WWE Hell in a Cell 2016: Reigns vs. Rusev Isn’t Worthy of Cell Match

The boring feud between Reigns and Rusev is being extended to Hell in a Cell because WWE doesn’t know what else to do with them.

This past Monday’s episode of RAW opened with United States Champion Roman Reigns reminding everyone that he is apparently out of the WWE post-suspension doghouse. Curiously, he didn’t address the recent heel turn of his cousins, The Usos. I know they are on different shows, but Reigns never missed an opportunity to link himself with them before so why stop now? Perhaps he didn’t have time since it wasn’t long before Lana emerged to discuss yet another match with Rusev because, hey, why not?

The pair went back-and-forth for a bit before Rusev inevitably came out for a short brawl that seemed to end with a brutal kick to Reign’s neck. With the champion incapacitated, Rusev began to walk away with the belt (because that’s how title changes work now?) until Reigns appeared out of nowhere to deliver a Superman punch to the Bulgarian Brute. I don’t know about you, but I would consider that situation pretty much handled and go find myself some good eats at the craft services table. Since the WWE is determined to drag this feud out until at least Halloween, Reigns stipulates that the two will meet at the October 30th Hell in a Cell PPV, making it the first confirmed match for the event.

Here’s the problem: a good HIAC match requires two competitors who can effectively make use of the unforgiving structure, otherwise we are left with nothing more than a glorified cage match. Despite being considered a kingmaker (or career ender, depending on your perspective) the star of this match is always the cell itself. Reigns and Rusev have been feuding since August with approximately one meaningful match between them which took place at Clash of Champions in September and saw Reigns take the U.S. title from Rusev who held it for 126 days. Hell in a Cell should be used to end feuds, not treated as just another rematch location.

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The biggest hurdle here is that the interactions between these men haven’t been that good, to begin with. Since August 1st, the storyline has been all about easing Reigns back into the good graces of the WWE Universe after his 30-day suspension for a violation of the talent wellness policy. Their much-hyped match at SummerSlam never took place and was declared “no contest” after Rusev attacked Reigns before the bell rang. The two men scrapped until security pulled them apart but not before Reigns delivered a spear to Rusev. The fans felt cheated and with good reason.

Hell in a Cell used to mean something great, but lately, it’s been all sizzle and no steak. The last time this gimmick was used at WrestleMania 32 between The Undertaker and Shane McMahon it resulted in a terrible match because the cell only really came into play for the inevitable Shane-O-Mac bump that ultimately cost him the win. While Reigns is physically more than capable of handling himself, I don’t see Rusev holding up his end of the deal.

Related Story: Roman Reigns vs. Rusev U.S. Title Match Set For WWE Hell in a Cell 2016

There are far better match-ups that would have found success as a HIAC main event. Cesaro and Sheamus could have finally ended their “Best of 7” schtick with an epic match inside the cell. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens could have cemented their legacy as two of the biggest stars in WWE with a performance that would probably have been nominated for Match of the Year. Instead of these gems, we will likely get another lackluster performance inside what used to be the perennial showcase of the Attitude Era.