WWE Bad Blood 2024 on October 5, 2024, was a historic night in professional wrestling, marked by fierce rivalries, shocking returns, and unforgettable moments. Hosted at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, the pay-per-view delivered thrilling action, setting the stage for future storylines as WWE heads toward its next major events.
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre – Hell in a Cell
The night opened with a brutal Hell in a Cell match between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, a rivalry simmering for nearly a year. McIntyre had taunted Punk since his return to WWE, leading to a personal and violent feud. Both men entered the match knowing this would likely be the final chapter of their war.
From the opening bell, McIntyre dominated Punk with hard-hitting offense, but Punk soon turned the tide. Using the cell as a weapon, Punk brutalized McIntyre by repeatedly slamming him into the steel structure. The intensity escalated when McIntyre used a wrench from a toolbox, but Punk responded with savage strikes, leaving both men bloodied. The crowd erupted when Punk delivered a vicious Go To Sleep (GTS) with a chain wrapped around his knee, finally securing the victory after one of the most violent Hell in a Cell matches in recent memory. Fans on social media lauded the match as a classic, with many calling it one of the greatest Hell in a Cell bouts of all time.
Nia Jax (c) vs. Bayley – WWE Women’s Championship
In a highly expected clash, Nia Jax successfully defended her WWE Women’s Championship against Bayley in a hard-fought match. Jax dominated much of the match early, using her power to overwhelm Bayley with splashes and powerful slams. Bayley fought back, executing a stunning Sunset Flip Bomb and hitting a top-rope Elbow Drop for a near fall. Despite her resilience, Bayley couldn’t keep Jax down for long.
The match took a dramatic turn when Tiffany Stratton—Ms. Money in the Bank—made her way to the ring, ready to cash in. Stratton interfered by hitting Bayley with the briefcase, giving Jax the opening to recover. Although Jax momentarily thought Stratton was trying to cash in on her, she quickly regained her focus. After a distraction from Stratton, Jax capitalized with a Samoan Drop from the middle rope followed by her finishing move, the Annihilator, to keep her title.
This match continued the ongoing drama between Jax and Stratton, as the potential betrayal from Stratton looms large over Jax’s title reign.
Damian Priest vs. Finn Bálor
Damian Priest and Finn Bálor faced off in an intense, personal battle stemming from their fallout within The Judgment Day. Priest was out for revenge after Bálor cost him the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam, and their long-brewing tension came to a head in this high-stakes match.
The bout started off with both men showing their deep animosity, as Bálor slapped Priest, who responded with a brutal right hand. Priest took control early, delivering a flurry of punches and a thunderous lariat, but Bálor fought back, using his speed to land a Sling Blade and a Pele Kick. The two went back and forth, with Bálor hitting a double stomp from the top rope and Priest answering with a devastating Razor’s Edge.
Outside interference added more chaos, as Carlito and JD McDonagh tried to help Bálor, but Priest fought them off, determined to win on his own terms. After surviving Bálor’s Coup de Grace, Priest caught Bálor mid-air and hit the decisive South of Heaven chokeslam for the victory, securing a huge win and solidifying his dominance over his former ally.
Triple H’s Major Announcement
Triple H took center stage at Bad Blood, announcing a blockbuster main event for Crown Jewel 2024: the WWE Champion and the World Heavyweight Champion will face each other in a non-title match to crown the first-ever Crown Jewel Champion. This set the stage for a massive clash, sparking speculation about which champions will face off.
Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley – Women’s World Championship
Liv Morgan successfully retained her Women’s World Championship in a chaotic match against Rhea Ripley. With Dominik Mysterio suspended above the ring in a shark cage, Ripley dominated much of the match, even delivering her devastating Riptide to Morgan outside the ring. However, interference played a crucial role when Raquel Rodriguez made a surprise return, attacking Ripley. This interference led to a disqualification, letting Morgan retain her title despite Ripley winning the match via DQ.
Ripley’s frustration and Dominik’s failed escape from the shark cage added to the chaotic finish, setting the stage for potential future confrontations.
Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu
The main event saw an intense tag team match featuring Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns teaming up to face Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. The match was driven by high-stakes family drama, as Reigns, freshly returning to in-ring action after WrestleMania 40, sought to reassert control over The Bloodline, which had been splintered by internal conflict.
The match kicked off with Cody Rhodes squaring off against Jacob Fatu, with both men trading powerful moves. Rhodes hit a Disaster Kick, but Fatu quickly responded with a punishing superkick of his own. The action ramped up once Roman Reigns tagged in to face Solo Sikoa, marking a dramatic moment in the family rivalry. Reigns and Solo clashed fiercely, with Reigns countering a Samoan Spike and landing a Superman Punch, only for Sikoa to kick out.
As the chaos escalated, the Bloodline duo used underhanded tactics to keep Rhodes and Reigns separated. Jacob Fatu and Sikoa took advantage of distractions to dominate large parts of the match, but Rhodes turned the tide with a high-flying move, sending Fatu crashing through the announce table with a diving splash.
The climax came when Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, the Guerrillas of Destiny made a surprise appearance, distracting Reigns. However, Jimmy Uso, returning in a shocking twist, attacked the Guerrillas, leveling the playing field. This distraction let Reigns hit a final Spear on Sikoa to pick up the win for his team.
After the match, The Rock made a surprise appearance at the top of the stage, creating a dramatic conclusion as he stared down the victorious Reigns and Rhodes, hinting at future confrontations within The Bloodline saga.
The Rock’s Return
Perhaps the biggest moment of the night came when The Rock returned to confront Roman Reigns and Cody Rhoads after the main event. The electrifying moment left fans buzzing with the possibility of a long-awaited showdown between the two, potentially signaling a massive headliner for WrestleMania 41. With Jimmy Uso’s return adding fuel to the fire, the stage is set for an explosive continuation of The Bloodline saga.
WWE Bad Blood 2024 delivered on all fronts, with high-octane matches, emotional rivalries, and significant returns. CM Punk and Drew McIntyre’s Hell in a Cell match will go down as one of the most brutal contests of the year, while the returns of Jimmy Uso and The Rock have set up some of WWE’s most expected matches for the months ahead. As WWE heads toward Crown Jewel and beyond, fans are left eagerly awaiting the fallout from this unforgettable event.
Fantasy Booking: The Rock vs. Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and the Crown Jewel Championship
This fantasy booking builds off of WWE Bad Blood 2024, where The Rock confronted Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Jimmy Uso at the top of the stage. The scenario will follow The Rock defeating Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship, competing for the newly created Crown Jewel Championship at Crown Jewel 2024, and eventually setting up massive encounters with Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. This storyline emphasizes the significance of both the WWE Championship and the newly introduced Crown Jewel Championship, blending legacy, family, and honor.
Part 1: The Rock Defeats Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship
The Build-Up
Following Bad Blood 2024, tensions between The Rock and Cody Rhodes intensify on SmackDown. Cody, after fulfilling his dream of becoming WWE Champion earlier in the year, now stands toe-to-toe with a wrestling legend—the People’s Champion, The Rock. The Rock acknowledges Cody’s journey and resilience but declares that while Cody may be a great champion, there’s one thing he lacks: a legacy tied directly to the Anoa’i family and the WWE Championship itself.
The Rock makes it clear that for the WWE Championship to hold its rightful place, it must be won and held by someone who understands what it means to carry the legacy of professional wrestling. Cody, passionate as ever, is undeterred and vows to defend his title at any cost. This sets the stage for their confrontation at Survivor Series 2024.
Survivor Series 2024: Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock (WWE Championship)
The match at Survivor Series 2024 is a classic showdown between two of the most iconic figures in modern WWE. The atmosphere is electric as both men bring everything they must the table. Cody hits The Rock with several Cross Rhodes throughout the match, while The Rock uses his experience and power to counter with a Rock Bottom and People’s Elbow.
In the closing moments of the match, Cody sets up The Rock for one final Cross Rhodes, but The Rock counters with a devastating Rock Bottom. He quickly follows up with a People’s Elbow and pins Cody for the three-count, becoming the new WWE Champion. The Rock celebrates his triumph as Cody, heartbroken, reflects on his loss, once again falling short in his quest to cement his legacy.
Part 2: The Rock Faces GUNTHER at Crown Jewel for the Crown Jewel Championship
After winning the WWE Championship at Survivor Series, The Rock’s journey takes him to Crown Jewel 2024, where WWE announces a monumental match to crown the inaugural Crown Jewel Champion. The new Crown Jewel Championship honors the top performer in a battle between the reigning WWE Champion and the World Heavyweight Champion. It’s a championship match like no other—neither the WWE nor the World Heavyweight Championship is at stake. Instead, the winner of the match will be awarded the Crown Jewel Championship, representing supremacy between the two brand champions.
The Build-Up to Crown Jewel: The Rock vs. GUNTHER
At Crown Jewel 2024, The Rock, the reigning WWE Champion, is set to face the World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER in a match that will determine the first-ever Crown Jewel Champion. GUNTHER, who has dominated WWE as one of the most physically imposing and longest-reigning champions, is determined to prove his superiority. His ring generalship and brutal efficiency make him one of the most formidable opponents The Rock has ever faced.
On SmackDown, GUNTHER cuts intense promos, stating that while The Rock may hold the WWE Championship, he’s out of touch with the current generation. GUNTHER vows to bring legitimacy to the newly created title by crushing The Rock and becoming the first-ever Crown Jewel Champion.
Crown Jewel 2024: The Rock vs. GUNTHER (Crown Jewel Championship)
The main event at Crown Jewel 2024 is set—The Rock vs. GUNTHER in a high-stakes battle for the Crown Jewel Championship. The match is hard-hitting and technical, with GUNTHER showcasing his brutal striking ability and methodical offense. The Rock, however, proves that his experience and grit are enough to stand up to GUNTHER’s dominance.
In a jaw-dropping sequence, GUNTHER delivers punishing chops and a thunderous Powerbomb, nearly pinning The Rock. However, The Rock digs deep, catching GUNTHER with a sudden Rock Bottom. As GUNTHER struggles to get up, The Rock follows with a People’s Elbow to secure the win and become the inaugural Crown Jewel Champion.
With the WWE Championship already around his waist, The Rock now holds three prestigious titles—the WWE Championship, the Peoples Championship, and the Crown Jewel Championship—cementing his place as WWE’s top star.
Part 3: Roman Reigns Defeats The Rock for the WWE Championship
The fallout from Crown Jewel 2024 sees Roman Reigns growing increasingly frustrated with The Rock’s dominance. Roman, who had been the Head of the Table and WWE Champion for nearly four years, feels that The Rock has stolen his position as the family’s leader. He demands that The Rock face him for the WWE Championship, claiming that he is the true leader and Tribal Chief of the Anoa’i family and the rightful WWE Champion.
Roman, aligned with Paul Heyman, promises to take back what’s his. The Rock, while respectful of Roman’s rise to the top, is unafraid. He acknowledges Roman’s dominance but reminds him that he’s been there and done it all before. This sets up one of the most expected matches in recent history—The Rock vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Championship.
Royal Rumble 2025: The Rock vs. Roman Reigns (WWE Championship)
At Royal Rumble 2025, Roman Reigns and The Rock meet for the WWE Championship in what is billed as a battle for family supremacy. The match is intense and personal, with both men fighting not just for the title but for control of the Anoa’i family’s legacy.
Roman dominates the early parts of the match, using his size and power to wear down The Rock. But The Rock refuses to back down, rallying with strikes and a Rock Bottom. The tension builds as both men exchange near-falls, with the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats.
In the final moments, Roman catches The Rock with a devastating Spear and follows it up with a second one. After locking in the Guillotine Choke, The Rock cannot escape, and Roman wins by submission, reclaiming the WWE Championship and reaffirming his status as the undisputed Tribal Chief.
Roman stands tall with the WWE Championship in hand, while The Rock, despite his defeat, nods in respect, passing the torch to the next generation.
Part 4: Cody Rhodes Defeats The Rock for the People’s Championship
After losing the WWE Championship to Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble 2025, The Rock continues to hold the People’s Championship—a title symbolizing his connection with the WWE Universe and his legacy as the People’s Champion. This prestigious title was awarded to him earlier at the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony by Lonnie Ali, widow of the legendary Muhammad Ali. The presentation was an emotional moment, with The Rock receiving the championship as acknowledging his contributions to sports entertainment and his role as a cultural icon, much like Ali before him.
The Rock’s Return at Bad Blood
The chapter with Cody Rhodes unfolds when The Rock makes a surprise return at the Bad Blood pay-per-view. With the People’s Championship proudly draped over his shoulder, he appears at the top of the stage, causing an immediate stir among fans and competitors. His presence signals that while he may no longer hold the WWE Championship, The Rock still sees himself as the man who represents the people.
At Bad Blood, The Rock confronts Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and Jimmy Uso in a dramatic staredown, setting the stage for the next major chapter in WWE’s storytelling. Cody, still yearning to complete his story after losing the WWE Championship at Survivor Series, sees the People’s Championship as the final piece to solidify his legacy. For Cody, winning the People’s Championship from The Rock would signify not just his rise to the top but also the respect and admiration of the WWE Universe.
WrestleMania 41: Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock (People’s Championship)
With The Rock holding the People’s Championship, Cody Rhodes formally challenges him to a match at WrestleMania 41. Cody’s emotional journey to prove himself culminates in this battle, as he believes that winning this title will be the final step in completing the story that began with his return to WWE. The Rock, ever the showman, accepts the challenge, knowing this match will define Cody’s legacy as much as it adds to his own.
The Build-Up
The weeks leading to WrestleMania 41 feature heated promos from both men. The Rock talks about what it means to be the People’s Champion, highlighting the significance of the title that connects him with the fans. Cody emphasizes his long road to the top, recalling his struggles, losses, and triumphs. He vows to win the People’s Championship to honor his family’s legacy, particularly his father, Dusty Rhodes, who was beloved by the WWE Universe.
WrestleMania 41: Cody’s Redemption
At WrestleMania 41, Cody Rhodes faces The Rock in one of the most emotional matches of the night. Both competitors give it their all, with Cody landing several Cross Rhodes and The Rock fighting back with his iconic Rock Bottom and People’s Elbow. The tension builds with each near-fall, but Cody’s resilience and heart keep him in the fight.
In the final moments, Cody counters a Rock Bottom and hits The Rock with a final Cross Rhodes, pinning him for the win. The crowd erupts as Cody Rhodes is crowned the new People’s Champion, finally completing his story and solidifying his place in WWE history.
Aftermath: Cody’s Legacy and The Rock’s Respect
After the match, The Rock, ever gracious in defeat, embraces Cody in the ring and raises his hand, officially passing the mantle of the People’s Champion to him. Cody’s emotional victory is celebrated by fans, and he dedicates the win to his father, his family, and the WWE Universe.
With the People’s Championship now in Cody’s hands, he stands as a champion who represents the people and the legacy of his family, while The Rock, though no longer champion, remains an icon of the business, having elevated the next generation of WWE superstars.
This moment solidifies Cody Rhodes’ redemption and his status as one of WWE’s most beloved champions, while also paying tribute to the enduring legacy of The Rock as the People’s Champion.
