WWE Hell in a Cell 2018: A Look Back at the Explosive Match Card

Nov 7, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 65 views

WWE Hell in a Cell 2018: A Look Back at the Explosive Match Card

WWE’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view has consistently delivered some of the most brutal and memorable moments in wrestling history. The 2018 edition, held on September 16, 2018, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, was no exception. The Hell in a Cell 2018 match card featured a series of high-stakes matches, including two Hell in a Cell encounters, title defenses, and personal rivalries that culminated inside the unforgiving steel structure. This article delves into the complete match card, recapping the outcomes and significant events that made this event a noteworthy chapter in WWE history. Let’s take a closer look at each match and the lasting impact they had on the WWE landscape.

The Universal Championship Hell in a Cell Match: Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman

The main event of the evening saw Roman Reigns defending his newly won Universal Championship against Braun Strowman inside Hell in a Cell. This match was highly anticipated due to the intense rivalry between Reigns and Strowman, which had been building for months. The added stipulation of the Hell in a Cell structure promised a no-holds-barred contest with extreme physicality. Braun Strowman, having cashed in his Money in the Bank contract at Hell in a Cell, sought to dethrone Reigns and claim the Universal title for himself. The match started with both competitors exchanging heavy blows, utilizing the steel cage as a weapon. Strowman’s brute strength was on full display as he tossed Reigns around the ring and against the cage walls. Reigns, known for his resilience, absorbed the punishment and mounted a comeback, using his agility and striking ability to keep Strowman at bay. However, the interference of Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre added another layer of chaos to the match. They attempted to help Strowman, but were met by Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, who evened the odds. The brawl spilled to the top of the cell, where all four men engaged in a chaotic fight. In a shocking turn of events, Brock Lesnar made a surprise appearance, attacking both Reigns and Strowman, leaving them incapacitated. The match ended in a no-contest, with neither Reigns nor Strowman emerging as the victor. The controversial finish left the WWE Universe stunned and set the stage for further developments in the Universal Championship storyline. This Hell in a Cell match, despite the abrupt conclusion, highlighted the intense animosity between Reigns and Strowman and underscored the unpredictable nature of WWE.

The WWE Championship Hell in a Cell Match: AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe

The second Hell in a Cell match of the night featured AJ Styles defending his WWE Championship against Samoa Joe. Their rivalry had become deeply personal, with Joe constantly taunting Styles about his family. The animosity between the two reached a fever pitch, making the Hell in a Cell structure the perfect setting for their showdown. AJ Styles, renowned for his incredible in-ring skills and athleticism, faced a formidable challenge in Samoa Joe, whose power and aggression posed a significant threat. Samoa Joe wasted no time in unleashing his fury upon Styles, dominating the early stages of the match with his powerful strikes and submission attempts. Styles, however, weathered the storm and began to utilize his speed and agility to gain the upper hand. The match became a back-and-forth affair, with both competitors exchanging devastating moves and near-falls. The use of weapons, including chairs and tables, added to the brutality of the contest. In a controversial finish, Styles pinned Joe while Joe had Styles locked in the Coquina Clutch. The referee did not see Styles tap out, and Styles was declared the winner, retaining his WWE Championship. The controversial ending fueled the rivalry between Styles and Joe, leading to further matches and confrontations in the weeks that followed. This Hell in a Cell match was a testament to the intensity and personal nature of their feud, showcasing their willingness to push the limits inside the unforgiving structure.

Raw Women’s Championship Match: Ronda Rousey vs. Alexa Bliss

Ronda Rousey defended her Raw Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss, who had invoked her rematch clause. Rousey had defeated Bliss at SummerSlam to win the title, and Bliss was determined to reclaim it. Ronda Rousey, the former UFC star turned WWE superstar, was a dominant force in the women’s division, while Alexa Bliss was known for her cunning and strategic approach. Alexa Bliss, with the assistance of Mickie James and Alicia Fox, attempted to exploit Rousey’s perceived inexperience in professional wrestling. However, Rousey’s raw power and MMA background proved to be too much for Bliss to overcome. Rousey dominated the match, showcasing her impressive strength and submission skills. Despite the interference from James and Fox, Rousey managed to fend them off and focus on Bliss. In the end, Rousey locked Bliss in her signature armbar, forcing Bliss to tap out and retaining her Raw Women’s Championship. The victory solidified Rousey’s position as the top woman on the Raw roster and marked another milestone in her burgeoning WWE career. This match demonstrated Rousey’s dominance and ability to overcome obstacles, further cementing her status as a main-event player.

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch

One of the most emotionally charged matches on the card saw Charlotte Flair defending her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Becky Lynch. Their friendship had deteriorated in recent weeks, with Lynch turning on Flair after Flair won the title at SummerSlam. Becky Lynch, fueled by resentment and frustration, sought to prove that she was the rightful champion. Charlotte Flair, known for her athleticism and pedigree, was determined to defend her title and maintain her dominance in the women’s division. The match was a hard-fought battle, with both competitors showcasing their technical skills and determination. The animosity between them was palpable, adding intensity to every move and exchange. In a surprising turn of events, Lynch managed to roll up Flair for the pinfall victory, capturing the SmackDown Women’s Championship. The crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and boos, as Lynch’s victory marked a significant turning point in her career. This win propelled Lynch to new heights, solidifying her as a top star in WWE and marking the beginning of her iconic “The Man” persona. This match was a pivotal moment in the women’s evolution movement, showcasing the depth and complexity of their storylines.

Raw Tag Team Championship Match: Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose

Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre defended their Raw Tag Team Championships against Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, reuniting as a team after a long hiatus. This match was a clash of styles, with Ziggler and McIntyre’s calculated teamwork facing off against Rollins and Ambrose’s unpredictable chemistry. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre had formed a formidable alliance, utilizing their individual strengths to dominate the tag team division. Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, known for their history as members of The Shield, sought to reclaim their place at the top of the tag team ranks. The match was a fast-paced and action-packed affair, with all four competitors showcasing their athleticism and in-ring prowess. The teamwork of Ziggler and McIntyre proved to be a challenge for Rollins and Ambrose, but the latter managed to rally with their signature moves and tag team synergy. Ultimately, Ziggler and McIntyre retained their Raw Tag Team Championships, showcasing their dominance in the tag team division. This match was a thrilling display of tag team wrestling, highlighting the diverse talents and rivalries within the Raw tag team landscape.

SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The New Day vs. Rusev & Aiden English

The New Day defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Rusev and Aiden English, a team that had been gaining momentum in recent weeks. This match was a contrast in styles, with The New Day’s unorthodox tactics facing off against Rusev and English’s power and aggression. The New Day, known for their positivity and unique brand of entertainment, had become one of the most popular tag teams in WWE history. Rusev and Aiden English, fueled by their shared dislike for The New Day, sought to dethrone the champions and claim the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. The match was a showcase of tag team wrestling, with both teams utilizing their signature moves and tag team combinations. The New Day’s experience and teamwork ultimately proved to be too much for Rusev and English, as The New Day retained their SmackDown Tag Team Championships. This match was a fun and entertaining addition to the card, showcasing the diverse talents and rivalries within the SmackDown tag team division.

Mixed Tag Team Match: Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella vs. The Miz & Maryse

The ongoing feud between Daniel Bryan and The Miz extended to a mixed tag team match, with Bryan teaming up with his wife, Brie Bella, to face The Miz and his wife, Maryse. This match was deeply personal, with the real-life animosity between Bryan and The Miz adding a layer of intensity to the contest. Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella, a beloved couple in the WWE Universe, sought to settle their score with The Miz and Maryse. The Miz and Maryse, known for their Hollywood personas and cunning tactics, were determined to gain the upper hand in their rivalry with Bryan and Bella. The match was a mix of wrestling and theatrics, with both couples showcasing their personalities and in-ring abilities. The Miz and Maryse attempted to use underhanded tactics to gain an advantage, but Bryan and Bella managed to overcome the adversity and secure the victory. Brie Bella pinned Maryse for the win. This match was a personal and entertaining addition to the card, highlighting the ongoing feud between Bryan and The Miz.

Conclusion

WWE Hell in a Cell 2018 delivered a night of intense action, controversial finishes, and memorable moments. From the Universal Championship and WWE Championship Hell in a Cell matches to the emotionally charged women’s title bouts and the personal rivalries that played out in the tag team division, the event showcased the diverse talents and storylines within WWE. While some matches ended in controversy, they served to further the narratives and build anticipation for future events. The Hell in a Cell 2018 match card will be remembered for its physicality, drama, and the significant turning points it marked for several superstars. The outcomes of these matches shaped the landscape of WWE in the months that followed, setting the stage for new rivalries and championship pursuits. The brutality and unforgiving nature of the Hell in a Cell structure added an extra layer of intensity to the already high-stakes matches, making it a memorable night for WWE fans worldwide.