WWE has completely changed the game with its pay-per-view events, and the return of Bad Blood promises to be no different. Gone are the days of marathon events overflowing with matches. Instead, WWE has found a winning formula with shorter, more focused events, typically featuring five to seven high-stakes bouts. This strategy has not only led to better overall shows but has also breathed new life into Raw and SmackDown, as these shows now frequently feature matches that were once reserved for pay-per-views.
With Bad Blood just around the corner, anticipation is running high. If WWE sticks to its new five-match format, these are the dream matches that should be on the card.
1. Jey Uso’s Time to Shine: Intercontinental Title Match Against Bron Breakker
Jey Uso remains one of WWE’s most popular stars, consistently ranking among the top merchandise sellers. However, since branching out from The Bloodline, he hasn’t had a storyline that truly allows him to shine. Even with a potential reunion with Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso on the horizon, Jey deserves a compelling storyline in the meantime.
His father, WWE legend Rikishi, recently voiced his opinion that Jey is both underutilized and underpaid, and it’s hard to disagree. Jey consistently electrifies the crowd, but his character has lacked the depth it had during his time with The Bloodline.
A feud with Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship could be just what Jey needs. The upcoming Fatal 4-Way to determine the No. 1 contender presents a golden opportunity for Jey to secure a shot at Breakker’s title at Bad Blood. This match would not only play to Jey’s strengths but also give him the chance to shine in a high-stakes singles match, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most exciting performers in WWE today.
2. World Heavyweight Championship Rematch: Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
The stage is set for an epic rematch between Gunther and Sami Zayn for the World Heavyweight Championship at Bad Blood. Zayn boldly declared himself as Gunther’s next challenger on Raw, reigniting a rivalry that has captivated fans. Their history dates back to WrestleMania 40, where Zayn delivered Gunther his first major singles loss on the main roster, ending his historic 666-day reign as Intercontinental Champion.
Zayn is arguably the only one who can currently claim a legitimate chance at dethroning Gunther. Their WrestleMania match was lauded as one of the best technical wrestling matches of the year, further fueling the desire to see these two talented athletes clash once more.
With Zayn’s unwavering popularity and Gunther’s dominant presence as champion, this match has all the ingredients for a classic encounter. This could also serve as a stepping stone for Gunther, setting him on a collision course with CM Punk at Survivor Series, as speculated by wrestling insiders.
3. An Unlikely Alliance: Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu
Roman Reigns’ imminent return to SmackDown, coupled with Cody Rhodes’ upcoming WWE Championship defense against Solo Sikoa, has fans buzzing about a potential alliance between two of WWE’s biggest stars. It was Reigns who surprisingly aided Rhodes in his victory over Sikoa at SummerSlam, and rumors are swirling that WWE has something different in store for Bad Blood than a straight rematch between Rhodes and Sikoa.
With Rhodes embroiled in a heated rivalry with The Bloodline but also scheduled for a rare televised title defense on SmackDown, it seems unlikely that he’ll be defending his championship at Bad Blood. While Rhodes has teased a title match against Jacob Fatu, it’s doubtful that WWE would have either superstar lose at this juncture.
This is where the potential Rhodes-Reigns alliance comes into play. A tag team match pitting these two powerhouses against the formidable duo of Sikoa and Fatu would be a spectacle for the ages. It would allow WWE to continue the Rhodes-Bloodline storyline while giving fans a fresh and unexpected matchup.
4. Last Woman Standing: Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan in a Grudge Match for the Ages
The rivalry between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan has become one of the most intense and personal feuds in recent WWE history, consistently drawing massive viewership and social media engagement. Their heated exchanges have captivated audiences, making their matches must-see events.
Bad Blood, with its name signifying intense animosity, is the perfect stage for this rivalry to reach its boiling point. A Last Woman Standing match, a rarity in WWE, would provide the ideal backdrop for Ripley and Morgan to unleash their fury in a way no other match stipulation could.
This brutal and unforgiving environment would allow them to push their physical and emotional limits, delivering a fight that would be remembered for years to come. Given the personal nature of their feud and the involvement of Damian Priest and The Judgment Day, outside interference is almost a certainty, adding another layer of chaos and unpredictability to this already explosive matchup.
5. Hell in a Cell: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre – The Final Chapter
The rivalry between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre has been nothing short of legendary. These two titans of the ring have traded victories in recent months, with McIntyre emerging victorious at SummerSlam and Punk returning the favor at Bash in Berlin. Their matches have been the highlight of Raw, consistently delivering captivating performances that have left fans on the edge of their seats.