Wrestling fans have a love-hate relationship with "blood feuds," but WWE Bad Blood 2024 actually lived up to the name. It felt different.
Honestly, the energy in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena was electric from the second the lights dimmed. We haven't seen a Hell in a Cell match open a show in ages, and starting with CM Punk versus Drew McIntyre was a massive statement. It basically told the crowd, "Buckle up, because we aren't playing safe tonight."
Why the CM Punk and Drew McIntyre Match Changed Everything
People talk about "ruthless aggression," but this was just plain mean. Punk and McIntyre have been at each other's throats for nearly a year, and the cell was the only way to end it. Most modern WWE matches are clean, athletic, and safe. This was a car crash.
Blood was everywhere. CM Punk was gasping for oxygen by the end, and McIntyre looked like he’d been through a meat grinder. The spot with the toolbox? Brutal. When McIntyre dumped those friendship bracelet beads over a bloodied Punk, it wasn't just a "wrestling move"—it was a psychological dig that made the eventual GTS with a steel chain around Punk's knee feel like genuine justice.
Some critics argued it was too violent for the "PG era," but the fans loved it. It reminded everyone that when the story is right, the brutality matters. Punk winning via pinfall at 31:25 marked the end of a trilogy that saved Raw’s main event scene for most of the year.
The Mid-Card Grinds and Surprises
Between the blood and the returns, we had some solid, if slightly predictable, work.
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- Nia Jax retained her WWE Women’s Championship against Bayley. It was physical, sure, but the real story was Tiffany Stratton looming with that Money in the Bank briefcase. She didn't cash in, but the tease was enough to keep everyone on edge.
- Damian Priest finally got his hands on Finn Bálor. This was personal. Even with the rest of Judgment Day—JD McDonagh and Carlito—trying to screw him over, Priest hit that South of Heaven chokeslam for the win.
- Rhea Ripley won her match against Liv Morgan, but she didn't get the title. Thanks to a returning Raquel Rodriguez, the match ended in a DQ. Seeing "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio hanging upside down in a shark cage was peak comedy, but the ending felt a bit flat for some who wanted a definitive title change.
The Main Event Chaos: WWE Bad Blood 2024’s Biggest Twist
The main event was a weird one on paper. Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns? Teaming up?
It felt like a fever dream. The "Original Tribal Chief" and the man who took his title at WrestleMania XL had to somehow coexist to take down Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
The match itself was a slow burn. Roman hasn't wrestled in months, and he looked like a man possessed once he finally got the tag. But let’s be real: we weren't watching for the armbars. We were watching for the chaos.
When the "Tonga Loa and Tama Tonga" interference started, it looked like Solo was going to steal one. Then, out of nowhere, a hooded figure appeared. Jimmy Uso is back. His return allowed Roman to hit the Spear on Solo for the victory. It was a massive moment that officially kicked off the "Bloodline Civil War" arc we’ve been waiting for.
The Final Boss Makes His Move
Just when we thought the show was over, the music hit.
The Rock appeared on the stage. He didn't say a word. He just stood there, held up three fingers, and stared down Cody, Roman, and Jimmy. It was haunting. It basically confirmed that while Roman might be back, the hierarchy of the Bloodline is nowhere near settled.
The Rock's return at WWE Bad Blood 2024 shifted the entire landscape for the road to WrestleMania 41. It wasn't just a cameo; it was a threat.
What Fans Got Wrong About the Event
A lot of people complained that Cody Rhodes looked "weak" by being the second man in his own tag team. I disagree. Cody is playing the long game. By aligning with Roman, he’s showing he’s a leader who can put ego aside for the greater good—even if that means he’s now a target for Kevin Owens, who attacked him in the parking lot after the show went off the air.
Yeah, you read that right. The "heel turn" for KO happened in a fan-shot video outside the arena. It’s a brilliant way to use social media to keep the story going when the cameras are supposedly off.
Practical Takeaways for Fans Following the Story
- Watch the Bloodline hierarchy: Jimmy is back, but Jey is still on Raw. The "reunion" is the next big arc.
- Keep an eye on Gunther vs. Goldberg: The confrontation in the ring wasn't just for show. Goldberg is "Next," and a retirement match is definitely on the horizon.
- The Crown Jewel Title: Triple H unveiled the new 50-carat championship. This means the champions of Raw and SmackDown will face off in Saudi Arabia, which adds a huge stakes layer to the next PLE.
If you missed the show, go back and at least watch the Hell in a Cell opener and the final ten minutes of the main event. Those are the moments that will be on highlight reels for the next decade.