#2. Cody Rhodes Delivered the Performance of a Lifetime Against Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell 2022
Upon his triumphant return at WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes entered a major program with Seth “Freakin” Rollins. The American Nightmare defeated Rollins at Mania and WrestleMania Backlash 2022. However, the Visionary wanted Rhodes inside Hell in a Cell.
The two were set to battle inside the Devil’s Playground. Unfortunately, Rhodes tore his pectoral muscle a few days before the namesake PLE, casting doubt over the status of his match. In a surprising but welcome twist, the American Nightmare, who was dealing with a gruesome injury that left the crowd appalled, stepped into the cell with Rollins.
The Visionary had already gotten under Rhodes’ skin by wearing a polka-dotted outfit. One would think that the two men would dial back on the violence, but we couldn’t have been more wrong. The injured pic was the focus of Rollins’ attack. Kendo sticks, Sledgehammers, weight belts, and buckle belts were all brought into the match at some point.
In the end, Rhodes pulled off a Herculean effort by following up two consecutive Cross Rhodes with a sledgehammer shot to the skull for the win. The American Nightmare showed his dedication and loyalty at Hell in a Cell 2022. From then on, no one questioned his commitment to the business.
#1. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood 2024
CM Punk and Drew McIntyre entered Bad Blood 2024 with one of the most personal rivalries WWE had produced in years. The hatred was palpable as neither man held back on their insults, attacks, and schemes. Punk and McIntyre traded victories at SummerSlam and Bash in Berlin.
With neither person backing down and the score yet to be settled, a Hell in a Cell match was sanctioned for Bad Blood 2024. The harrowing war delivered on every expectation as both engaged in a blood-soaked war. McIntyre embarrassed his opponent by dumping bracelet beads on him.
The climax saw Punk avoid the Claymore and stuff the beads in McIntyre’s mouth. The Chicago native wrapped a steel chain around his knee and hit one last GTS to finish off the Scottish Warrior. The match restored the stipulation’s aura while cementing the Punk–McIntyre trilogy as one of WWE’s defining feuds of 2024.
