Drew McIntyre: Hell in a Cell Match with CM Punk Restored Its Legacy

One Big Thing

Drew McIntyre claims his brutal Hell in a Cell match against CM Punk at WWE Bad Blood brought back the prestige to WWE’s most dangerous structure.

Why It Matters

The Hell in a Cell match has lost its impact in recent years, often scheduled simply because of the pay-per-view name rather than as the climax of intense feuds.

Key Details

• McIntyre and Punk’s match was built as a legitimate blood feud through multiple encounters
• Both wrestlers approached the match with real intensity despite personal differences
• The bout focused on violence and authenticity rather than pre-planned spots

By The Numbers

• McIntyre said it took just 3 minutes to establish the match’s different feel
• The feud built through 3 separate matches, culminating in the Cell

Direct Quote

“We had all that aura around the Cell again instead of having to have two Cell matches randomly just because the name of the pay-per-view is Hell in a Cell,” McIntyre told Inside The Ropes.

Behind The Scenes

McIntyre revealed that despite personal tensions with Punk, both wrestlers:

• Understood the match’s importance
• Committed to making it feel different
• Focused on legitimate physicality

What’s Next

The success of this match could signal a return to Hell in a Cell matches being reserved for only the most intense feuds, rather than scheduled matches.

What do you think about Hell in a Cell matches? Should WWE save them only for the biggest feuds? Share your thoughts in the comments below.