Edge vs. Seth Rollins is a reminder of the magic of Hell in a Cell

Edge vs. Seth Rollins has arguably one of WWE’s best-booked storylines all year, and it’s about to culminate in epic fashion: inside Hell in a Cell.

Hell in a Cell matches are typically limited to the pay-per-view of the same name every October. When WWE held its Hell in a Cell in June of this year, fans figured that it was it for the concept until 2022, which is why Edge’s challenge to Rollins on Friday’s SmackDown came as such a surprise.

Their upcoming clash will mark the fifth Hell in a Cell match WWE has held this year (with two happening at the eponymous event in addition to the ones on Raw and SmackDown that same weekend), yet Edge vs. Rollins at Crown Jewel being announced as a happening in The Devil’s Playground still packed a punch.

That’s because the gimmick can be salvaged as a special attraction and be brought back only when necessary, such as in this scenario.

There haven’t been many instances over the last year of Hell in a Cell being used to blow off heated rivalries. Rather, it’s largely been utilized because the month of the year called for it and it almost always felt tacked on.

Edge vs. Rollins is exactly what the concept was created for, however. Feuds such as Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker and Triple H vs. Batista escalated to Hell in a Cell because it made sense for the story and their respective matches were memorable as a result.

Whether this match will deliver remains to be seen considering WWE’s Saudi Arabia shows have historically been below average. Then again, the last two matches Edge and Rollins have had together have been barn burners, so there’s a strong chance it will steal the show if everything falls into place.

Edge and Rollins have no shortage of history in Hell in a Cell.

Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose in 2014 was one of the rare recent cases of the structure being used for the right reason: to cap off a long-running rivalry. Rollins went on to have another two Hell in a Cell matches with Kevin Owens and Bray Wyatt in 2016 and 2019, respectively.

Edge famously had his feud with The Undertaker finish up in Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam 2008. They went to great lengths in an attempt to deliver an instant classic and managed to do just that.

It’s no secret that WWE wants to load up this Saudi Arabia pay-per-view per usual and a Hell in a Cell match is an excellent addition to the stacked card. Better yet, it will be a Hell in a Cell matchup that is worthy of the stipulation and not be one of those that is quickly forgotten about.

Many fans have long been of the belief that Hell in a Cell as a pay-per-view is completely unnecessary. The lack of interest in the event year after year should be a tell-tale sign to the company that it isn’t working, it’s never worked, and it should be abandoned forever.

The crowd reaction to Edge vowing to settle his score with Rollins in the sadistic structure means there is still (somehow) value in the gimmick. People want to see Hell in a Cell when it matters most, not at a certain time of the year when it feels forced.

It’s possible that the fate of Hell in a Cell could be decided with how well Edge vs. Rollins goes at Crown Jewel. If it’s a success, hopefully, WWE will be convinced that it’s better off being brought back on occasion as opposed to building an entire event around it, an idea that was doomed to fail from the moment it started.

For as much luster as it’s lost over the years, Edge vs. Rollins at Crown Jewel may be what reminds people of the magic that can be made with Hell in a Cell when it’s done right.