WWE Bad Blood, a pay-per-view event that originated in the Attitude Era, has left an indelible mark on professional wrestling history. Despite only having three editions, this event has produced some memorable matches in WWE history.
As Bad Blood makes its return to the WWE schedule after a 20-year hiatus, let’s take a look at the best matches from this iconic event, ranked in order of their impact and quality.
5. Randy Orton vs. Shelton Benjamin (Intercontinental Championship Match, Bad Blood 2004)
While Bad Blood is often associated with brutal encounters, this pure wrestling match between two rising stars stands out for its technical brilliance. Randy Orton and Shelton Benjamin, both considered among the brightest prospects on the roster at the time, delivered a nearly flawless performance.
This match showcased the incredible athleticism and in-ring prowess of both competitors. Despite being overshadowed by some of the more gimmick-heavy matches on the card, this contest remains a hidden gem that deserves recognition for its crisp execution and storytelling.
4. Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels (Bad Blood 2003)
Five years before their emotional clash at WrestleMania XXIV, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels put on a clinic at Bad Blood 2003. This match featured a more traditional heel/face dynamic, with Flair representing the villainous Evolution stable.
The Nature Boy, five years younger than in their WrestleMania encounter, was able to keep up with the Heartbreak Kid’s pace, resulting in an athletic contest filled with great back and forth action and storytelling.
The match exemplified the type of performance fans had come to expect from these two legends, with Flair securing a victory through his trademark underhanded tactics.
3. Triple H vs. Kevin Nash (World Heavyweight Championship Hell in a Cell Match, Bad Blood 2003)
While Kevin Nash’s return to WWE was marred by physical limitations, this Hell in a Cell match against Triple H stands out as the best of his second tenure.
The bout leaned heavily on brutality and the use of foreign objects to compensate for Nash’s reduced mobility. Special referee Mick Foley added to the carnage, with all three men getting busted open during the contest.
Despite its limitations, this match delivered on the promise of violence that fans expected from a Bad Blood event, proving that sometimes spectacle can overcome technical shortcomings.
2. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (Hell in a Cell Match, Bad Blood 2004)
The blood feud between former best friends Triple H and Shawn Michaels reached its zenith in this epic Hell in a Cell encounter. Clocking in at a grueling 47 minutes, this match was a war of attrition that pushed both men to their absolute limits.
From the outset, both competitors wore the crimson mask, setting the tone for a brutal and unforgiving battle. No weapon was off-limits as Triple H and Michaels sought to destroy one another.
The match’s length, while potentially daunting on paper, was necessary to fully convey the hatred and determination of both men. Only through sheer exhaustion did this war finally come to an end, leaving an indelible mark on the Bad Blood legacy.
1. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell Match, In Your House: Bad Blood 1997)
Topping our list is the match that started it all – the very first Hell in a Cell encounter between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. This groundbreaking match set the standard for all future cell matches and remains one of the most influential bouts in WWE history.
The Undertaker dominated much of the match, finally getting his hands on the elusive Michaels. HBK’s legendary bumping ability was on full display as he was thrown from pillar to post, creating iconic moments that would be replayed for years to come. The match took the competitors to all sides and even the top of the cell, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in a WWE ring.
Adding to the match’s legacy was the debut of Kane, The Undertaker’s long-lost brother, who tore the door off the cell and laid waste to his sibling. This shocking conclusion added an extra layer of drama to an already unforgettable contest.
Return of Bad Blood
As WWE prepares to revive Bad Blood in October 2024, fans can only hope that the event will produce matches that live up to the legacy of these classics. With the Hell in a Cell match confirmed to return, there’s every chance that a new generation of superstars will add their names to the illustrious history of WWE Bad Blood.
The return of Bad Blood after two decades is a testament to the enduring appeal of its brutal, no-holds-barred approach to professional wrestling. As we look forward to the future of this iconic event, we can’t help but marvel at the incredible matches that have defined its legacy, setting a high bar for all future Bad Blood encounters to aspire to.
