CM Punk Reflects on Career and Prepares for Hell in a Cell
CM Punk addressed the crowd, acknowledging the questions surrounding how much time he has left in the ring. He teased that the answer would either disappoint or thrill fans depending on their feelings toward him but assured them it’s more time than expected. He reminded everyone that when he returned, he said he wasn’t here to make friends—but he didn’t expect to make a mortal enemy either. Now, he’s facing that enemy in Hell in a Cell. Punk admitted he was naive to think it was over and that even after being hospitalized twice, his stubbornness pushed him to continue. MacIntyre’s biggest mistake, he said, was not finishing the job.
Punk declared that this would be his last Hell in a Cell match. His family pleaded with him not to do it, but despite that, he explained his decision. He recalled telling MacIntyre that he could become the devil if pushed—and now, the devil has arrived. Though he didn’t promise to kill MacIntyre, he did promise to make him pay. Punk ominously added that if this is the end of CM Punk, MacIntyre better be ready to meet him in hell. Punk then dropped the mic and exited the ring.
Sheamus vs. Pete Dunne
The first match of the night saw Sheamus facing off against Pete Dunne. Sheamus came out first, and after a commercial break, Dunne made his entrance. The bell rang, and Sheamus immediately took the fight to Dunne with punches. Dunne retaliated with right hands and hit a sidewalk slam. Sheamus threw Dunne over the ropes, but Dunne fought back by hyperextending Sheamus’ elbow. Sheamus regained control with a slam and strikes to Dunne’s gut. The action spilled outside, where Dunne attempted to injure Sheamus’ arm on the steel steps, but Sheamus countered with an Alabama Slam on the announce table as the show went to break.
Returning from the commercial, Dunne was on the top turnbuckle, but Sheamus hit him with punches. Dunne powered through, hitting a powerbomb for a near-fall. Sheamus regained control, clotheslining Dunne around the ring and setting up for a powerbomb, which Dunne escaped. The match saw more back-and-forth action, but after Sheamus delivered the “10 beats” to 17, Dunne used a cricket bat and a big boot to secure the victory.
Winner: Pete Dunne
Backstage Drama: Judgment Day and Jey Uso
A video package recapped the ongoing drama between The Judgment Day, Jey Uso, and The Terror Twins. Backstage, Jey Uso approached Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest, expressing solidarity before his match. Xavier Woods interrupted, warning that everyone should stay out of their fight later that night.
Braun Strowman Prepares for a Monster Match
In a backstage segment, Braun Strowman was seen working out when The Miz approached him, wishing him luck and asking about his previous comments on Bronson Reed. Strowman cryptically replied that sometimes a monster needs to defeat another monster.
Natalya vs. Zoey Stark
In the second match, Natalya, accompanied by Zelina Vega and Lyra Valkyria, faced Zoey Stark, who was backed by the Pure Fusion Collective. Natalya started with a schoolboy attempt, but the women quickly escalated into a physical match. After some near-falls and roll-up combos, Natalya eventually managed to secure a win with a sharpshooter.
Winner: Natalya
Tensions Rise Between Finn Bálor and Rhea Ripley
Backstage, Kathy Kelly checked on Rhea Ripley’s injured knee when Finn Bálor approached, suggesting she was partly responsible for the turmoil within The Judgment Day. Bálor mentioned telling Dominik Mysterio to cheat on Ripley with Liv Morgan, and Jey Uso interrupted, leading to an intense exchange.
Jey Uso and Bron Breakker Face-Off
Jey Uso came to the ring to hype up his upcoming match against Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship. Breakker interrupted, boasting about his success and claiming that Uso’s family name was his crutch. Uso fired back, vowing to defeat Breakker and mocking his short NFL career. The two men came to blows, with Uso spearing Breakker out of the ring to close the segment.
Judgment Day Retain Tag Team Titles
In the third match, The Judgment Day defended their World Tag Team Titles against The New Day. Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh faced off against Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods in a highly competitive bout. Despite a strong showing from The New Day, The Judgment Day managed to retain their titles after interference from Liv Morgan distracted the referee.
Winners and STILL Tag Team Champions: The Judgment Day
Backstage Conflict: Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods
After the match, tensions flared between Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods as Woods expressed frustration with their reliance on backup since Big E’s departure. Woods stormed off, leaving Kingston concerned.
Bronson Reed vs. Braun Strowman
In a chaotic encounter, Bronson Reed faced Braun Strowman. The match quickly spiraled out of control when Reed used a fan as a shield, and both men crashed through the barricade. Their battle spilled into the backstage area, where they continued to brawl through tables and drywall.
Result: No Contest
Sami Zayn Challenges Gunther
Sami Zayn took to the ring to reflect on his career and express his desire to be a champion like Bret Hart. He called out Gunther for avoiding his challenges, which led Ludwig Kaiser to confront him. Zayn questioned Kaiser’s loyalty to Gunther, and Gunther appeared, reaffirming his refusal to face Zayn. However, Zayn managed to provoke Kaiser into attacking him, leading to an intense confrontation.
Damian Priest vs. Dominik Mysterio
In the main event, Damian Priest faced off against Dominik Mysterio. The match saw heavy interference from both Judgment Day and The Terror Twins. Despite Dominik’s best efforts, Priest ultimately emerged victorious with a South of Heaven chokeslam.
Winner: Damian Priest
After the match, The Judgment Day attacked Priest, but Liv Morgan and Jey Uso tried to make the save. Bron Breakker ambushed Uso, and The Judgment Day brutalized Priest and Ripley as the show ended.