WWE Hell In A Cell 2000: When The Devil's Structure Broke Loose
Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive headfirst into one of the most brutal and unforgettable chapters in WWE history: Hell in a Cell 2000. This wasn't just another pay-per-view; it was a night where careers were tested, rivalries reached their boiling points, and the very structure of the Hell in a Cell match was pushed to its absolute limit. So, buckle up as we explore the key moments, the shocking outcomes, and the lasting impact of this landmark event.
Setting the Stage: The Road to Hell in a Cell 2000
Before we get into the cage, let's rewind a bit and look at the storylines that led us to this epic showdown. The year 2000 was a wild time for WWE, smack-dab in the middle of the Attitude Era. Stone Cold Steve Austin was still raising hell, The Rock was electrifying crowds, and Triple H was solidifying his reign of terror. The rivalries were personal, intense, and often blurred the lines between reality and entertainment. One of the main feuds heading into Hell in a Cell 2000 was between Triple H and Kurt Angle for the WWF Championship.
Triple H, at this point, was the established top heel (bad guy) in the company. He was arrogant, ruthless, and always had a plan. Kurt Angle, on the other hand, was the up-and-coming babyface (good guy) who had won the WWF Championship and was determined to prove he belonged at the top. Their feud was built on Angle's desire to defend his title against the Cerebral Assassin, who would stop at nothing to regain the gold. The animosity between these two was palpable, making a Hell in a Cell match the perfect stage for their battle. The Hell in a Cell structure itself adds another layer of intensity. It is a massive steel cage that encloses the ring, ensuring that the competitors are locked in and forced to face each other without any outside interference. This match type is reserved for the most personal and heated rivalries, where settling the score requires more than just a regular match. Hell in a Cell matches are known for their brutality, their high-risk spots, and their ability to create unforgettable moments. It symbolizes the ultimate battleground, where anything can happen and often does.
Another simmering rivalry that contributed to the Hell in a Cell 2000 card was between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rikishi. Austin was on a quest to find out who ran him over at Survivor Series in 1999, an attack that kept him out of action for nearly a year. The mystery had been a major storyline for months, and the revelation that Rikishi was behind the wheel sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. Rikishi's explanation that he did it for The Rock, claiming that he wanted to give "The People's Champion" his opportunity, added even more fuel to the fire. This betrayal by Rikishi, who was a close friend of The Rock, added a personal and emotional layer to the feud, making it more than just a simple whodunit. Austin, known for his relentless pursuit of justice and his no-nonsense attitude, was out for revenge. The animosity between Austin and Rikishi was intense, and their confrontations leading up to Hell in a Cell 2000 were nothing short of explosive. The stage was set for a brutal encounter, with Austin seeking to inflict pain and Rikishi standing defiant, ready to defend his actions. The buildup to Hell in a Cell 2000 was masterfully crafted, with each rivalry receiving ample time and attention. The storylines were engaging, the characters were well-defined, and the stakes were incredibly high. This careful construction ensured that fans were invested in every match on the card, making the event a must-see spectacle. The combination of championship implications, personal vendettas, and the inherent danger of the Hell in a Cell structure created an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement that few wrestling events could match. As the night of Hell in a Cell 2000 approached, fans knew they were in for something special, a night of carnage, drama, and unforgettable moments.
Main Event: Kurt Angle vs. Triple H – WWF Championship Hell in a Cell Match
The main event of the evening was, of course, the Hell in a Cell match between Kurt Angle and Triple H for the WWF Championship. This match was not just about the title; it was about proving who the better man was. From the moment the bell rang, it was clear that both competitors were willing to go to extreme lengths to win. The match started with a furious pace, with both Angle and Triple H exchanging blows inside the ring. It didn't take long for the action to spill outside the cage, where the brutality escalated. The use of the cell as a weapon was immediate and relentless. Both wrestlers were thrown into the steel mesh, and the unforgiving structure took its toll. The crowd was on its feet, captivated by the intensity and violence unfolding before their eyes. Hell in a Cell matches are famous for their high spots, and this one did not disappoint. One of the most memorable moments of the match involved Kurt Angle attempting to escape the cell, only to be met by Triple H, who delivered a devastating pedigree off the top of the cage onto the announce table below. The crowd erupted in shock and disbelief as both men lay motionless. This spot was a testament to their willingness to put their bodies on the line for the sake of the match. Despite the punishment they endured, both Angle and Triple H continued to fight. They battled back inside the ring, trading signature moves and near falls. The tension in the arena was palpable as the match reached its climax. In the end, Kurt Angle managed to retain his WWF Championship by the skin of his teeth. The finish saw Angle score a controversial pinfall victory, leaving Triple H furious and the crowd stunned. While the match itself was a brutal war, the finish was somewhat anticlimactic, with many fans feeling it didn't quite live up to the rest of the encounter. Regardless, the Hell in a Cell match between Angle and Triple H was a spectacle of violence and drama. It showcased the intensity and brutality that Hell in a Cell matches are known for, and it solidified both men's status as top performers in the industry. The match left a lasting impression on fans and remains a highlight of the Hell in a Cell legacy.
The Fallout
The aftermath of the Hell in a Cell match saw both Kurt Angle and Triple H move on to other rivalries, but the memory of their encounter lingered. Angle continued his reign as WWF Champion, eventually dropping the title to Stone Cold Steve Austin. Triple H, on the other hand, continued his pursuit of the championship, eventually regaining it and continuing his dominant run as a top heel. The Hell in a Cell match served as a pivotal moment in both men's careers, highlighting their resilience and their ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. The match also contributed to the overall legacy of the Hell in a Cell structure, cementing its place as one of the most dangerous and iconic match types in WWE history. It set a high bar for future Hell in a Cell matches and continued to influence the way wrestlers approached this type of encounter.
Other Notable Matches from Hell in a Cell 2000
While the Hell in a Cell match was undoubtedly the main attraction, Hell in a Cell 2000 also featured several other notable matches that added to the overall excitement of the event. One of the most anticipated matches was between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rikishi. This match was a personal grudge match, fueled by Rikishi's revelation that he was responsible for running Austin down at Survivor Series 1999. The match was a wild brawl from start to finish, with both men unleashing their fury on each other. Austin, in particular, was relentless in his pursuit of revenge, delivering a series of devastating attacks on Rikishi. The match spilled outside the ring, where the violence escalated even further. Austin used various weapons, including a steel chair and a sledgehammer, to inflict punishment on Rikishi. The crowd was on its feet, cheering Austin's every move. The match ended in a no contest after Austin drove a forklift, with Rikishi on it, off the stage, leading to one of the most memorable and controversial moments in WWE history. While the ending was abrupt and somewhat unsatisfying, it added to the overall drama and chaos of the event. The match between Austin and Rikishi was a testament to their intensity and their willingness to push the boundaries of what was acceptable in wrestling. It left a lasting impression on fans and added to the overall legacy of Hell in a Cell 2000.
The Tag Team Scene
Another notable match on the card was a Six-Man Tag Team match featuring The Dudley Boyz and Edge & Christian against The Hardy Boyz and Lita. This match was a high-flying, action-packed affair that showcased the incredible athleticism and creativity of all six competitors. The Dudley Boyz and Edge & Christian, known for their innovative tag team maneuvers and their willingness to take risks, were determined to prove their dominance in the tag team division. The Hardy Boyz, on the other hand, were looking to continue their momentum and establish themselves as a top tag team. Lita, a groundbreaking female wrestler known for her high-flying style, added another dimension to the match. The match featured a series of breathtaking spots, including high-risk dives, innovative tag team combinations, and near falls that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The Dudley Boyz and Edge & Christian ultimately emerged victorious, but all six competitors put on a memorable performance. This match highlighted the depth of talent in the WWE tag team division at the time and added to the overall excitement of Hell in a Cell 2000. The event showcased a variety of wrestling styles and storylines, ensuring that there was something for every fan to enjoy. From the brutal Hell in a Cell match to the high-flying tag team action, Hell in a Cell 2000 delivered a night of unforgettable moments.
The Legacy of Hell in a Cell 2000
Hell in a Cell 2000 holds a special place in WWE history for several reasons. First and foremost, it showcased the Hell in a Cell match in all its brutal glory. The main event between Kurt Angle and Triple H was a testament to the intensity and violence that this match type is known for. The match set a high bar for future Hell in a Cell matches and helped solidify the structure as one of the most iconic and dangerous in wrestling history. Additionally, Hell in a Cell 2000 featured a number of other memorable moments that have stood the test of time. The Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rikishi match, with its controversial ending, remains a topic of discussion among fans to this day. The Six-Man Tag Team match showcased the incredible talent and athleticism of the WWE tag team division. Overall, Hell in a Cell 2000 was a night of unforgettable moments that helped define the Attitude Era of WWE. The event was a commercial success, drawing a large crowd and generating significant pay-per-view revenue. It also received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised the intensity, drama, and overall quality of the matches. Hell in a Cell 2000 has continued to be remembered fondly by fans and is often cited as one of the best WWE pay-per-views of all time. The event's legacy extends beyond its immediate impact. It has influenced countless wrestlers and storylines in the years since, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for WWE today. The Hell in a Cell match remains a staple of WWE programming, and the company continues to produce Hell in a Cell themed pay-per-views every year. These events pay homage to the original Hell in a Cell 2000 and attempt to capture the same level of intensity and drama. Hell in a Cell 2000 was a landmark event in WWE history. It showcased the best of the Attitude Era, with its combination of intense rivalries, high-risk action, and unforgettable moments. The event set a high bar for future WWE pay-per-views and has continued to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it, guys! WWE Hell in a Cell 2000 was a night that truly lived up to its name. From the brutal Hell in a Cell match to the shocking moments and unforgettable rivalries, it was a PPV that cemented its place in wrestling history. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the sport, Hell in a Cell 2000 is a must-watch event that captures the essence of what makes wrestling so captivating. It was a time when risks were taken, legends were made, and the devil's structure truly broke loose!