By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Bad Blood
Atlanta, Georgia at State Farm Arena
Streamed live October 5, 2024 on Peacock
WWE Bad Blood Countdown Show Notes
-There was a high-speed video of the Hell in a Cell structure being constructed. Separate shots aired of CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and The Bloodline…
-The countdown show was hosted by Megan Morant and Sam Roberts. Peter Rosenberg checked in while standing outside the host venue with a group of fans.
-Jackie Redmond stood backstage and spoke about the Hell in a Cell match. Redmond threw to Cathy Kelley, who was in another part of the backstage area and also spoke about the HIAC match.
-The video package on CM Punk’s dog Larry aired. Punk spoke of the importance of rescuing dogs (amen!) and plugged the PAWS animal shelter in Chicago. He noted that Larry is named after “The Wolf Man” Larry Talbot. Punk spoke about some dogs being forgotten misfits and said that’s what Larry is. Punk spoke about Drew McIntyre stealing the bracelet and using Larry to make things extremely personal. Punk said he hopes to end McIntyre’s career to show that it’s a line you do not cross.
Powell’s POV: Hey, this gives me an excuse to plug my favorite group MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue. My dogs Obi and Ani are both MidAmerica alums and I can’t say enough good things about the rescue and how they went above and beyond to get Ani the medical attention she needed even after we brought her home. Our girl is healthy and strong today thanks to the rescue.
-Jackie Redmond’s sit-down interview with Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio aired. Morgan said Ripley would have no more excuses when she beats Ripley for the third and final time.
-Cathy Kelley’s sit-down interview with WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax was shown. She recalled gunning for Bayley and Asuka for the NXT Women’s Championship. Kelley asked Jax about leaving the company. Jax said it was probably the best thing that ever happened to her. She said it helped restore her passion and love for wrestling. She said she felt like she was able to reset and now she’s the best Nia Jax ever.
-Jackie Redmond, Big E, and Peter Rosenberg spoke from backstage at the venue about Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. Big E said he’s tired of oddball tag teams and whether they will work together or not, but he’s intrigued by Reigns and Rhodes and doesn’t know how they can lose if they do work together. Rosenberg noted that it’s not a Bloodline Rules match. “But isn’t it always Bloodline rules?” Rosenberg asked. He wondered who is out there lurking to make sure Sikoa and Fatu don’t lose.
-Morant and Roberts closed out their end of the countdown show.
-Samantha Irvin was introduced and she sang “God Bless America” while standing in the middle of the ring. She did a terrific job.
WWE Bad Blood Main Card
Michael Cole checked in on commentary while footage aired of CM Punk arriving at the building and of Drew McIntyre checking out the Hell in a Cell structure. Footage aired of Finn Balor, Carlito, and JD McDonagh walking backstage, and another clip aired of Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest walking together…
The Bad Blood opening video package aired. It was a cinematic video that featured Paul Levesque and Cody Rhodes meeting up in a parking area. Levesque wanted Cody to do a stakeout with Metro Boomin. Cody and Metro did their stakeout of the host venue. After WWE footage aired, Cody told Metro it was time…
Paul Levesque was shown walking backstage. Cole said that Levesque had promised a historic announcement…
Pyro shot off on the stage. Cody and Metro Boomin were shown arriving in the parking area in a car with no license plates…
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair stood in the ring with Naomi and were introduced as the hosts of the show by ring announcer Samantha Irvin. They said it would be a historic night and it was their job to get things started with Hell in a Cell. The HIAC structure was lowered while the cage lowering music played. Cole listed the attendance as 16,902…
Drew McIntyre made his entrance for the HIAC match and walked slowly to the ring. Cole said it was 27 years ago to the day in St. Louis that the first HIAC match took place. Cole noted that the match featured Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels and included the first appearance of Kane.
A graphic noted that McIntyre was 0-2 in HIAC matches. Cole noted that McIntyre lost those matches to Randy Orton and Bobby Lashley. Cole said McIntyre made his PLE debut 15 years and one day ago on a show billed as Hell in a Cell.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves were shown at their desk at ringside. Cole mentioned there were celebrities and Hall of Famers in the building. Bill Goldberg was shown seated at ringside next to rapper Killer Mike.
CM Punk made his entrance to Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality” while some fans sang along. Punk dropped to one knee and said it was clobberin’ time. Cole noted that Punk is 2-2 in HIAC matches and mentioned his win over Ryback…
1. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match. They used the traditional HIAC cage rather than the red version. The usual energy drink logo was in the middle of the ring. Shawn Bennett was the referee.
Punk and McIntyre slowly walked together and met in the middle of the ring. McIntyre spoke to Punk and then smirked before throwing the first punch. Punk fired back. McIntyre picked up Punk and placed him in the corner and then threw more shots at him. Punk returned him around and returned the favor, but McIntyre spun him around and threw more punches.
Punk fought his way out of the corner with punches and a kick. McIntyre blocked a kick and grabbed Punk by the throat. McIntyre tossed Punk into a corner of the ring and knocked him down. McIntyre tossed Punk out of the ring and Punk’s back hit the steel cage.
McIntyre followed Punk to the floor and was whipped into the cage. Punk used a shoulder block to drive McIntyre into the cage. With McIntyre seated, Punk slammed McIntyre’s head into the cage a couple times.
Punk looked under the ring and pulled out a table, which got the usual big pop from the crowd. Punk slid the table inside the ring and then pulled out a chair and wound up to hit McIntyre, who kicked him and then got the chair and slammed it over Punk’s back. Cole said this would not be a five-star wrestling classic.
McIntyre got Punk on the ring steps. McIntyre pulled a toolbox out from underneath the ring and dumped the contents in the ring. McIntyre grabbed a wrench and tried to hit Punk, who ducked and then threw punches at McIntyre. Punk ground the top of the wrench into the forehead of McIntyre before rolling him back inside the ring.
McIntyre tried to set up the table in the ring, but one of the legs was broken. McIntyre ripped the leg off and wanted to use it as a weapon, but Punk avoided it. Punk tripped McIntyre, who hit the table. Punk used the table leg as a weapon and then slammed McIntyre on the table that was lying on its top in the middle of the ring.
Punk pulled the leg out the table into an upright position and then tried to grind McIntyre’s head on it, but McIntyre caught him with a shot. Both men went to ringside. Punk kicked McIntyre and set up for his finisher, but McIntyre grabbed the cage. Once McIntyre was back on his feet, he drilled Punk with a Claymore Kick.
McIntyre picked up Punk and lawn darted him into the side of the cage. McIntyre’s forehead was scraped up, and Punk bled from the forehead around 9:40. McIntyre saw Punk bleeding and smiled. McIntyre picked up the top piece of the ring steps and slammed them on the side of Punk’s head.
McIntyre placed the ring steps down and slammed Punk’s head on them, then stomped his hand on the steps. McIntyre told Punk that he would end his career and then his wife would leave him. Back in the ring, McIntyre used another tool from the toolbox to gouge Punk’s forehead.
McIntyre went to ringside and pulled out another table, which got a pop, and then set it up on the floor. McIntyre returned to the ring and punched Punk. McIntyre admired the blood that was left on his fist.
Cole pointed out the black band that McIntyre was wearing on his left bicep. Cole said McIntyre told him he was wearing out of respect for Punk because this was Punk’s funeral. Punk battled back and hit a double axe-handle from the middle rope.
Punk grabbed a wrench and went up top and then dove off and tried to hit McIntyre, who caught him and hit a German suplex. A “this is awesome” chant broke out at 14:35. McIntyre kipped up. McIntyre counted while setting up for a Claymore Kick, but Punk rolled to ringside to avoid it.
McIntyre reached out to grab Punk, who hit him with the toolbox. McIntyre came up bleeding heavily from the forehead. Punk returned to the ring and hit McIntyre with the toolbox again. Punk went up top with the toolbox and then jumped off and slammed the toolbox over McIntyre’s head.
Punk hit three high knee strikes in the corner and then bulldogged McIntyre. Punk signaled for the GTS. Punk hoisted up McIntyre for the move, but McIntyre slipped away. Punk grabbed him and ended up hitting the GTS, but McIntyre rolled to the floor before Punk could cover him.
Punk went to ringside and rolled McIntyre back inside the ring. When Punk followed, McIntyre drilled him with a Claymore Kick that led to a near fall. McIntyre picked up a wrench, but then he dropped it and went for a Claymore, but Punk avoided it.
Punk put McIntyre in a Sharpshooter. McIntyre grabbed a wrench and hit Punk with it to break the hold. McIntyre raked Punk’s face with the wrench. A crew member threw a towel to the referee, who used it to wipe the blood from McIntyre’s eyes while some fans booed and the production team cut to a distant shot of the ring.
Both wrestlers got to their feet and traded punches while the fans did the “yay/boo” routine. Punk hoisted up McIntyre, who slipped away and threw chops. Punk dropped McIntyre with a kick and then he also fell to the mat.
Punk and McIntyre ended up on the apron. Punk hit a knee strike. McIntyre powered up Punk and then suplexed him from the apron through a table at ringside. The fans chanted “holy shit” and then another “this is awesome” chant broke out. Graves brought up Tommy Rich vs. Buzz Sawyer’s classic match in Atlanta and said this match may set a new level of violence.
McIntyre grabbed the bottom piece of the ring steps and then climbed onto the bottom piece and set the top piece down while clutching his lower back. McIntyre got the top half of the ring steps inside the ring. McIntyre rolled Punk back in the ring and then joined him.
McIntyre collapsed and then got back to his feet. Punk hit McIntyre with the GTS and covered him for a near fall. “Somebody win this damn match and end this brutality,” Cole said. Punk got back to his feet, but McIntyre grabbed him and hit White Noise on top of the ring steps that were in the ring. McIntyre covered Punk for a near fall.
McIntyre set up Punk for a move, but Punk countered into the Anaconda Vice. McIntyre grabbed a wrench that was lying on the mat, but Punk took it from him and battered him over the head with it several times. Punk stood up and held up the wrench while the fans cheered.
McIntyre started to beg off. Punk mocked him for it and then wound up to hit him with the wrench, but McIntyre low-blowed him. McIntyre went to ringside and returned with a black bag. The referee tried to wipe Mcintyre’s forehead, but McIntyre pushed his hand away.
McIntyre poured friendship bracelet beads out of the black back and over the head of Punk. McIntyre went for a Claymore, but Punk moved, causing McIntyre’s back to hit the edge of the ring steps before he landed on the beads.
Punk wrapped a chain around his left leg. Punk scooped up a handful of the beads and shoved them inside McIntyre’s mouth. Punk hit the GTS with the chain on his knee and then pinned McIntyre…
CM Punk defeated Drew McIntyre in 31:25 in a Hell in a Cell match.
Punk stood in the ring for a bit and then went to ringside and slammed the cage door behind him. Punk played to the fans for a moment and then sold the effects of the match by collapsing. Adam Pearce, producers, and EMTs ran out. Punk tried to blow them off, but he sat down for a moment and the EMTs put an oxygen mask on him. McIntyre was shown selling in the ring. Punk removed the mask and asked for his wife once he got to his feet. Punk turned back and played to the fans. Punk stumbled a bit while holding his arms out on the stage…
Powell’s POV: That was a gem. No flips or big dives, just a good old fashioned cage match brawl. The delivered on the promised blood and violence, and the babyface went over to win the feud. I would have rolled my eyes had McIntyre poured the overused thumbtacks in the ring, but the beads were perfect given how much of a role the bracelet played in their feud. I liked the post match selling as well to put over the effects of the match. I’m very curious to see what comes next for both wrestlers.
After ads/videos, Irvin introduced Jacqueline, Lilian Garcia, and Booker T, who were all seated in the crowd next to one another…
Cathy Kelley checked in from the VIP suite. Jey Uso was in the background while Kelley spoke with Bad Blood hosts Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Naomi. They noted that Mickie James, Peter Rosenberg, and Dallas Page were in the suite. Tully Blanchard was also shown while they were cutting to a shot of DDP…
Entrances took place for the WWE Women’s Championship match. Bayley came out first. Graves said Bayley needed to tap into her mean streak to win the match. Nia Jax made her entrance with her title belt draped over her shoulder…
2. Nia Jax vs. Bayley for the WWE Women’s Championship. Samantha Irvin delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Cole mentioned that Jessika Carr was the referee. Jax was the early aggressor and caught Bayley with a splash in the corner.
Jax put Bayley down with a big clothesline and covered her for a two count. Jax sent Bayley into the ropes and then used her body to send her back to the mat. Jax put Bayley in a bearhug. Bayley slipped out and rolled up Jax with a sunset flip for a two count.
Jax put Bayley in a half crab after kicking out. Bayley reached the ropes to break the hold. Jax slammed her body into Bayley, who was against the ropes. Bayley fell to the mat and then Jax put her in a weak looking Camel Clutch. Bayley slipped out and then used her speed to avoid Jax and to send her to the apron.
Bayley dropped a leg on the back of Jax’s head when she tried to return through the ropes. Bayley hit a baseball slide and then rolled Jax back inside the ring before covering her for a two count. Bayley sent Jax back to the floor and hit her with a suicide dive.
Jax took offensive control and slammed Bayley in the corner and hit her with a hip attack. Jax set up for her finisher, but Bayley popped up and caught Jax on the middle rope. Bayley stepped under Jax and went for a powerbomb, but Jax countered into a rough huracanrana. Jax performed a belly-to-belly suplex and got a two count.
Jax hoisted up Bayley and dumped her on the top turnbuckle. Jax placed Bayley on the mat, but then Bayley moved when Jax ran at her. Bayley hit Jax with a knee strike and followed up with a sunset bomb. Cole noted that Jax fell on top of Bayley, who came up holding her shin.
Bayley got up and dropped a few elbows on Jax. Bayley went up top and hit an elbow drop. Bayley covered Jax, who kicked out aggressively and sent Bayley to ringside. Jax followed and charged Bayley, who moved, causing Jax to crash into the ring steps.
Bayley favored her leg a bit while standing on the ring steps. Bayley dropped an elbow on Jax and returned to the ring to break the count. Bayley went back to the floor and jumped from the steps, but Jax caught her with a shot to the gut.
Jax powerbombed Bayley the ring steps and then picked her up and flung her into barricade. Back in the ring, Jax played to the crowd for heat. Jax hit a clunky looking Samoan Drop that fooled Cole into thinking it was an offensive move for Bayley. Jax covered Bayley for a two count. “That was odd,” Cole said.
Bayley came right back with a Samoan Drop of her own. Jax kicked out aggressively again, sending Bayley onto the referee, who was fine. Bayley hit Jax, who landed on the referee. REF BUMP!!! Bayley hit a Stunner and the Rose Plant, but the referee was down.
Tiffany Stratton ran out with the Money in the Bank briefcase and beat Bayley with it. Stratton looked at Jax and then revived the referee, who picked up the MITB briefcase from the mat. Jax sat up Undertaker style and saw the referee holding the briefcase.
Jax confronted Stratton. Bayley shoved Jax into Stratton and then rolled up Jax for a two count. Bayley avoided a charging Jax, who crashed into the corner. Bayley went up top. Stratton tossed the briefcase at Bayley, who caught it and tossed it back to the floor. Jax used the distraction by performing a Samoan Drop from the middle rope and then hit the Annihilator to get the win…
Nia Jax defeated Bayley in 14:10 to retain the WWE Women’s Championship.
After the match, Jax headed to the back alone while Stratton held her briefcase at ringside…
Powell’s POV: There were a couple of clunky moments, but there was more good than bad. Bayley was protected due to the Stratton interfering and causing the distraction at the end. I didn’t expect Stratton to cash in, but they obviously kept that drama going.
Footage aired of Xavier Woods playing the new Dragon Ball video game… A video package aired on Damian Priest and Finn Balor while Peacock’s ad-based users saw commercials…
Finn Balor made his entrance wearing a black mask with a white stripe down the middle of this face. Cole said Balor was going solo because he wants to prove he doesn’t need the rest of Judgment Day to beat Damian Priest. Balor removed the mask and had black paint below his left eye.
Damian Priest made a standard entrance. Rappers Quavo, Lil Baby, and Metro Boomin were shown in the crowd. Cole was giddy. Graves said he’d never seen Cole so excited at ringside…
3. Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor. Aja Smith was the referee. Priest worked over Balor to start the match. Cole said Triple H would appear shortly with a historic announcement. Balor came back and threw kicks at Priest on the apron. Priest responded with a kick to the head that sent Balor to the floor.
Priest exited the ring and ran toward Balor, who hit him with a sling blade clothesline in front of the broadcast table. Back in the ring, Priest picked up Balor and drove him into a corner. Balor caught Priest with a kick. Balor jumped from the ropes and ate a big punch from Priest, who sold hand pin.
Balor came right back with a side Russian leg sweep. Balor threw a knee to Priest’s side and then kicked his lower back. Balor put Priest in an abdominal stretch and threw elbows at his side. Priest slipped out of the hold and dumped Balor to the mat.
Priest hit Balor with forearms. Balor threw a chop. Priest dropped Balor with a punch. Priest threw kicks at Balor and then put him down with another punch. When Balor stood up, Priest hit him in the corner. Balor set up Priest for an inverted DDT, but Priest countered into a Broken Arrow for a near fall.
Priest threw a couple of spinning kicks at Balor before putting him down with a clothesline that led to a two count. Priest threw more kicks at Balor, who ducked one and then responded with an overhead kick that left both men down.
Priest hit the Razor’s Edge for a near fall. Balor went to ringside. Priest followed, charged, and knocked Balor over the broadcast table. Priest performed a Razor’s Edge on the ring apron. Back in the ring, Priest lowered the straps on his gear.
Carlito ran out and entered the ring. While the referee was distracted by Carlito, JD McDonagh showed up and clotheslined Priest over the top rope. Balor hit Priest with a shotgun dropkick and the Coup de Grace, but Priest kicked out of the pin attempt that followed.
Balor ended up with a chair. Priest kicked the chair at Balor’s face and then took care of Carlito and McDonagh. Balor used the distraction and had a run of offense before hitting the Coup de Grace on Priest’s back. Balor followed up with the same move.
Balor went for a third Coup de Grace, but Priest caught him and hit the South of Heaven chokeslam and got the three count…
Damian Priest defeated Finn Balor in 12:45.
Powell’s POV: A solid match. I could have done without the interference. It actually makes Balor look worse than he couldn’t get the job done despite getting help from two men, though I suppose a case could be made for Priest looking stronger for fighting off the interference and still getting the pin. The big thing that worked against this match and the WWE Women’s Championship match is that they never sold me Balor or Balor winning.
An ad aired for WWE Survivor Series WarGames, which takes place Saturday November 30 in Vancouver…
Paul Levesque was shown writing on a piece of paper while shown from a Gorilla Position camera…
Cole and Graves hyped the three previously advertised matches for Monday’s Raw… Cole thanked Future and Metro Boomin for the Bad Blood theme song. Cole hyped the fast food chain sponsor (I got your saucy nuggs right here, pal)…
Paul “Triple H” Levesque made his entrance in a suit and slapped hands on his way to the ring. There was a Crown Jewel platform set up in the ring with a covered belt. Levesque said it’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since he was living up the road on Windy Hill. Levesque said he was “Terra Ryzing” WCW in 1994. He touted the attendance and said it was their 60th sellout of the year.
Levesque hyped up Crown Jewel, which the live crowd responded to with some groans and light boos. Levesque said the annual event will feature the top reigning men’s and women’s champions from each brand meeting. He said neither title will be on the line, but there will be a winner who will be named the Crown Jewel champion. Levesque unveiled a huge Crown Jewel title belt and said it had 50 carats of diamonds and the belt will signify the best of the best.
World Heavyweight Champion Gunther made his entrance and shook Levesque’s hand once he was inside the ring. Gunther showed off his own title belt and then grabbed a microphone. Gunther asked the crowd what Bad Blood would be without the World Heavyweight Champion.
Gunther said the Crown Jewel title belt is a beautiful thing. Gunther spoke about going for the new title belt in four weeks. He mentioned his title defense against Sami Zayn on Monday’s Raw and then downplayed it.
Gunther said that as a legend himself, he wanted to put the spotlight on the legends in attendance. A Goldberg chant broke out. Gunther mentioned Bill Goldberg, who was shown nodding. Gunther said he needed to clarify that when he told Bret Hart that Goldberg was a hero, it wasn’t true.
Gunther asked how someone like him could be impressed with a one-trick pony like Goldberg. “No disrespect,” Gunther added. He said he was just busting balls. Gunther turned his attention to Goldberg’s son Gage and said he hopes Bill was a better father than he was a professional wrestler.
Goldberg stood up and threw his hat down. Goldberg hopped the barricade. Adam Pearce and security ran out to stop Goldberg. Gunther held up his title belt in the ring while security prevented Goldberg from going after him.
Sami Zayn entered the ring and attacked Gunther, who fled the ring. Zayn dove onto Gunther and threw punches at him until producers pulled him off. Gunther hit Zayn with a boot to the face while he was being held back. Zayn went after Gunther again. Once they were separated. Pearce told Zayn “Not now, Monday.”
In the ring, Levesque raised the arm of Goldberg, who then played to the crowd while his music played. The broadcast team spoke about the Crown Jewel announcement while Goldberg passed them, hopped the barricade, and rejoined his family…
Powell’s POV: Did they really think the crowd was going to do anything other than boo or groan when Levesque mentioned the show being held in Saudi Arabia? Putting that aside, Gunther was great with his disrespectful promo on Goldberg. Zayn showing up and attacking Gunther served as a nice final push for their title match on Raw. I can’t say I’m crazy about the idea the Crown Jewel championship and having the world champions meet for the gaudy title belt, but I guess we’ll see how they do it and how protective they are with the losers.
Cathy Kelley checked in from the VIP booth with Belair, Cargill, Naomi, and Metro Boomin. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven showed up. They all acted like Green smelled due to her loss in the dumpster match on Smackdown the night before. Green was offended and wanted Niven to leave with her, but Niven opted to stay…
Dominik Mysterio drove a lowrider onto the stage and had Liv Morgan in the passenger’s seat. They exited the car and headed to the ring. Rhea Ripley made her entrance and showed off the “Dirty Dom” toilet paper. Cole said he’d love to see all the things the fans would do with the toilet paper. Graves was the voice of reason in shooting down the idea and asking Cole if he’d met “our fans.”
Dom was hesitant to enter the shark cage, which was on the ground in the entrance aisle. Ripley took the mic and said she had one more secret, Dom is afraid of heights. The shark cage was raised in the air. Dom sold being terrified while Ripley waved at him.
4. Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship with Dominik Mysterio locked in a shark cage. Dan Engler was the referee. Ripley used the distraction of Dom being raised in the air to jump Morgan once the bell rang. Ripley performed a fallaway slam.
Morgan rolled to the floor. Ripley worked over Morgan at ringside before rolling her back inside the ring. When Ripley tried to return to the ring, Morgan caught her with a dragon screw leg whip. Morgan targeted Ripley’s knee with kicks and then put her in a half crab.
Morgan came back with a suplex into a bridge for a two count. Cole said Dom was spending more time behind bars during this match than he did the first time. Graves said Dom served hard time. Morgan went back to work on Ripley’s knee.
Morgan performed a sunset bomb from the apron onto Ripley on the floor, which sent Ripley crashing into the barricade. Back in the ring, Ripley hit a Codebreaker from the middle rope for a near fall.
Ripley rolled through Morgan’s Oblivion attempt. Ripley hopped on one leg to sell her injury. Morgan came back with a move that Graves said she calls the Home Wrecker. Morgan did the Eddie Guerrero shimmy and went for Three Amigos, but Ripley stuffed the last one. Ripley powered up Morgan and dumped her on the mat.
Dom opened the shark cage door. Ripley went up top and di her down shimmy when she noticed Dom had the door open. Ripley performed a frog splash for a near fall. Ripley put Morgan in the Prism Lock. Morgan reached the ropes and then went to ringside.
Ripley followed Morgan and threw her into the barricade twice a bit in front of the shark cage. Ripley gave Dom a crotch chop and then hit the Riptide on Morgan on the floor. Dom leaned out of the shark cage and fell, but he was held up by one leg that was strapped and chained.
Ripley went to ringside and smiled. Ripley returned to the ring. Ripley spoke into the camera and said one minute, she had unfinished business. Ripley said she would come back and become the new champion.
Ripley pulled a kendo stick out from underneath the ring. Ripley approached Dom and then looked into a camera and said, “Happy birthday to me.” Ripley battered Dom with the kendo stick repeatedly.
Raquel Rodriguez showed up and attacked Ripley from behind. Rodriguez threw Ripley back inside the ring and then hit the Tejana Bomb and placed Morgan on top of Ripley. Cole noted that the bell already rang due to disqualification.
Rhea Ripley beat Liv Morgan by disqualification in roughly 14:00 in a World Heavyweight Championship match.
Powell’s POV: The shark cage gimmick actually hurt the match in that it felt like nothing really mattered until Dom played some factor in the match. I like that it wasn’t as simple as Dom tossing Morgan a weapon because it’s what everyone expected. It was good to see Rodriguez back from a long layoff and I really like the idea of her playing the muscle for Dom and Morgan.
The vignette that is expected to be for the arrival of
“The Motor City Machine Guns” Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin was shown…
A Crown Jewel ad aired for the event that will be held on Saturday, November 4…
Cole and Graves spoke as they showed the upcoming premium live events. For some reason, the Saturday Night’s Main Event show was listed among the upcoming premium live events even though it’s an NBC show…
Cole hyped the Bad Blood press conference for after the conclusion of the show…
The Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes video from the Georgia Tech football stadium aired…
Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu made their entrance. The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff marching band walked to ringside and played the Cody Rhodes entrance theme. Cody’s usual entrance theme played and then he made his entrance wearing his skull mask, which he took off when knelt down. Cody had pyro after the “Whoa” part. Cole noted that Dusty Rhodes wrestled over 200 matches in Atlanta with the first being in 1974. At one point, Cole labeled this the most important match of Cody’s career. Um, really?
An orchestra was lined up in the entrance aisle and played Roman Reigns to the ring. Reigns also received pyro during his entrance. Cole said the Georgia Philharmonic played Reigns to the ring. Cole mentioned Ole Anderson turning on Dusty Rhodes during a match against The Assassins. Cole wondered if Dusty’s son would suffer the same fate at the hands of Reigns…
5. Roman Reigns and WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. Jason Ayers was the referee. Reigns and Cody spoke to one another. Reigns asked if Cody wanted to start, then allowed him to do so.
Cody hit Fatu with a Disaster Kick. Fatu no-sold it and fired back with a superkick. Sikoa tagged in. Cody put his hand up to hold him off. The crowd chanted “OTC” and then Cody looked back at Reigns, who shrugged and held his hand out. Cody milked it for a moment and then made the tag.
Cole noted that this was the first time since WrestleMania that Reigns was wrestling a match. Sikoa threw a punch, but Reigns blocked it and hit him several times. Reigns set up for a backdrop, but Sikoa kicked him. Solo headbutted Reigns and then jawed at the live crowd for heat.
Reigns threw a couple of punches and then mounted Sikoa in the corner. Reigns stood on the middle rope and threw ten punches while the fans counted along. Sikoa caught Reigns with a punch. Reigns came back with an elbow that put Sikoa down.
Reigns clotheslined Sikoa over the top rope. Fatu entered the ring and glared at Reigns. The referee called Fatu on not tagging. Sikoa returned to the ring and hit Reigns from behind.
Reigns and Fatu ended up in the ring together. Reigns cleared Fatu to ringside and then made a diving tag. Fatu returned and was powerslammed by Cody, who followed up with a Cody Cutter.
Cody set up for CrossRhodes, but he had to release it once Sikoa teased entering the ring. Fatu took advantage of the distraction and hit a popup Samoan Drop. Sikoa uranage slammed Cody on the apron and then got him back in the ring where he and Fatu continued to work him over.
Cody sidestepped a charging Fatu, who tumbled to the floor. Cody fought free from Sikoa and went for the tag, but Fatu pulled Reigns off the apron in a nice spot. Solo got a two count on Cody.
Fatu tagged in and slammed Cody to the mat. Fatu went up top and went for a Swanton Bomb, but Cody put his knees up. Reigns pounded the ring steps and then returned to his corner while Cody crawled toward him. Cody made the tag.
Reigns hit Sikoa with four clotheslines and a big boot. Reigns threw ten punches at Sikoa while the fans counted along. Reigns played to the crowd and then did the locked and loaded bit in the corner.
Reigns went for a Superman Punch, but Sikoa stuffed it. Reigns stuffed the Samoan Spike and the used a crucifix to get Sikoa into a pin for a two count. Reigns hit a Superman Punch for another two count.
Reigns played to the crowd and was about to let out his war cry when Fatu grabbed him from behind. Reigns fought free and put Sikoa down, but Fatu entered the ring and hit him with a superkick. Fatu and Sikoa splashed Reigns, but Cody broke up the pin attempt that followed.
Cody and Fatu ended up at ringside. Cody ran Fatu into the ring steps. Cody cleared the broadcast table and then turned into a superkick. Fatu charged Cody, who moved, causing Fatu to crash through the barricade in the timekeepers area.
Fatu popped right up and started tossing chairs around. Cody put Fatu down with a CrossRhodes. “He’s still moving,” Graves said of Fatu, who got back to his feet. Cody superkicked Fatu twice and then Fatu ended up on the broadcast table.
Cody went up top and saluted Reigns, then dove and splashed Fatu through the table. A “holy shit” chant broke out. Reigns got the better of Sikoa and then let out his war cry.
Reigns was distracted by Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa at ringside. Sikoa speared Reigns for a two count. Sikoa barked at Reigns and then looked over and saw a man wearing a hoodie and a mask at ringside.
The man superkicked Tonga and Loa and then unmasked to reveal himself to be Jimmy Uso. Reigns speared and pinned Sikoa.
Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes beat Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in 25:50.
After the match, Jimmy entered the ring while Reigns was down. Once Reigns got back to his feet, he and Jimmy hugged. Jimmy wore a “They Not The Ones” t-shirt. Cody stood across the ring. Reigns and Cody nodded affirmatively to one another. Reigns and Jimmy left the ring together.
Sikoa, Tonga, and Loa attacked Cody and put him down. Jimmy spoke with Reigns. Fatu went up top. Jimmy and Reigns ran to the ring and then cleared the new Bloodline members. Cody got back to his feet.
Reigns picked up the WWE Championship belt and looked at it. Reigns looked at Cody and then the belt again, and handed it back to Cody. Reigns nodded. Cody held up the title belt.
The Rock’s entrance music played and the fans popped huge. Rock stood on the stage with the title belt that Muhammad Ali’s widow gave him over his shoulder. Rock counted to three with his fingers and then turned to leave. Rock stopped at the entrance and turned back and looked at the ring. Cole plugged the press conference and the UFC event to close the show…
Powell’s POV: A solid main event that got by on the popularity and star power of Reigns and Rhodes, as well as the fun of seeing Fatu play the dominant badass. I was actually hoping for Rock interference to give the heels a needed win. Rather, Sikoa took yet another loss. At some point, will the others call him on stating that losses have consequences or are we supposed to forget that he used Roman’s loss to take over The Bloodline?
Overall, it was a good show with the two big matches both delivering. I will have a lot more to say when Jake Barnett and I will team up shortly for a same night audio review that will be available exclusively for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let us know what you thought of the show by voting for the best match and grading the overall show below.
Is Jason going to post an article acknowledging that Dave “Lying Piece of Shit” Metlzer literally owns a 3% stake in AEW?
Don’t be so weird. This is a comment section for a WWE show. You should totally start your own site for the wrestling incels that also can’t satiate their lust for things they supposedly hate 🙂
Sure, the moment it’s actually proven. Hey, did you know they can control the weather?!?
It’s a terrible rumor. Don’t post an article unless it can be backed up by several sources.
No need to worry about that. JP is above that junk. He’s not Meltzer.
TGO “AEW Derangement Syndrome”. Hilarious and pathetic all at the same time.
“Stratus interfering and causing the distraction at the end”
Trish is there? Oh my!
Can’t stand the fact they once again did not strap Rhea Riley !!!
Why do they have to strap Rhea Ripley?
Dom’s gonna cheat on Liv with Raquel probably.
Agreed. He needs a list of lovers. Perfect for his character. Be more Latino Heat than the last 2.
As someone who has called out AEW for that vast amount of titles, WWE is getting flat out redic. The crown jewel titles are dumb but they look legendary next to the belt the Rock is parading around. Awful
So I’m wondering does that enormous belt go to the winner of both matches?
Because they only had one out there..
That Crown Jewel title means zero and I can miss it because I have never supported the Saudi shows. I am a CM Punk supporter so I loved Hell in a Cell anyway, even if it was a fantastic fight by both men.
I did get a kick out of Gunther and Goldberg.
Oh and Jason, you forgot about the Earth being flat, Roswell etc etc. TheGreatestOne in what?
Oh, man….I can’t believe AEW’s event had a lot of interference in their match, botches, non-finishes, another title being introduced, and extreme violence with all that blood! Why am I watching this!?!?
Wait…this wasn’t an AEW PPV? Oops! I’ll go back into my cave now. Seems like many other stayed there except for our resident conspiracy theorist.
“Zayn showing up and attacking Goldberg served as a nice final push for their title match on Raw.”
Huh?
So, Triple H (i assume this is his call) kinda destroyed the rest of the show by making everyone follow the HIAC that will be remembered for years to come. Rhea is the most over full-time face in the company and that crowd was SILENT for her.
BTW- Rhea. Just… wow. Wow.
(I’ll sound like a pig. I’ve got no one to impress.)