CM Punk disappointment, massive return & more - 4 things WWE may have already subtly told us about Bad Blood 2024

WWE Bad Blood 2024 emanates from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 5. With a lineup of grudge matches from top to bottom, the PLE promises a great deal of fireworks borne of instant classic moments that will be talked about for a long time. With names like Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes on the card, the star power in Atlanta will be incredible as well.

As we count down the days to the event, fans are curious about what will transpire in Atlanta. Who will win their respective matches? Will there be any heel turns or surprise returns? Who will main event? What implications will Bad Blood have on upcoming shows? These questions and more weigh heavily on fans' minds, but Triple H and Co. may have already hinted as to what's going to happen.

Here are four things WWE may have already subtly told us about Bad Blood 2024:

---

#4 Liv Morgan vs Rhea Ripley may end at WWE Bad Blood 2024

Liv Morgan will defend the Women's World Championship against Rhea Ripley at WWE Bad Blood 2024 with Dominik Mysterio suspended in a shark cage. Given the animosity between the two women, it's unlikely that this match will be the end of their feud.

With Mysterio suspended high above the ring, fans have speculated that Ripley will be lulled into a false sense of security only for Raquel Rodriguez to return and cost her. If this were to pass, it would extend the feud for months before it finally concludes.

It would seem Ripley vs. Morgan will be going on for a while longer

---

#3 We might see a betrayal at WWE Bad Blood 2024

The build-up to WWE Bad Blood 2024 has been fraught with animosity between long-time rivals, bringing the featured rivalries to a breaking point. However, there has also been plenty of dissent between friends which has also threatened to reach a tipping point. Thus far, nobody attached to the featured matches has turned, but that could be about to change.

With Kevin Owens, Naomi, and Tiffany Stratton dealing with simmering frustration toward their allies, a stunning betrayal might be in the works in Atlanta. Who is the likeliest to turn at the PLE? Who has the most to gain from attacking their respective friends and adding a fresh coat of paint to their character? Could Randy Orton pull off a shock and be the one to turn on Cody Rhodes instead of Owens?

Triple H and Co. may have already rolled out the carpet for a blockbuster turn. However, they have done an incredible job of leaving fans guessing who could be the one to snap.

---

#2 A surprise winner might be on the cards at WWE Bad Blood 2024

Balor vs. Priest at Bad Blood might not be as predictable as it seems.[Image source; wwe.com]

Amidst all the hype surrounding Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, and CM Punk, Finn Balor vs Damian Priest has got lost in the WWE Bad Blood shuffle. Interest in the feud has been affected by sharing a setting with Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan and the limited one-on-one interaction between Priest and Balor. However, once the bell rings, it should be a strong contender for the match of the night.

That may not be all, however. The Prince, who has been a heavy underdog in the rivalry thus far, could pull off an upset and take home the win. With no stipulation provided for the match and the Judgment Day in his corner, Balor should be able to win the duo's first match. Given The Punishment's really strong presentation on the road to Bad Blood, a straightforward win for him would arguably kill the feud early.

A win for the heel would open up many more possibilities, from a rematch with The Judgment Day banned from ringside to the potential return of The Demon King.

---

#1 CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre may open the show

After Cody Rhodes' appearance on The Pat McAfee Show just days before WWE Bad Blood 2024, fans spotted an interesting bit of off-air conversation. As The American Nightmare bid farewell to McAfee, the latter was heard asking the former if the "Big Guy" was returning. This got an overwhelming section of fans excited since the implication was a comeback by The Rock.

Hours later, more rumors came out that Rhodes and Roman Reigns' match against Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu would headline the show, seemingly confirming The Great One's impending return. Given how heated Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk is bound to be and Hell In A Cell's history of main-eventing previous editions, only a massive angle in the tag match would push them out of that spot.

WWE likely instructed McAfee and Rhodes to tease The Brahma Bull's return, subtly molding fans' expectations and managing potential disappointment with Punk and McIntyre's placement on the card. Going by Triple H's booking patterns, he will most likely highlight the HIAC match in the second-most important slot of the night: the opening match.