WWE Hell in a Cell 2017: Live results, analysis, grades

Live tracking all of the results from WWE Hell in a Cell 2017, complete with highlights, live analysis and match grades for the event.

WWE Hell in a Cell 2017 is set to take place on Sunday, Oct. 8 from Detroit, MI and has a lot to offer wrestling fans. Of course, as has been regularly the case with the brand-specific pay-per-view shows, there are some matches that are of the take-it-or-leave-it variety. Even still, the pieces are in place for quite the show.

Though technically not the main event, most fans are looking forward to Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens in a Hell in a Cell match. Obviously Shane’s past death-defying leaps make you wonder if we’ll see that again. But even then, Owens has made this feud flaming hot lava at this point with the way he’s attacked WWE’s royal family. Thus, it should be a big showcase.

Meanwhile, Jinder Mahal will again face Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship. Fans were shocked the last time that they squared off as the champ retained. With how the company has been booking as of late, though, you have to wonder of the King of Strong Style could well come into the fold and get the belt for the first time.

There is plenty more on the show, from AJ Styles to The Usos to many others. Don’t worry about missing any of the action, though, as we’ll live track the results below once the show begins.

Results, Highlights and Grades

Kickoff Match: Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin def. Hype Bros

SmackDown Live Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos def. New Day (c) – New Champs

This match was absolutely phenomenal. Even having not seen anything else at the show, if you’re going to watch one match from Hell In A Cell, watch this one. These two teams have been great together throughout their feud, but they used the structure to maximum effectiveness and it worked beautifully.

Grade: A+

Randy Orton def. Rusev

Maybe this would be graded higher if it wasn’t Randy Orton and Rusev, but I doubt it. There was nothing ostensibly bad about this match, but it wasn’t a great deal of fine either. Subsequently, it’s not really much to care about, especially after the opener.

Grade: D

United States Championship Triple Threat Match: Baron Corbin def. AJ Styles (c) and Tye Dillinger – New Champ

While better than its predecessor on the card, this match certainly wasn’t anything special. That’s to be expected when you have to work around Baron Corbin, but Dillinger and Styles had some great work that gave the triple threat a few redeeming qualities. Another one that was fine, but nothing special.

Grade: C

SmackDown Live Women’s Championship Match: Charlotte Flair def. Natalya (c) via DQ

Unfortunately, we’re looking at another fine, but not great match here. Natalya and Charlotte are obviously talented, and have proven that before. But they don’t possess the greatest chemistry. And frankly, I’m not a fan of Natty’s heel work when she’s in the ring. On top of that, just put the belt on Charlotte for heaven’s sake.

Grade: C+

WWE Championship Match: Jinder Mahal (c) def. Shinsuke Nakamura

We can talk all about their wrestling in this match, which was fine and brutal. It was also nice to see a progression with the Singh Brothers getting kicked out from ringside. But none of this matters while Jinder Mahal is still the champion. He’s run his course, and had quite a while ago. Having Nakamura lose to him again is completely asinine.

Grade: D

Bobby Roode def. Dolph Ziggler

Are we sure that this match even happened? It felt like it lasted 30 seconds, and the work wasn’t exceptional either. I’m just giving this one an incomplete and carrying on.

Grade: INC

Hell In A Cell Match: Kevin Owens def. Shane McMahon

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I loved this match. I thought they showed a story of real hatred and disdain with how they attacked. The fighting on top of the cage was also a great tease for what was to come later. Then, though it’s always scary, that dive off the cage was exhilarating, but made even better with the involvement of Sami Zayn. I thought this was simply a great end to the show.

Grade: A-

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Though there are sure to be some letdowns on Sunday night’s show, there is also plenty to like. Plus, whenever Shane O’Mac and Hell in a Cell are involved, you can bank on something wild and unforgettable transpiring.