WWE Bad Blood 2024 results, match grades: CM Punk and Drew McIntyre go through hell, Reigns and Rhodes stand tall as The Rock returns

Daniel Yanofsky

•
WWE Bad Blood 2024 results, match grades: CM Punk and Drew McIntyre go through hell, Reigns and Rhodes stand tall as The Rock returns image

(WWE.com)

The ending visual of Bad Blood was full of shock and awe as The Rock returned to WWE, re-entering the story between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. 

Reigns and Rhodes, WrestleMania enemies, teamed up to face The New Bloodline of Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. Reigns was featured in a PPV match without the Undisputed WWE Title for the first time since WrestleMania 40, with Michael Cole saying it made him look naked.

It did not affect his popularity, as he was more over compared to the Georgia native in Rhodes. It continued throughout the match as he got his hands on Sikoa, who took over The Bloodline following his long absence. 

MORE: WE Bad Blood: New championship belt announced for Crown Jewel

Rhodes played face in peril for a while but persevered. Reigns finally attacked The Bloodline, which felt like a feel-good moment. While Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa got involved, it was negated by Jimmy Uso's return, who sided with the Original Tribal Chief. The distraction was enough for Reigns and Rhodes to win. 

The partnership between Reigns and Rhodes was over, but Reigns still helped Rhodes as The Bloodline attacked him post-match. Reigns looked at Rhodes' belt but gave it back to him. All was well in the world. That's when The Rock came back.

The Bloodline story got kicked up a notch. With 2024 almost ending, what does The Rock's return mean for him, Reigns, and Rhodes? 

It was a wild end to the return of Bad Blood, an event featuring multiple grudge matches. 

Rhea Ripley attempted to gain a measure of revenge against champion Liv Morgan. She got some and even attacked a shark cage-suspended Dominik Mysterio. However, Mysterio became too much of a distraction for Ripley, which allowed for her demise. 

Raquel Rodriguez, out of action for months and a former partner/enemy of Ripley, returned and attacked Ripley, resulting in a DQ finish. This rivalry is far from over. 

Another Judgement Day rivalry went to the ring as Finn Balor and Damian Priest faced off. The grudge fight delivered with the limited amount of time they had. The members of Judgement Day got involved but didn't ruin the match. Priest pinned Balor in a hard-fought contest. 

It wouldn't surprise WWE fans to see a rematch down the road, which would be welcomed. 

MORE: Vince McMahon's relationship with his father and son, explained

Nia Jax successfully defended the WWE Women's Title against Bayley. Similar to their matches that started in NXT, it was a David vs. Goliath matchup. While there were a few hiccups, the two managed to put on a good effort. 

Jax may have finished Bayley, but she will now watch Tiffany Stratton, the Money in the Bank briefcase holder. Stratton tried using the briefcase and even distracted Bayley to help Jax win. However, Jax should be wary of Stratton from now on. 

Opening the show was the true main event, as CM Punk and Drew McIntyre went through (literal) hell and back. The blood feud ended in a Hell in a Cell match. It delivered and then some. 

Punk and McIntyre gave it their all in a rivalry that has lasted a year. Tables, chairs, wrenches, and a whole toolbox were used to decimate one another. They used literal blood, sweat, and tears to tell a story. It was rare for WWE to have a violent HIAC match, but this is what we can expect in a new era.

In the end, McIntyre got too cocky and slipped up, using Punk's past, like bracelet beads to irritate Punk. Punk used the beads and tools around him to finish McIntyre for good, later collapsing following a war and potential Rivalry of the Year winner. 

The Sporting News provided results, highlights, and match grades from the entire Bad Blood event!

WWE Bad Blood 2024 results, highlights

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Sporting News' coverage of Bad Blood!

Samantha Irvin sings God Bless America to open Bad Blood, a rarity for WWE events. 

The hosts for WWE Bad Blood, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and Naomi, are in the ring to welcome everyone to Bad Blood.

The Hell in a Cell match, featuring a Feud of the Year candidate in CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre, opens the show. Big fight feel as this could main event any show. 

CM Punk and Drew McIntyre go through Hell, Punk walks out the winner

They opened the match by exchanging words and fists, a tense start. The choked one another, before McIntyre found an opening. He punished Punk on the outside of the ring. By the way, welcome back old school Hell in a Cell, goodbye red cage. Punk recovered and grabbed a table and chair from under the ring. McIntyre used the chair against Punk and buried his face on the steel steps, grabbing a tool box from under the ring after.

McIntyre tried using a wrench, but Punk used it on him. Back in the ring, McIntyre broke the leg from a table and attempted to use the leg on Punk, but failed to do so. Very creative. Punk used the leg and stabbed and choked McIntyre with it. He tried hitting a GTS, but McIntyre countered with a Claymore. McIntyre has a huge bump on his forehead, and Punk started bleeding after going into the cage. It felt like a true rivalry, very old school WWE. 

Back in the ring, McIntyre stabbed Punk with a wrench. He set up a table on the outside. A corner knee by Punk, but he looked tired. Punk up top and took down McIntyre. He tried using a wrench but McIntyre landed a suplex. A Claymore attempt but Punk rolled out the ring. Punk hit McIntyre in the head with a toolbox and McIntyre started to bleed. He hit him with it again, and again from the top rope. Punk with new life. 

Punk went for the GTS, and finally hit it, but McIntyre went out of the ring. Claymore by McIntyre but only for two. Going for another Claymore, but Punk moved back and went for the Sharpshooter. McIntyre got Punk to stop by hitting him with the wrench. They exchanged shots in the middle of the ring. Future Shock attempt followed by a GTS attempt. Both men went down to a standing ovation. Punk with a knee outside the ring. McIntyre suplexed him through a table on the outside. 

McIntyre lifted the steel steps but was tired. Punk recovered and landed a GTS, but only for two. White Noise on the steps for McIntyre but Punk kicked out. McIntyre tried another move but Punk landed the Anaconda Vice. McIntyre tried hitting him with a wrench, but Punk used it against him. McIntyre begged him to stop but low blowed him. He put plastic beads all over Punk, a throwback to the bracelet. McIntyre tried for the Claymore but Punk moved again and went spine first into the steps. Punk put a chain around his knee, and landed a GTS to McIntyre for the win. 

That was one of the best Hell in a Cell matches in years. CM Punk and Drew McIntyre delivered, and then some. A blood feud got its proper end. Well done to both men. Good luck to anyone trying to top that.  

Grade: A+

Nia Jax puts her WWE Women's Title on the line against Bayley. 

Nia Jax retains against Bayley, keeps an eye on Tiffany Stratton 

Nia Jax started by using power against Bayley, from clotheslines to corner hits. Bayley was in trouble early as Jax bulldozed her. The former tried to fight back. Jax with a Camel Clutch. Bayley threw Jax out the ring. Leg drop to the back of the neck and Jax looked hurt. On the floor, Bayley attacked Jax, not giving her a chance to get up. 

In the ring, Jax took advantage of a Bayley error and splashed her while in the corner. Jax tried to go for the Annihilator, Bayley tried a powerbomb but Jax hit a hurricanrana. She then landed a Bayley to Belly but for two. Bayley got back up and landed a big knee. Sunset flip bomb by Bayley but they botched and Jax landed on her. On top, Bayley went for the elbow and landed it, but only for two. 

On the outside, Jax went through the steps. Bayley tried to drag her into the ring to win gold. Jax landed a punch to Bayley's gut. Powerbomb by Jax on the steps and then the outside barricade. Back in the ring, Jax with a Samoan Drop. Bayley with her own Samoan Drop. Jax hurt the official by accident, Bayley hit a Stunner, and a Rose Plant. Tiffany Stratton came out. 

Jax with the Undertaker sit up before Stratton could enter the match. Bayley went on the attack. Stratton tried distracting Bayley. Jax with a top rope Samoan Drop. She then landed the Annihilator for the win. 

It was tough going after Punk vs. McIntyre, but Jax and Bayley tried. They had solid moments outside of some sloppy botches, with the main story being Stratton and Jax. Good effort. 

Grade: B-

The Judgement Day rivalry takes center stage, as Finn Balor faces Damian Priest. Balor betrayed Priest not long ago, and now the two look to settle their differences.

Damian Priest gives Finn Balor some needed judgement

A test of strength, and Priest won easily. Balor landed a Sling Blade near the announce table and took advantage, stomping on Priest. He held a sleeper and raked the eyes. Priest with a forearm that hurt Balor. They exchanged shots until Priest landed boxing-type hits.

Broken Arrow by Priest but only for two. Sling Blade by Balor, but Priest countered with two kickboxing spinning knees. Stomp to the chest by Balor, and again. Both haven't gotten a clear edge. Razor's Edge by Priest but only for two. Priest shoved Balor over the announce table. He tried to land the Razor's Edge and hit it on the apron.

Carlito and JD McDonagh tried to interfere. Balor with a Coup de Grace, but only for two. A chair tried getting used, but Priest cleaned house. Balor with a counter and hit a Coup de Grace onto Priest's back. He landed another one to the back. A third attempt but Priest countered with South of Heaven for the win. 

These two were just getting warmed up as the match came to an end. Judgement Day getting involved was expected, but it didn't take away from the match. A job well done by both men. Would like to see another one between the two. 

Grade: A-

Triple H came out to a standing ovation. He stated the crowd size was 16,092. Crown Jewel, partnered with Riyadh Season, was discussed. An annual event will take place featuring WWE Champion and World Champion, for men and women. Both belts won't be on the line, but the winner will be crowned the 2024 Crown Jewel Champion. It reminds me of a "Best in the World" tournament to appease Riyadh Season. 

Gunther came out and insulted Goldberg. Goldberg looked to attack him, but Sami Zayn, who faces Gunther on an upcoming Raw, attacked Gunther. If all goes according to plan, Crown Jewel will see Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther.

Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Title is next. Dominik Mysterio, who will be in a shark cage, came out in a Lowrider. He will be lifted up on the cage. 

Raquel Rodriguez returns, costs Rhea Ripley revenge against Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio

Ripley attacked a distracted Morgan, overpowering her. It was very one-sided to start. Morgan managed to turn things around, attacking the knee of Ripley. In the ring, Morgan continued to take advantage of the injured knee, locking in a one-legged Boston Crab. Ripley managed to user her power on the floor to get out of the hold. 

Morgan took over again, forcing Ripley to the outside. She pushed her into the barricade and landed tough kicks. A sunset flip bomb into the barricade and Ripley got hurt. Morgan with a Codebreaker from the top rope. Oblivion countered, and Ripley landed on her bad leg. It didn't matter, and she landed a knee. Riptide attempt, and Morgan landed a Homewrecker. 

Mogan slapped Ripley and attempted the Three Amigos. Ripley stopped the third one, and hit the Razor's Edge. Mysterio unlocked the cage. Ripley with a splash and a submission attempt but Morgan got to the rope. Ripley interacted with Dom, and punished Morgan. Riptide to the outside. Dom almost fell off the cage, but he got stuck on a chain. Ripley said she had unfinished business with Mysterio. The official was OK with it. 

Ripley hit Dom with a kendo stick. Raquel Rodriguez is back! She attacked Ripley and the match was thrown out. 

That was not a great ending. Ripley and Morgan were doing well, but Mysterio became too much of a distraction. Then Rodriguez comes out of nowhere and throws the match away. They could have done better, from the match to the booking of it. 

Grade: C

Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, former rivals, team up to face The Bloodline's Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. It is as personal as one could get. A marching band brought Cody Rhodes, an Atlanta native, to the ring. 

It should be noted that Reigns came out last, not Cody the champion. Michael Cole said Reigns looked naked without the world title Cody now wears. Solo Sikoa shoved the ula fala into Reigns' face. 

The Rock returns, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes take down Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu as Bloodline blood feud gets elevated

Reigns and Rhodes debated who would start the match, with Rhodes starting. He tried overpowering Fatu, but failed. Instead, he landed a Disaster Kick, but Fatu ate it. Sikoa is in the match. Reigns wanted in. Reigns and Sikoa exchanged moves, to the delight of the crowd. Sikoa had control until Reigns sent him to the outside. Reigns got distracted by Fatu, and Sikoa took advantage. 

Sikoa with a splash to Reigns in the corner. Fatu landed one of his own to Reins, looking unhinged. Reigns moved following a long attack and forced Fatu to the outside. He tagged in Rhodes, who took down Fatu. Rhodes landed Dusty Rhodes-like elbows and a Cody Cutter. He attacked Sikoa and the distraction was enough for a Samoan Drop by Fatu, who recovered quickly. 

Sikoa now the legal man and went after Rhodes in slow fashion. Fatu launched himself onto Rhodes. Sikoa made the tag as the crowd wanted Reigns. Sikoa and Fatu with splashes in the corner. Rhodes finally tried to go for Reigns, but Fatu yanked him from the apron, forcing him to be the face in peril for a long time. 

Sikoa got tagged in and so did Reigns, to a loud reaction. Reigns went after Sikoa with clotheslines and punches. He went for the Superman Punch, but managed to get a crucifix and a Superman Punch for two. Reigns got teamed up against, with double superkicks. Moonsault by Fatu and a splash by Sikoa, but Rhodes broke up the pin. 

Rhodes tried to put Fatu through a table, but the latter attacked him. He went through the barricade attempting to hit Rhodes, but got up like it was nothing. Rhodes put him through a chair, and landed a Cross Rhodes on the floor. Now on the table, Rhodes went up top. Reigns looked on as Rhodes landed a splash through the table. It was now up to Sikoa and Reigns. 

Sikoa and Reigns traded shots until Reigns landed a Superman Punch. Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa got involved, and Sikoa tried to finish Reigns with a spear but he kicked out. Sikoa got distracted by someone, and it was Jimmy Uso. Spear by Reigns for the win. 

That was a slow, plodding match that fit to the style of who was involved. Reigns got a fantastic ovation, looking like a bigger star than Rhodes, the champion. Jimmy Uso is back, meaning the Bloodline story can really heat up. 

Grade: B-

Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa attack Rhodes after the match. Reigns and Uso try and save Rhodes and clear the ring. Reigns looked at the world title and took it, but he ended up handing it to Rhodes. The Rock is here! The crowd went wild. 

WWE Bad Blood 2024 results

  • Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns def. The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu)
  • Rhea Ripley def. Liv Morgan (c) via DQ for the Women's World Title
  • Damian Priest def. Finn Balor
  • Nia Jax (c) def. Bayley for the WWE Women's Title
  • CM Punk def. Drew McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match

Daniel Yanofsky

Daniel Yanofsky Photo

Daniel Yanofsky is the Combat Sports Editor for The Sporting News since late 2021. Prior to working for TSN, Daniel provided insight on combat sports for Fightful, FIGHT SPORTS, and Wrestling Inc. A proud Ithaca College alum, when he isn’t working on his golf game, Daniel is advocating for three-minute rounds in women's boxing.

You can follow him on Twitter via @DanYanofsky.