asuka nailed them and Bianca was sent to the floor. Asuka locked on the Asuka Lock to try and force the tapout on Becky but Bianca returned. Bianca nailed a suplex into the buckles but was sent to the floor. Becky went to pick the bones again but Bianca returned and tossed her and scored the pin. The idea was Bianca stole Becky's own antics out from under her feet. This sets up Becky vs. Bianca, I guess, for Summerslam.
Asuka looked really good here and it it a shame she had to take the fall here but the work from all three was very strong. A damn good athletic back and forth opener. For about 20 minutes, they did their thing and they did it well.
Cedric wanted to help MVP and Omos tonight but was told to get lost. We will see if he does.
Up next is MVP & Omos vs. Bobby Lashley. They made it out that it was surprising MVP started. What, they expected Omos to carry this? Plus, it's not like MVP isn't a former U.S. Champion. Lashley was worked over but made a comeback. Omos tagged in and reversed a suplex attempt, lifting and slamming Lashley. He tributed Vinnie Vegas with Snake Eyes into the buckles.
They battled to the floor where Lashley was tackled, sort of, through the barricades. They teased a countout with Lashley just getting back in at the last moment as the crowd chanted for him and popped. He came back to spear MVP but Omos broke up the pinfall attempt. He locked on the Iron Claw but Cedric Alexander jumped in and got wrecked. This distracted Omos, who Bobby speared. The crowd loved this and chanted for Bobby, who avoided a Yakuza Kick from MVP and locked on the Full Nelson with MVP going down for the submission.
This was very predictable but the live crowd popped for every Lashley comeback and the victory, which is all that matters. It worked. Whether they follow up on Cedric trying to help (or was he?) remains to be seen. I really wish WWE would do something more with him, as that guy is a workhorse. The big Bobby push rolls on.
Chicago, as a live crowd, has been AWESOME thus far.
They pushed the return of Miz & Maryse.
The announce team reiterated that Cody Rhodes will compete in the main event tonight. They also pushed it will be their final encounter.
More blog thoughts on Page 2!
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
| Daman Game | 55 club | vn168 | 92lottery | vn168 | 92lottery | Daman Game | 51 Game | Jai club | Jai club | Dost Win | Pinoy365 |
Bang On Casino
