WWE Executive Bruce Prichard Criticizes Inaugural Hell in a Cell Match, Citing Missed Opportunities

Posted at: August 24, 2024 - 6:10 AM

WWE executive Bruce Prichard recently shared his thoughts on the first Hell in a Cell match from 1997, featuring The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. Despite its popularity among fans, Prichard expressed disappointment with the match.

The main issue Prichard had was that the wrestlers quickly escaped the cell, which diminished the impact of Kane’s planned debut. Kane was supposed to make a shocking entrance by breaking into the cage, but with the performers already outside, this moment lost its intended effect.

Prichard explained that while he loved the concept of Hell in a Cell, he disliked how this particular match played out. He felt that the ease with which wrestlers could enter and exit the cell weakened the stipulation’s overall impact.

The executive also revealed that there were initial plans for a “tunnel of fire” entrance for the performers. However, safety concerns due to fuel leaks forced them to scale back the pyrotechnics.

In retrospect, Prichard believes that Kane’s debut didn’t necessarily need to happen during the first Hell in a Cell match, as it wasn’t well integrated into the event. Overall, he expressed dissatisfaction with how the company’s first attempt at this now-popular match type turned out.

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