WWE has revolutionized its pay-per-view approach, transitioning from lengthy events to shorter, more impactful shows. This new format has proven successful, with events like Bash in Berlin smashing records. As WWE gears up for the highly anticipated return of Bad Blood in Atlanta, let’s dive into five potential matches that could ignite the night.
1. Jey Uso’s Quest for Intercontinental Gold: A Clash with Bron Breakker
Despite being a top merchandise seller, Jey Uso’s storyline progression since leaving The Bloodline has been underwhelming. His father, WWE legend Rikishi, even voiced concerns about Jey’s booking and compensation. However, a glimmer of hope emerges with Jey’s participation in a Fatal 4-Way match to determine the No. 1 contender for Bron Breakker’s Intercontinental Championship.
Jey, a clear fan favorite, is poised to clinch victory and set the stage for a thrilling showdown with Breakker at Bad Blood. This match offers a golden opportunity to spotlight Jey’s undeniable talent and charisma.
2. World Heavyweight Championship on the Line: Gunther vs. Sami Zayn II
The intensity between Gunther and Sami Zayn reached a fever pitch on Monday Night Raw, with Zayn boldly challenging Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. Their history, including Zayn’s historic victory over Gunther at WrestleMania 40, adds fuel to this already heated rivalry.
As two of the most technically gifted wrestlers on the roster, Gunther and Zayn promise a masterclass in the ring. Their contrasting personalities, with Zayn as the beloved underdog and Gunther as the dominant champion, create a captivating dynamic for the WWE Universe.
3. A Bloodline Alliance? Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu
The return of Roman Reigns to SmackDown promises to shake things up, particularly with Cody Rhodes defending his WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa on the same night. Given Reigns’s previous assistance to Rhodes at SummerSlam and rumors suggesting a shift in plans, a compelling narrative unfolds.
Could we witness an unlikely alliance between Reigns and Rhodes? The possibility of these two powerhouses uniting against the formidable duo of Sikoa and Jacob Fatu is a tantalizing prospect. This match has the potential to redefine alliances and reshape the landscape of WWE.
4. Last Woman Standing: Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan Settle the Score
The rivalry between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan has captivated audiences, generating massive social media buzz and driving Raw viewership. Their feud, marked by intensity and personal animosity, demands a fitting conclusion at Bad Blood.
A Last Woman Standing match provides the perfect stage for this brutal rivalry to culminate. This stipulation allows for a physical, no-holds-barred brawl, incorporating outside interference from Damian Priest and The Judgment Day, adding another layer of intrigue to this already explosive encounter.
5. Hell in a Cell: CM Punk and Drew McIntyre’s Epic Conclusion
The CM Punk and Drew McIntyre rivalry stands as one of the most compelling storylines of 2024, elevating Raw to new heights. Their series of matches, currently tied at 1-1, has left audiences craving a definitive conclusion.
A Hell in a Cell match provides the ultimate stage to settle their score. This brutal stipulation, used sparingly in recent years, adds an aura of brutality and finality. Punk and McIntyre, two of the most intense and skilled performers in WWE, are destined to deliver an unforgettable spectacle inside the unforgiving structure.
These five matches, each with its own unique storyline and potential for explosive moments, promise to make the return of Bad Blood an unforgettable night for the WWE Universe.