Drew McIntyre believes his brutal Hell in a Cell match against CM Punk at WWE Bad Blood 2024 deserves to be ranked alongside one of the most iconic matches in WWE history.
The Scottish wrestler has compared his bloody encounter with Punk to the first-ever Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels at Badd Blood 1997, arguing that both contests stand above the rest in terms of storytelling and in-ring action.
Drew McIntyre made the comments during an appearance on Booker T’s Hall of Fame podcast, where he reflected on his bitter rivalry with CM Punk and the physical punishment he endured during their encounter.
The rivalry between McIntyre and Punk became increasingly personal throughout 2024, eventually culminating in their Hell in a Cell showdown at Bad Blood. Both competitors used an assortment of weapons during the violent encounter, which featured significant bloodshed and left McIntyre requiring medical attention.
Reflecting on the match, McIntyre argued that its combination of storytelling, emotion and physicality placed it alongside the original Hell in a Cell encounter from 1997.
“From a story perspective, from a match perspective, I’ll argue all day: it’s one and two between us and ‘Taker and Shawn, the first ever Hell in a Cell,” McIntyre said.
The former WWE Champion maintained that the genuine hostility between him and Punk elevated their match beyond a typical wrestling rivalry. McIntyre reiterated his personal dislike of Punk, saying the animosity made their confrontation particularly compelling. Despite ultimately losing the match, McIntyre insisted that Punk had not truly beaten him.
“I lose to blood loss, not CM Punk, ’cause he can’t beat me on his best day,” Drew McIntyre declared. “17 staples in my head!”
The comments underline McIntyre’s continued frustration with the outcome, as Punk emerged victorious after their lengthy feud.
Eric Bischoff Also Praised Drew McIntyre And CM Punk’s Hell In A Cell Match
Drew McIntyre isn’t the only wrestling figure to praise the encounter. Former WCW executive Eric Bischoff previously spoke positively about the match on his podcast, highlighting the rivalry’s emotional intensity and McIntyre’s performance.
Bischoff particularly praised McIntyre’s ability to convey emotion throughout the contest, arguing that it contributed significantly to the match’s impact. He also commended the storytelling, production and use of blood, which helped reinforce the violent nature of the rivalry.
The original Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels took place at Badd Blood in October 1997 and established the stipulation as one of WWE’s most recognisable match types.
