WWE SmackDown: Top 5 performers on last show before Hell in a Cell - former Universal champion pinned, new King crowned (June 18, 2021)

#1 Roman Reigns (defended his Universal Championship in historic WWE SmackDown main event)

Roman Reigns stood tall on WWE SmackDown

WWE SmackDown featured a Hell in a Cell match for the first time in history. The main event saw Roman Reigns successfully defend his Universal Championship against Rey Mysterio. In the process, he also picked up his fourth victory inside the hellacious structure and extended his undefeated record in Hell in a Cell matches.

🤯😱🤯😱🤯😱#SmackDown #UniversalTitle #HIAC @WWERomanReigns @reymysterio @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/Jwat6HZtDX

— WWE (@WWE) June 19, 2021

Reigns was excellent throughout the title match on WWE SmackDown. At first, he struggled to fight against Rey Mysterio’s ridiculously fast-paced attacks. However, the Tribal Chief eventually found his opening and turned the match in his favor. He swung Rey Mysterio around the cage and slammed him into the steel mesh more times than we could count.

Reigns lifted Rey Mysterio over his shoulders in the match's closing moments and launched him into the cell wall. He then locked his opponent in an inverted Guillotine, and the latter almost immediately tapped out. Although the match was shorter than average for a Hell in a Cell meeting, it was brutal in nature and entertained the WWE SmackDown viewers.

Go home. Stay home. And if you come back to MY ring…You’ll acknowledge me. #Smackdown https://t.co/1HLq1kacrx

— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) June 19, 2021

After the match, Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman joined Reigns inside the ring. The Universal Champion was concerned that his right-hand man, Jey Uso, was missing. Reigns’ attack on Rey Mysterio could lead to an extended feud between the two superstars on WWE SmackDown. This will keep the Tribal Chief occupied until his rumored SummerSlam feud with John Cena.