WWE Bad Blood 2024: Legends Clash and Booking Insights

WWE Bad Blood 2024 is set to deliver an electrifying experience, culminating in the intense feud between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, alongside a significant turn in The Bloodline saga. Scheduled to take place in Atlanta, the event will feature a headline match between Punk and McIntyre, complemented by an intriguing tag team clash with Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes teaming up against Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa. The anticipation is palpable, as WWE seeks to extend its impressive streak of successful pay-per-views, following the record-breaking Bash in Berlin and an unprecedented SummerSlam crowd.

The energy surrounding Bad Blood is infectious, with The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer noting that the event has nearly sold out, earning a place among the most sought-after tickets in wrestling history. This surge in demand reflects WWE’s effective strategy of offering five-match pay-per-views that prioritize quality over quantity. With only three pay-per-views remaining in 2024, the outcomes of these matches will significantly impact storylines leading into Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble.

One crucial booking decision for Bad Blood involves Finn Balor facing Damian Priest. Despite being a former Universal and NXT Champion, Balor has struggled for visibility as a singles star. In his match against Priest, it would be illogical for Priest to win cleanly in their first major encounter, as it could severely limit future storylines. Instead, Balor should utilize the advantages of the Judgment Day faction, leading to Priest’s defeat through outside interference. This outcome allows Balor to maintain credibility while extending their rivalry and keeping both characters relevant.

Another significant storyline centers on Liv Morgan, the reigning Women’s World Champion, who has been embroiled in a heated feud with Rhea Ripley. Given the current landscape of the women’s division, a title change at this moment would be premature. Instead, WWE should continue to develop the compelling rivalry between Morgan and Ripley, which has captivated audiences throughout the year. Delaying Ripley’s eventual victory allows for a more intense buildup and could lead to further encounters at upcoming events like Crown Jewel or Survivor Series. A strategic finish, perhaps involving outside interference, could keep this rivalry alive and maintain both women’s prominence.

In the SmackDown women’s division, Nia Jax stands as a formidable champion, with her strongest rivals currently focused on tag team pursuits. Jax’s match against Bayley at Bad Blood serves as a pivotal moment in her reign, and a victory is essential for establishing her as an unstoppable force. With a lack of depth in the division and potential blockbuster matches on the horizon, retaining the title at this stage is crucial for Jax. This approach ensures she continues to build momentum until the right moment for a significant title change arises.

The highly anticipated Hell in a Cell match between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre marks the climax of their historic rivalry. Although both competitors could benefit from a victory, the narrative leans in favor of Punk, who is experiencing a career resurgence after over a decade away from major rivalries in WWE. A win for Punk would not only solidify his status as a top contender but also set the stage for a potential championship feud with Gunther at Survivor Series. Meanwhile, McIntyre, recently re-signed and positioned as one of Raw’s top heels, can use a loss to further develop his villainous persona, ensuring that both stars emerge from the match with their characters intact.

Finally, the tag team match featuring Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes against Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa is poised to headline Bad Blood. While Reigns and Rhodes have forged an intriguing alliance, their compatibility raises questions about their ability to work together effectively. If this match serves as the main event, it could lead to dramatic twists, such as surprise returns or unexpected heel turns. For Fatu, a victory is essential to maintain the momentum he has generated as a standout member of the new Bloodline. Booking Reigns and Rhodes to lose can be framed as a strategic risk that enhances Fatu’s rise while protecting the credibility of both Reigns and Rhodes through an engaging finish.

In conclusion, WWE Bad Blood 2024 promises to be a landmark event rich with potential storylines and dramatic outcomes. By making these calculated booking decisions, WWE can continue to capture the audience’s attention while laying the groundwork for future narratives that will resonate as the road to WrestleMania approaches.