WWE Bad Blood 2024: 5 Must-See Matches in the New PLE Format

WWE has dramatically changed the way it handles its pay-per-views, and the upcoming return of Bad Blood should follow the same path. Gone are the days of lengthy events with 10 or more matches. In 2024, WWE has been consistently scheduling five to seven matches for most of its pay-per-views. According to Fightful Select (via Inside The Ropes), this shorter format is expected to continue: “WWE is happy with how the shorter PLEs are performing…A short PLE helps them stack the match cards on RAW and SmackDown, especially when the blue-brand show is in the same city as the PLE.”

This approach seems to be working well. Just last month, the Bash in Berlin event recorded the highest live gate in WWE’s history. The shorter, more focused pay-per-views have resulted in better overall shows, and both Raw and SmackDown have improved, largely due to high-stakes matches being featured more often. WWE has struck a great balance with its big events, and if they stick to the five-match format at the upcoming Bad Blood event in Atlanta, here are five matches that should be booked.

Bron Breakker vs. Jey Uso for the Intercontinental Title

Jey Uso is still one of WWE’s top merchandise sellers, despite having inconsistent storylines since his exit from The Bloodline. Although a reunion with Roman Reigns and his brother Jimmy may be on the horizon, Jey deserves a more significant storyline in the near future. Recently, Jey’s father, Rikishi, pointed out that Jey has been poorly booked and underpaid, and there is some truth to that.

While Jey remains a fan favorite, his character lacks the depth it had during his time with The Bloodline. However, that could soon change. On this week’s Raw, Jey will compete in a Fatal 4-Way match to determine the next challenger for Bron Breakker’s Intercontinental Championship. Jey should emerge victorious, setting up a high-stakes match with Breakker at Bad Blood. This could give Jey the spotlight he’s been missing.

World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther vs. Sami Zayn

Last week on Raw, Sami Zayn stepped up to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. This feud is a natural fit for both stars. Gunther, having moved on from his rivalry with Randy Orton, has a deep history with Zayn. The two faced off at WrestleMania 40, where Zayn ended Gunther’s record-breaking 666-day Intercontinental Championship reign and handed him his first major singles loss on the main roster.

If anyone can defeat Gunther, it’s Zayn. Their WrestleMania match was one of the best pure wrestling encounters of the year, making this a perfect match for the returning Bad Blood event. Zayn remains one of WWE’s most beloved stars, while Gunther is one of its most despised, making them ideal opponents. This rivalry could be a stepping stone for Gunther as he builds toward a potential Survivor Series match with CM Punk.

Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu

Roman Reigns is set to return on this week’s SmackDown, which will also feature Cody Rhodes defending his WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa. This scenario hints at a possible temporary alliance between Rhodes and Reigns. Recall that Reigns assisted Rhodes in defeating Sikoa at SummerSlam last month. Despite the obvious direction of another Rhodes vs. Sikoa match at Bad Blood, WWE reportedly isn’t planning to go that route.

Since Rhodes will be busy defending his title on SmackDown, it’s unlikely he’ll defend it again at Bad Blood. Although there was talk of a potential title match between Rhodes and Jacob Fatu, neither outcome would be ideal for WWE—Rhodes isn’t losing the title anytime soon, and Fatu shouldn’t lose his first WWE singles match. Therefore, the best solution would be a Rhodes-Reigns partnership, even if only for a short time, to battle Sikoa and Fatu.

Last Woman Standing: Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan

WWE has struck gold with the Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan feud, which has driven massive viewership on social media and been a highlight of Raw in recent months. This intense rivalry deserves an epic conclusion at Bad Blood, and a Last Woman Standing match would be the perfect setting.

With so much bad blood between these two stars, a no-holds-barred fight would be the ideal way to end their heated feud. WWE could also use this match to incorporate outside interference from Damian Priest and The Judgment Day, as they continue to play a key role in this storyline. Whether WWE opts for a Last Woman Standing, a Street Fight, or another no disqualification match, the end result should be a brutal brawl to settle this red-hot rivalry.

CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell

If Ripley vs. Morgan isn’t WWE’s best rivalry of 2024, then that title goes to CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre. This feud has been one of the driving forces behind Raw’s resurgence and has captivated audiences all year. With both men tied at one win each—McIntyre won at SummerSlam, and Punk won at Bash in Berlin—the only fitting conclusion to this rivalry is a Hell in a Cell match.

This is not just a case of forcing a gimmick match because of the pay-per-view’s theme. Hell in a Cell is the ideal way to settle this emotionally charged rivalry. With only two Hell in a Cell matches taking place since 2021, the stipulation has regained its special aura. The Punk vs. McIntyre feud deserves nothing less than this brutal finale, which will cement the importance of their rivalry in WWE history.