Steel cage matches in WWE: a battleground where legends are forged and escapes become iconic moments! With Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre set to clash in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match, a steel cage showdown looms if the final fall is needed this Friday on SmackDown. But how exactly does one win in this unforgiving arena? Let's dive in!
In WWE, victory in a cage match can be secured in three ways: pinfall, submission, or the ultimate escape. Wrestlers can either climb over the top of the cage or make a dash for the door, with both feet firmly planted on the floor to claim victory.
Climbing the cage has given us some of the most unforgettable visuals in wrestling history, thanks to the likes of Hulk Hogan. But here's where it gets controversial... not every escape follows the traditional hero's playbook.
Remember when Damian Priest defeated Drew McIntyre on Saturday Night’s Main Event by simply walking out the door? Jesse Ventura was outraged!
Ventura questioned, “How do you win it going out the door? I thought you had to go over the top. What kind of BS is that? He can just walk out the door?” He even went on to blast Priest for his victory, calling it cowardly.
Despite Ventura's protests, exiting through the door is a legitimate path to victory — one that has produced some of the most memorable moments in WWE history. Let's revisit some of the most unforgettable escapes in WWE history.
Bye, Bye Bruno: In the spring of 1976, a brutal body slam legitimately injured Bruno Sammartino. During a match, Sammartino got his revenge against Stan Hansen, bloodying him in a steel cage at Madison Square Garden. Sammartino, after humiliating Hansen, walked out the door to the cheers of more than 20,000 fans. Four years later, he repeated the humiliation against his former friend and pupil, Larry Zbyszko, at Shea Stadium, securing another victory by simply walking out the door.
Roman Retains: During his 1,316-day reign as Undisputed Universal Champion, Roman Reigns battled Kevin Owens in three grueling matches, including a steel cage match on SmackDown in December 2020. After a missed spear, Owens seized the moment with a Stunner. But, Jey Uso appeared and handcuffed Owens to the cage. Owens fought valiantly but could not escape. Reigns mocked his challenger before walking out the door and ruthlessly retaining his crown.
Magnificent Escape: Sometimes, it's not about skill or guts; it's pure luck. In 1983, Jimmy Snuka and Don Muraco clashed in a bloody steel cage match at Madison Square Garden. Snuka dominated, but as he went for the kill, Muraco was sent sailing over the ropes. As he hurtled towards the cage door, the referee swung it open, and Muraco's momentum carried him to victory. Furious, Snuka threw Muraco back into the cage and then delivered his iconic Superfly Splash from nearly 20 feet in the air.
Cody and Drew Prepare for Hell: Should this Friday’s Three Stages of Hell match reach its third and deciding fall, Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre could add their names to the list of memorable steel cage finishes. Rhodes recently defeated McIntyre in a steel cage match, escaping the structure the same way countless heroic babyfaces have before him — by climbing over the top. The match could end by pinfall or submission, but the stakes suggest an escape finish. This will undoubtedly raise the drama as the next chapter in their story unfolds.
What do you think? Are you a fan of the traditional climb, or do you believe walking out the door is a legitimate and exciting way to win? Do you think the finishes mentioned above were satisfying? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
