Hell in a Cell is a professional wrestling steel cage-based match which originated in 1997 in the World Wrestling Federation. It features a large cell structure, a five-sided cuboid made from open-weave steel mesh chain-link fencing which encloses the ring and ringside area. Unlike the steel cage match, the only way to get out of the Hell in a Cell without damaging the Cell's structure is through its door—but this door is locked by thick chains and a padlock. Only an in-ring pinfall or submission will ordinarily result in a win and there are no disqualifications. The gimmick was strongly associated with the Undertaker during his career with WWF/WWE, including the inaugural match with Shawn Michaels and a brutal encounter with Mick Foley in his Mankind persona. Both matches featured spectacular falls from the top of the cage which became a signature of the match.
The Hell in a Cell structure at the Hell in a Cell event in October 2017
Shawn Michaels was the inaugural winner in October 1997
The Undertaker holds the record for both the most wins at 8 and the most Hell in a Cell matches with 14, with his final appearance at WrestleMania 32 in April 2016
Sasha Banks holds the record for most women's Hell in a Cell match appearances with 3.
A chain-link fence is a type of woven fence usually made from galvanized or linear low-density polyethylene-coated steel wire. The wires run vertically and are bent into a zigzag pattern so that each "zig" hooks with the wire immediately on one side and each "zag" with the wire immediately on the other. This forms the characteristic diamond pattern seen in this type of fence.
Chain-link fencing showing the diamond patterning
A chain-link fence bordering a residential property
A chain-link privacy fence topped with razor wire protecting a utility power substation
A New Hampshire Historical Marker in Raymond, New Hampshire commemorating Mafera’s innovation. While living in Raymond, Mafera patented the method for making residential chain-link fencing.