The "Show Off" Dolph Ziggler beat the Swiss Superman Cesaro in a 2-out-of-3 falls match to retain the Intercontinental Championship. Ziggler won two falls in a row, surprising many fans who generally assume that a 2/3 falls match will go the whole nine yards. Many announcers and commentators predicted it to be a contender for match of the year, and it may well win that distinction.
The first fall came after a blinding series of chain wrestling moves, both athletes showing off their (legit) amateur wrestling skills. Once a series of pinning combinations led to innumerable two-counts, Cesaro quickly gained the advantage.
The Swiss Superman then executed the Cesaro Swing, a fan favorite move that earned a big pop. It was Ziggler, however, that kicked out of a quick pin and rolled up Cesaro for a 3-count.
The next segment saw both wrestlers kick up the intensity. Traditionally, a match set for 2-out-of-3 falls sees each competitor score once, leading to the climactic third fall.
The finish, however was surprising as Ziggler kicked out of just about every one of Cesaro's finishing moves before finally connecting with the Zig Zag to retain the IC Title.
It was a fast-paced and intense match, full of the modern flourishes that have come to define WWE product as well as plenty of old-school 'rasslin' that you don't see that much of anymore.
It was a bit scary to watch Ziggler job to several main eventers leading up to Hell in a Cell. Was his push being aborted? Was the Intercontinental Championship destined to fall by the wayside like the US Belt?
But by the end of the match, both Ziggler and Cesaro looked stronger and Ziggler's successful title defense put him one step closer to main event status.
Thanks to Cage Side Seats' Gene Mrosko for doing live recaps and thanks to WWE Network for providing the Pay-Per-View event for just $9.99!
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