4 things WWE got right at Bad Blood 2024
Bad Blood 2024 has come and gone, leaving the WWE Universe buzzing with excitement and energy. The return of one of the company's classic premium live events was a tremendous show that exceeded expectations.
The premium live events featured five matches, including a colossal Hell in a Cell bout between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, which opened the PLE. The main event saw Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns team up to defeat The Bloodline's Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
A well-rounded show, it delivered on many parameters. On that note, let's look at four things WWE got right at Bad Blood 2024.
#4. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre was a classic that will not fade from memory
The CM Punk-Drew McIntyre saga was a tremendous success. The feud lasted nine months, and both men found intriguing ways to keep fans engaged throughout. The payoff at Bad Blood had to be special, yet Punk and McIntyre exceeded expectations in a brutal Hell in a Cell match.
It was everything a HIAC match should be, with a fine dose of drama coupled with sheer brutality and gruesome violence. Steel steps, toolboxes, wrenches, tables, and friendship plastic beads were the primary weapons of destruction.
The bout got bloody quickly as Punk brutalized McIntyre's skull with a wrench and later hammered him with a toolbox. The Scottish Warrior didn't hold back either, nearly breaking The Second City Saint's back with a Suplex through a table outside the ring.
The ending was a masterpiece. Drew McIntyre begged the former AEW star for mercy only to hit a devastating low blow. Things looked grim for Punk as he was doused with plastic beads. However, the Chicago native dodged a Claymore and hit a GTS (with a chain wrapped around his knee) to secure the win.
Although Punk was the winner at Bad Blood, both men came out looking strong due to the energy, disdain, and brutality they brought into the match.
#3. Damian Priest was booked like a legitimate top star at Bad Blood
Damian Priest has come a long way. When Priest became World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania XL, there were some concerns online regarding his mic work. However, he improved throughout his reign, becoming an intriguing and relatable character for the fans.
Fortunately, Triple H booked him like a legitimate top babyface at Bad Blood. The Archer of Infamy's Uppercuts were brutal, and the Razor's Edge on the apron was devastating. Single-handedly taking down Carlito, JD McDonagh, and Finn Balor was no easy feat, but Priest persevered.
The former World Heavyweight Champion is finding his rhythm as a babyface and top star. The crowd was red-hot for him at Bad Blood, and if he is booked strongly, the fan interest will only grow.
#2. The Gunther-Goldberg confrontation was a stroke of genius
A few weeks ago, Gunther told Bret Hart that his favorite wrestler was Goldberg. At Bad Blood, with Bill Goldberg having a front-row seat with his family in attendance, The Ring General admitted that he lied to The Hitman.
The World Heavyweight Champion insulted the former Universal Champion and made things personal by dragging his family into the mix. Goldberg hopped over the barricade to confront Gunther before security officials and backstage personnel held the Hall of Famer back.
From a creative standpoint, this was a brilliant move. Goldberg is not officially retired, and Triple H didn't rule out the possibility of the WCW legend battling Gunther. Therefore, the tease could have been worth the effort as it has fans talking.
Moreover, The Ring General was not booked for Bad Blood. Hence, the segment was a creative way of getting him some TV time while building towards his eventual clash with Sami Zayn, who attacked Gunther as security held Goldberg back.
#1. The Rock's return and cliffhanger ending was the boost WWE needed
In the post-SummerSlam season, interest tends to dwindle. Programming tends to catch up the pace again as The Road to WrestleMania nears. Therefore, the fall season is traditionally difficult for the creative team to keep fans engaged.
However, Triple H may have solved the conundrum via the awe-inspiring cliffhanger conclusion of Bad Blood. The babyfaces, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes prevailed over The Bloodline as Jimmy Uso made a surprise return to help the OTC and The American Nightmare.
Surprisingly, the trio of Rhodes, Reigns, and Uso were the ones left frowning and sweating as Bad Blood went off the air. The Rock's music hit to a massive ovation and The Final Boss made his way to the entrance stage.
The Final Boss didn't walk down the ramp. Instead, he raised three fingers and slashed his throat, leaving fans guessing. Is The Rock coming after Cody Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Title or does he want to remove Roman Reigns from the equation?
Many questions were left unanswered, but that was the boost WWE needed to move the needle in the final few months of 2024.