Roman Reigns' steadfast ally; A legend cooking things up in Atlanta; first stop on a retirement tour? 5 big names that can return to WWE at Bad Blood
WWE Bad Blood already has the distinction of hosting Roman Reigns' first match since he lost the Undisputed Championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40.
The Original Tribal Chief will team with Rhodes to battle Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. Rhodes and Pat McAfee teased that "the big guy" could be coming back this weekend after Rhodes appeared on The Pat McAfee Show.
So many moving parts exist in the Bloodline saga, making a return or debut possible every week. The Judgment Day also has a big presence at Bad Blood, so a big name could show up to turn the feud on its head.
Is WWE setting things up for a massive star to resurface in Atlanta? The next five names could steal the show with a shocking return at Bad Blood.
#5. Alexa Bliss could bolster the women's division
Is it only a matter of time before Alexa Bliss returns to action? Her last match was against Bianca Belair at the 2023 Royal Rumble. Bliss announced her pregnancy a few months after facing The EST of WWE.
She gave birth in late November 2023 and has consistently been on the minds of the WWE Universe. With the emergence of the Wyatt Sicks, it felt like Bliss could pivot back into a meaningful storyline whenever ready.
The Sicks haven't appeared on RAW over the last few weeks. Instead, they've posted cryptic messages referring to "the Red." The latest vignette begged someone to heed their warnings. It could be for Xavier Woods or someone else, but Nikki Cross appeared at the end of the message.
#4. Paul Heyman's absence looms on SmackDown
Fans haven't seen The Wiseman since he was put through the announce table after refusing to acknowledge Solo Sikoa as The Tribal Chief. Bad Blood hosts Reigns' first match in nearly six months.
It makes a lot of sense for The Head of the Table to be flanked by Paul Heyman when he makes his entrance. If not The Wiseman, Jimmy Uso could accompany The Orginal Tribal Chief to the ring at Bad Blood if he's medically cleared.
Heyman was arguably the second-most important member of the Bloodline. His refusal to acknowledge Solo Sikoa was a huge moment that cemented his loyalty to Roman Reigns.
Despite opposing Rhodes, Heyman respects his family and what they mean to the wrestling business. The Wiseman could make a triumphant return to the side of his beloved Tribal Chief to mess with Sikoa's psyche.
#3. John Cena's retirement tour could begin at Bad Blood
John Cena announced his Retirement Tour at Money in the Bank. Since that declaration, fans have yet to witness the first stop on that tour.
He mentioned how certain PLEs like Survivor Series, The Royal Rumble, and WrestleMania would be the last of his career. Due to his spot in the Bloodline saga, Cena could show up at Bad Blood.
Solo Sikoa defeated him easily last year at Crown Jewel, but the two crossed paths again during WrestleMania 40. Cena could neutralize the likely interference from Sikoa's allies by helping Reigns and Rhodes.
#2. Charlotte Flair has been out for 10 months
Both Women's Championships will be on the line at Bad Blood. Liv Morgan defends her belt against Rhea Ripley with Dominik Mysterio trapped above in a shark cage.
Nia Jax faces Bayley again with the WWE Women's title up for grabs. Tiffany Stratton looms as Miss Money in the Bank. The chances of a cash-in are even higher at Bad Blood after Jax physically threatened Stratton on last week's SmackDown.
A lot could happen between Jax and Bayley. Stratton could leave Atlanta with the belt. Charlotte Flair could also reassert her spot in WWE by confronting the champion after the match. She'll be in title contention when she reemerges, and that return inches ever closer as the year winds down.
#1. The Rock has unfinished business in the Bloodline saga
Like Roman Reigns, The Rock's last WWE appearance was linked to WrestleMania 40. After Rhodes toppled the Bloodline, The People's Champ marched out to the ring to passively congratulate The American Nightmare.
He put his claim on a future title shot and walked away. Since Roman Reigns returned at SummerSlam, could The Rock be the next to reappear? As mentioned above, Bad Blood will feature Reigns' first match since The Show of Shows.
The showdown pits Bloodline members against each other, and The Rock may have something to say - or do - to make a big statement. If Cody and Roman win, something big needs to happen after their victory. The return of The Final Boss would qualify.