In a few days, WWE will be busting out a gimmick match that we haven’t seen in years. It’s a match that is usually reserved for the most personal of programs. One that has included some of the most vicious moments in the history of professional wrestling. A gimmick that goes by the very fitting name of 3 Stages of Hell.
Comprised of three matches, each with its own stipulation, 3 Stages of Hell has had a suspect history. It’s not a match we see very often, and considering the length required to tell a proper story, it’s a match that can run on much longer than needed. It’s also a contest that can involve great wrestling and brutal spots.
It’s a 50/50 shot for the viewing audience when the gimmick is announced. With a new one being added, it’s the perfect time to look back and see how the rest of the 3 Stages of Hell fared.
6) John Cena vs Ryback (Payback 2013)
Coming out of WrestleMania 29, John Cena needed an opponent, and Ryback stepped in, who was gaining support from the crowd and the office. He was the perfect monster heel for WWE to feed to Cena, and for the most part, their program didn’t turn many heads.
Their one moment that stood out was a passable 3 Stages of Hell match that took place at Payback 2013. The match set itself apart from other gimmicks of the same name by starting the contest off with a Lumberjack Match, replacing the usual standard wrestling gimmick that is present for most on this list. It was a nice touch and gave the fans more of what they crave.
Why this match is at the bottom of the list is more an indicator of the matches that follow. The Lumberjack, Tables, and Ambulance matches all had their entertaining moments. Ryback and Cena used the gimmick well, and the crowd was into it. However, it takes a back seat to the five other matches that operated at a higher level.
