Edge Vs Finn Balor: WrestleMania 39 Hell In A Cell Showdown

Hey guys, are you ready for a deep dive into one of the most brutal and highly anticipated matches of WrestleMania 39? I'm talking about the Hell in a Cell clash between Edge and Finn Balor. This wasn't just any match; it was a culmination of a deeply personal and intense rivalry that had been brewing for months. So, buckle up, because we're about to break down every thrilling moment of this epic encounter.

The Backstory: A Feud Forged in Fire

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the match itself, let's rewind a bit and understand the animosity between Edge and Finn Balor. Their feud wasn't just a random pairing thrown together by the WWE creative team; it was a storyline rich with history, betrayal, and a clash of ideologies. Edge, the Rated-R Superstar, a veteran of countless wars and a legend in his own right, found himself targeted by Balor and The Judgment Day. What started as a potential alliance quickly turned sour when Balor, along with Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio, turned on Edge, brutally attacking him and leaving him sidelined. This betrayal marked a significant turning point, not just for Edge but for The Judgment Day as well, as they solidified their status as a dominant and ruthless faction.

Edge, fueled by vengeance, returned with a renewed sense of purpose. He wasn't just fighting for himself; he was fighting to dismantle The Judgment Day and bring an end to their reign of terror. The Rated-R Superstar assembled a formidable team, aligning himself with his wife, Beth Phoenix, and the legendary Rey Mysterio, to combat the dark forces of The Judgment Day. This led to a series of intense matches and confrontations, each escalating the animosity between Edge and Balor. The personal nature of the feud, with attacks and insults thrown both ways, made it clear that this was far more than just a professional rivalry. It was a deeply personal vendetta that needed to be settled in the most unforgiving structure in WWE: Hell in a Cell.

The choice of Hell in a Cell as the battleground was significant. It symbolized the no-holds-barred, anything-goes nature of their conflict. There would be no escape, no running away; just two men locked inside a steel cage, forced to confront their demons and settle their score once and for all. The anticipation leading up to WrestleMania 39 was palpable, with fans eager to see who would emerge victorious from this brutal encounter. The stakes were incredibly high, not just for Edge and Balor, but for the future of The Judgment Day and Edge's legacy in WWE.

The Match: A Hellacious Encounter

The Hell in a Cell match between Edge and Finn Balor at WrestleMania 39 was nothing short of a war. From the moment the bell rang, both men unleashed a barrage of offense, leaving no doubt that they were willing to go to any lengths to inflict pain and suffering on their opponent. The steel cage became a weapon in itself, with both Edge and Balor utilizing it to their advantage, slamming each other into the unforgiving steel. The match started at a feverish pace, with Edge taking the early advantage, using his experience inside the Hell in a Cell to control Balor. But Finn, ever the resilient competitor, weathered the storm and began to mount his own offense.

One of the defining moments of the match came when Balor introduced a table into the equation. The crowd erupted as he set it up, signaling his intent to inflict maximum damage. However, Edge, known for his cunning and resourcefulness, turned the tables on Balor, sending him crashing through the wood with a thunderous thud. The impact reverberated throughout the arena, highlighting the brutality of the match. The use of weapons escalated as the match progressed, with chairs, kendo sticks, and even ladders coming into play. Each weapon shot was met with gasps and cheers from the audience, who were fully invested in the carnage unfolding before them.

Edge, showing his veteran savvy, used the environment to his advantage, trapping Balor against the cell wall and delivering a series of vicious blows. But Balor, not to be outdone, retaliated with his signature moves, including a devastating Coup de Grace attempt that nearly secured him the victory. The match reached its climax when both men ascended to the top of the cell. The crowd held its breath as they battled precariously on the roof, knowing that one wrong move could spell disaster. In a heart-stopping moment, Edge delivered a thunderous spear, sending Balor crashing through the announce table below. The impact was sickening, and for a moment, it seemed as though Balor was seriously injured. However, showing his incredible toughness, Balor managed to get back to his feet and continue the fight.

The Finish: A Controversial Conclusion

The ending of the Hell in a Cell match between Edge and Finn Balor was fraught with controversy. After a grueling back-and-forth battle, Edge seemed to have the upper hand, delivering a series of punishing blows to Balor. However, as he prepared to deliver the final blow, The Judgment Day interfered, attempting to assist Balor. This interference proved to be a turning point in the match, as it allowed Balor to regain the advantage. In the ensuing chaos, Balor managed to hit Edge with a low blow, followed by a devastating Coup de Grace, securing the victory.

The controversial nature of the finish stemmed from the interference of The Judgment Day. Many fans felt that it undermined Edge's performance and diminished the impact of Balor's victory. The debate raged online, with some arguing that the interference was necessary to further the storyline, while others felt that it was a cheap way to end what had otherwise been a fantastic match. Regardless of one's opinion on the finish, there's no denying that it added another layer of intrigue to the feud between Edge and Balor, leaving fans eager to see what would happen next.

The Aftermath: What Happened Next?

Following his victory over Edge at WrestleMania 39, Finn Balor and The Judgment Day continued their reign of terror in WWE. They targeted other superstars, wreaking havoc and asserting their dominance. Balor's win over Edge solidified his position as a top-tier heel, and The Judgment Day became one of the most feared factions in the company. However, the feud between Edge and Balor was far from over. Edge, fueled by his desire for revenge, continued to target The Judgment Day, seeking to dismantle them from within. This led to a series of matches and confrontations, with Edge eventually getting his retribution.

The rivalry between Edge and Finn Balor had a lasting impact on both men's careers. It elevated Balor to new heights as a heel, showcasing his ruthlessness and cunning. For Edge, it served as a reminder of his legendary status and his ability to still compete at the highest level. The feud also played a significant role in the ongoing storyline of The Judgment Day, shaping their trajectory and leading to new rivalries and alliances. The Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania 39 will be remembered as a brutal and controversial chapter in the history of WWE, a testament to the intensity and drama that can unfold when two rivals are locked inside the unforgiving steel cage.

Final Thoughts: A WrestleMania Classic?

So, was the Hell in a Cell match between Edge and Finn Balor a WrestleMania classic? That's a question that's up for debate. On one hand, the match was undeniably brutal and intense, with both men pushing themselves to their limits. The use of weapons, the high-risk spots, and the overall physicality made for a thrilling spectacle. However, the controversial finish and the interference of The Judgment Day detracted from the overall quality of the match for some fans. Ultimately, whether or not it's considered a classic is a matter of personal opinion. But there's no denying that it was a memorable and significant chapter in the storied careers of Edge and Finn Balor.

What do you guys think? Was this match a WrestleMania classic, or did the ending leave you wanting more? Let me know in the comments below!