4 Unnoticed Similarities between the Hell in A Cell PPVs of 2017 and 2018

WWE's Hell in A Cell pay-per-view is known for its Hell in A Cell matches where superstars settle their differences inside the Demonic structure. The show was exclusive to SmackDown Live in 2017 while it was a dual-branded PPV in 2018. Kevin Owens and Shane McMahon battled in a Falls Count Anywhere match inside the Hell in A Cell in 2017's main event. On the other side, Braun Strowman cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to face Roman Reigns in a Universal Championship match in 2018. Mick Foley was the guest referee for this Universal Championship match.

Both the PPVs had their own share of highs and lows but the 2018 show received many positive reviews than the 2017 one. Here are the four unnoticed similarities between the Hell in A Cell PPVs of 2017 and 2018 -

#1 The New Day defended the SD Live Tag Team Championships on both the shows

The New Day faced Rusev Day at HIAC 2018

The New Day has been one of the top tag teams of the WWE over the last few years and they even broke the record for the longest reign as tag champs. In 2017, they were involved in a heated rivalry with The Usos and Big E and Xavier Woods defended their SD Live Tag Team Championships in a Hell In A Cell match against Jimmy and Jey. Although they lost the titles, the New Day put on a fantastic match with the Samoan twins.

In 2018, the New Day once again were the Tag Team Champions of the blue brand heading into the Hell in A Cell pay-per-view. But this time their title defense took place on the kick-off show where Big E and Kofi Kingston defeated Aiden English and Rusev to retain the tag team gold.

#2 Randy Orton won both his matches, while Rusev lost both of his matches

Randy Orton and Rusev faced off at HIAC 2017

Randy Orton has been the cornerstone of WWE since years and has still maintained his position as a top Superstar. He faced the Bulgarian Brute Rusev at Hell In A Cell 2017 and defeated him in a match which lasted 11 minutes and 40 seconds. In 2018, the Apex Predator was a part of a Hell In A Cell match against the Charismatic Enigma, Jeff Hardy. Orton emerged victorious inside the Satan's structure after a grueling encounter with Hardy.

On the other hand, Rusev has been vastly popular amongst the WWE Universe yet he has not received the push he deserves. In 2017, he lost to Randy Orton in a singles match while in 2018, he teamed up with Aiden English in a losing effort on the Kick-off show against the New Day.

#3 Only 1 title changed hands on both the shows

Becky Lynch won the SD Live women's championship at HIAC 2018

While both the match cards had 8 matches each and in all 10 championship matches took place at the Hell In A Cell PPVs in 2017 and 2018, only one title changed hands at both the shows. The Usos won the SD Live Tag Team Championships from the New Day after one of the most hardcore matches of the modern era. Jimmy and Jey won the tag team gold after a 22-minute match against the New Day.

In 2018, the dual-branded Hell in A Cell pay-per-view saw the SmackDown Women's championship change hands after Becky Lynch defeated her former best friend Charlotte Flair to win the SD Live Women's Title for the second time in her career. The WWE Championship was defended on both the shows but both Jinder Mahal (2017) and AJ Styles (2018) retained their belts.

#4 AJ Styles held a championship heading into the Hell In A Cell pay-per-view

AJ Styles defended his United States Championship at HIAC 2017 while he defended his WWE title in 2018

AJ Styles has been the face of SD Live ever since the brand split and has been a part of championship matches at almost every pay-per-view. He was the US Champion heading into the Hell In A Cell PPV in 2017 where he defended his title in a triple threat match against Baron Corbin and Tye Dillinger. Corbin pinned the Perfect 10 to win the title in 2017.

In 2018, AJ Styles was the WWE Champion and defended his belt against the Destroyer Samoa Joe. The match had a controversial end but Styles managed to retain his title despite Joe's best efforts.