The Three Stages of Hell Match is a unique and extreme format that first appeared in WWE at No Way Out in 2001 during a high-stakes feud between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Triple H.
This match type emerged following their unforgettable no-disqualification clash at Survivor Series in 2000, which escalated dramatically when Austin dropped a car on Triple H, setting the stage for their grueling three-round battle. At No Way Out, Austin clinched the first round, a singles match, but Triple H retaliated by winning a street fight and then sealing his victory in a steel cage match.
A year later, the same format was reprised at Armageddon, this time pitting Triple H against Shawn Michaels. Given the brutal nature of their feud, a conventional match wouldn’t suffice. Instead, they embarked on three specialty bouts: a street fight, a steel cage match, and a ladder match, with Michaels defending his world title. The contest began with a fierce street fight, where both competitors were relentless, using any weapon within reach. Triple H emerged victorious in this first encounter.
The battle intensified in the steel cage, where Michaels evened the score with a spectacular splash from the top of the cage. The final ladder match, however, saw Triple H triumph by sending Michaels crashing through a stack of tables, reclaiming his title.
Following this epic showdown, Triple H formed the notorious Evolution faction, while Michaels entered a storied rivalry with Chris Jericho, culminating in a WrestleMania classic. To date, WWE has hosted five Three Stages of Hell matches, the latest featuring Johnny Gargano and Adam Cole at NXT TakeOver Toronto in 2019.
Despite its rarity, the match between Michaels and Triple H remains perhaps the most significant, given the championship stakes and the sheer spectacle of their clash. This match is a pivotal chapter in WWE lore, often overlooked yet undeniably influential in shaping the careers of two of wrestling’s greatest icons.
