What Is WWE Bad Blood?

WWE Bad Blood was a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). This event was part of WWE’s annual PPV lineup during the early 2000s, featuring high-profile matches and storyline culminations.

Origins and History

Bad Blood made its debut in the WWE (then WWF) pay-per-view calendar in 1997. However, it wasn’t initially established as an annual event. The PPV gained more prominence in the early 2000s when it became a regular fixture in WWE’s event schedule.

Key Characteristics of WWE Bad Blood

WWE Bad Blood was known for several distinctive features:

  1. Intense rivalries: The event often showcased heated feuds and personal conflicts.
  2. Gimmick matches: Special match types were frequently featured, adding excitement and unique stipulations.
  3. Brand-specific: In later years, it became exclusive to the RAW brand during WWE’s brand extension era.
  4. Summer scheduling: The event typically took place in June, positioning it as a significant summer PPV.

Notable Bad Blood Events

While there were only a few Bad Blood PPVs, some stand out:

  1. Bad Blood 1997: Featured the first-ever Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels.
  2. Bad Blood 2003: Headlined by a Hell in a Cell match between Kevin Nash and Triple H.
  3. Bad Blood 2004: The last Bad Blood PPV, featuring a Hell in a Cell match between Triple H and Shawn Michaels.

Significant Matches and Moments

WWE Bad Blood produced several memorable wrestling moments:

  • The inaugural Hell in a Cell match (1997)
  • Ric Flair vs. Mick Foley in a hardcore-style match (2003)
  • Chris Benoit defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Kane (2004)

Impact on WWE Programming

Bad Blood played a role in WWE’s PPV strategy:

  1. It helped establish the Hell in a Cell match as a signature WWE gimmick.
  2. The event provided a platform for concluding major storylines.
  3. It contributed to the evolving landscape of WWE’s PPV schedule in the early 2000s.

Discontinuation

WWE Bad Blood was discontinued after the 2004 event. Factors contributing to its discontinuation may have included:

  • WWE’s changing PPV strategy
  • The introduction of new themed PPVs
  • Reallocation of signature matches (like Hell in a Cell) to other events

Legacy in Professional Wrestling

While no longer active, Bad Blood left its mark on WWE history:

  1. It introduced one of WWE’s most iconic match types (Hell in a Cell).
  2. The event name evoked a sense of intense, personal rivalries.
  3. It remains a memorable part of WWE’s Attitude Era and early 2000s programming.

FAQs About WWE Bad Blood

  1. Why was the event called “Bad Blood”? The name reflected the intense rivalries and conflicts featured at the event.
  2. How many Bad Blood PPVs were there? There were four Bad Blood PPVs in total (1997, 2003, 2004, and In Your House: Bad Blood in 1997).
  3. Was Bad Blood always associated with the Hell in a Cell match? While the first Hell in a Cell match occurred at Bad Blood 1997, not every Bad Blood event featured this match type.
  4. Why did WWE discontinue Bad Blood? WWE frequently adjusts its PPV schedule. Bad Blood was likely phased out as part of these changes and the introduction of new event themes.
  5. Did Bad Blood have any specific theme or signature match? While it introduced Hell in a Cell, Bad Blood didn’t have a consistent signature match across all events.

Conclusion

WWE Bad Blood, though short-lived as a recurring pay-per-view, left a significant impact on professional wrestling history. Its association with the debut of the Hell in a Cell match alone secures its place in WWE lore. The event’s name and theming around intense rivalries provided a unique platform for WWE to showcase some of its most heated and personal feuds.

While no longer part of WWE’s current PPV lineup, Bad Blood remains a nostalgic touchpoint for fans of late 1990s and early 2000s wrestling. It represents a period of innovation in WWE programming and match types, contributing to the evolution of professional wrestling presentation. The legacy of Bad Blood continues to influence WWE’s approach to themed events and the development of high-stakes, emotionally charged rivalries.