WWE doesn't usually look backward, but when they do, it's typically for something big. Bringing back a name like Bad Blood after twenty years? That’s a move. Honestly, I wasn't sure if the 2024 edition at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta would feel like a cheap nostalgia trip or a legitimate evolution. Turns out, it was the latter.
The bad blood match card 2024 wasn't bloated. It was lean. Five matches. That's it. Some fans complained on social media about the lack of quantity, but the "quality over quantity" mantra actually stuck for once. Triple H and the creative team basically staked the entire night on two massive pillars: the brutal finality of a Hell in a Cell match and a tag team main event that felt like a fever dream come to life.
The Match Card That Broke the Gate Record
It's wild to think that 16,092 people packed into that arena. According to Triple H, it was the largest gate for a domestic arena show in the company's history. That’s a lot of eyes on a very specific set of rivalries.
Let's look at what went down:
The Hell in a Cell Opener
Usually, you save the Cell for last. Not here. CM Punk and Drew McIntyre went out first and essentially tore the house down. It was thirty-one minutes of genuine, uncomfortable brutality. Punk walked out with the win, but he looked like he'd been through a car wreck. He needed oxygen afterward. Drew? He lost the match, but he probably gained the most respect he’s had in years. They used toolboxes, wrenches, and—in a weirdly poetic but slightly goofy moment—beads from a friendship bracelet.
🔗 Read more: Texas vs Oklahoma Football Game: Why the Red River Rivalry is Getting Even Weirder
Nia Jax vs. Bayley
This one had the "death slot" following that massive Cell match. It’s hard to follow blood and steel. Nia Jax retained her WWE Women’s Championship, which keeps her dominant run alive. The big story here wasn't just the win, though; it was the looming presence of Tiffany Stratton. She teased a Money in the Bank cash-in, but Nia eventually shut that down. For now.
Damian Priest vs. Finn Bálor
This was personal. You've got two guys who were brothers in Judgment Day now trying to end each other. Priest got the win with the South of Heaven chokeslam. Even with JD McDonagh and Carlito trying to tip the scales for Finn, Priest looked like a monster.
What Happened with the Women's World Title?
The match between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan was... chaotic. That’s the only way to describe it. Dominik Mysterio was hanging above the ring in a shark cage, which is always a bit of a circus act.
He actually managed to get the door open but ended up dangling by his foot like a confused bat. Rhea started teeing off on him with a kendo stick, which the crowd absolutely loved. But then, the real shocker: Raquel Rodriguez returned. She hadn't been seen in seven months and her attack on Rhea caused a disqualification.
💡 You might also like: How to watch vikings game online free without the usual headache
Because of the DQ rule, Rhea won the match, but Liv kept the belt. It's a classic wrestling trope that leaves people frustrated, but it sets up a three-way power struggle that’s going to dominate Raw for months.
The Main Event and the Return of The Final Boss
The bad blood match card 2024 culminated in a match no one saw coming a year ago: Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns teaming up. It's "The Mega Powers" for the modern era.
They were facing Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. To be fair, Jacob Fatu is terrifying. He moves like a cruiserweight but hits like a truck. However, the story was about the returns.
- Jimmy Uso is back. He showed up to help Roman and Cody, taking out the Tongan duo and evening the odds.
- Roman and Cody won. Roman hit the spear on Solo to get the pin.
- The Rock. Just as the dust settled, the music hit. "The Final Boss" appeared at the entrance, stared down the ring, did a cryptic "1, 2, 3" count with his fingers, and left.
No words. Just a look. It was the kind of ending that makes you immediately grab your phone to see what people are saying on Reddit.
📖 Related: Liechtenstein National Football Team: Why Their Struggles are Different Than You Think
Why This Card Mattered
WWE is shifting away from those "gimmick" shows where every match has to be a certain type (like TLC or Extreme Rules). By putting "Bad Blood" back on the calendar, they made the Hell in a Cell feel like a special, dangerous event again rather than a yearly obligation.
The strategy worked. They dodged a conflict with UFC 307 by starting early, which was a smart business move by TKO. But more importantly, they gave the fans moments that felt earned.
Moving Forward After Bad Blood
If you're following the fallout, the next big stop is Crown Jewel. Triple H unveiled a new "Crown Jewel Championship" belt at the show—a 50-carat monster that the men's and women's world champions will fight for.
What should you watch for next? Keep an eye on the friction between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. After the cameras went off in Atlanta, KO actually attacked Cody in the parking lot. That heel turn has been simmering for a long time, and it’s finally boiled over. Also, Goldberg is apparently "next" for Gunther after a heated confrontation in the crowd.
The best way to stay ahead is to watch the opening segments of the following SmackDown and Raw episodes, as that’s where the Rock's "counting" gesture and the KO betrayal will be explained.
Don't just watch the highlights—the nuance in the Roman and Jimmy reunion is where the real story is. Check the official WWE YouTube channel for the post-show press conference where Triple H breaks down the gate numbers and the future of these stipulations.