WWE Hell in a Cell 2018: Results, Highlights and Grades
By Bryan Heaton
Photo Source: WWE.com
WWE Championship Match
AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe
Result: AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe via pinfall
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
I was all set to yell about how early in the show the WWE Championship match was going on. Then it hit me: there’s only three other announced matches on the WWE Hell in a Cell 2018 card after this — Mixed Tag, Raw Women’s Title, and Universal Title. So, uh, maybe it’s not that early?
Sometimes, there's no need to get fancy...#HIAC #WWETitle @SamoaJoe pic.twitter.com/c7PBcXEYPL
— WWE (@WWE) September 17, 2018
Of all the matches on the card, this is one of two with the absolute best build, and most coherent storytelling. (Miz/Maryse vs. Bryan/Brie is the other; Becky vs. Charlotte loses points for everyone cheering Becky but WWE insisting she was the “bad guy.”) Add in the fact that the two veteran grapplers are among the best in the company, if not the world, and it becomes a must-see matchup.
By the looks of it, @AJStylesOrg doesn't plan to let @SamoaJoe walk away with his #WWEChampionship... #HIAC pic.twitter.com/l5MsXO3iBc
— WWE (@WWE) September 17, 2018
And I swear, every single superstar involved in these first four main card matches must have had an unofficial pact to try and outdo each other. I’m getting tired of thinking, “Man, the crowd is going to be dead for this,” and then being proven wrong. I mean, AJ pulling off a rack bomb on the 282 pound Samoa Joe? Sure, why not, everything else tonight has been bonkers.
SIMPLY PHENOMENAL. #HIAC #WWETitle @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/8xUwDfskUq
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) September 17, 2018
Speaking of AJ, how impressive is it that a 41 year old is still out there pulling off flawless moonsault DDTs and springboard 450 splashes? It’s almost ridiculous how smooth he is in the ring, and Samoa Joe is just as good.
CAUGHT in mid-air was @AJStylesOrg, and it could mean BAD things for his #WWETitle!#HIAC @SamoaJoe pic.twitter.com/APrem1z9Sc
— WWE (@WWE) September 17, 2018
I could go on all day about how great this was, but the best part? WE’RE GETTING ANGRAY SAMOA JOE AFTER THE FINISH. Think back to how great it was when Joe practically feuded with NXT General Manager William Regal — IT’S COMING. He’s already screaming for Paige, we’ve gotten the Zapruder footage of the finish at a different angle showing that Joe got screwed.
Absolutely FRIGHTENING speed and force from @SamoaJoe... #HIAC pic.twitter.com/acgT0RnIZT
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) September 17, 2018
I’m guessing there will be a rematch at either Super Show-Down, or on SmackDown soon. I have no problem with more Styles/Joe. I just don’t know where it goes from here, but I’m looking forward to finding out.