WWE’s Bad Blood premium live event started with a bang on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, from the sold-out State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Fans were treated to an explosive return of the infamous Hell in a Cell match, where two of WWE’s biggest stars, CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, went head-to-head in what would be the brutal conclusion to their heated rivalry. This Hell in a Cell bout was more than just a match—it was a battle filled with personal stakes, physical punishment, and a bloody spectacle that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world.
The End of a Year-Long Rivalry
Punk and McIntyre’s feud had been brewing for nearly a year, beginning in late 2023 and intensifying with every encounter. What started as competitive matches gradually evolved into something deeply personal. The animosity between the two was palpable, and their clashes often extended beyond the ring, with backstage confrontations and interference in each other’s matches. By the time Bad Blood came around, their feud had reached a boiling point, and WWE fans were eager to witness the final showdown.
Heading into this match, the score was tied at 1-1, with both men having secured a victory over the other in their previous encounters. The Hell in a Cell match would not only serve as the tie-breaker but also bring an end to their bitter rivalry. The storyline had involved personal moments, including the infamous incident where McIntyre stole a bracelet that Punk held dear. This added emotional depth to their feud, making the stakes even higher for Punk, who promised revenge.
CM Punk’s Mission: Restore the Hell in a Cell’s Legacy
CM Punk came into Bad Blood with a clear mission—to bring meaning back to the Hell in a Cell match. Over the years, many fans and critics had expressed concern that the once-feared structure had lost its edge. What was once known as WWE’s most brutal match type had gradually become more toned down. Punk, being a traditionalist at heart, aimed to change that perception by delivering a match that harkened back to the violent, blood-soaked days of Hell in a Cell’s prime.
“I’m going to make this match mean something again,” Punk declared in the weeks leading up to the event. And from the moment the cage was lowered around the two warriors, it became clear that this wasn’t going to be just another match—it was going to be a war.
Blood Flows Early in the Match
True to his word, CM Punk didn’t waste time turning the match into a bloodbath. Within the first few minutes, Punk was already bleeding heavily, using the classic “get color” tactic to show just how far he was willing to go to win this match. The sight of Punk’s crimson mask was reminiscent of old-school Hell in a Cell matches where blood was almost guaranteed. His forehead was a mess of blood, creating a visual reminder of the match’s violent nature.
But Punk wasn’t the only one bleeding. Shortly after, Drew McIntyre found himself on the receiving end of a brutal toolbox shot to the head, courtesy of Punk. Blood began pouring from McIntyre’s forehead as well, and it wasn’t long before the ring canvas was stained with the blood of both competitors. The scene was reminiscent of the legendary “Muta scale” moments in professional wrestling—a term used to describe the level of blood loss in a match, named after Japanese wrestler The Great Muta, who was known for excessive bleeding during his bouts.
The match had officially entered into hardcore territory, with both men pouring blood as they fought for dominance inside the steel structure. The crowd, although shocked by the level of violence, was fully invested, cheering on every brutal blow. It was a testament to the storytelling in the ring—this was not just a wrestling match but a culmination of months of anger, frustration, and personal vendettas.
Toolbox Carnage and Brutal Spots
As the match wore on, both Punk and McIntyre pulled out all the stops, using the environment around them to inflict as much damage as possible. In one particularly brutal spot, Punk grabbed a toolbox from under the ring, a nod to the hardcore legends who had previously used such items in Hell in a Cell matches. He wielded the toolbox with ruthless precision, smashing it into McIntyre’s skull repeatedly, causing the Scottish Warrior to bleed even more profusely.
The toolbox wasn’t the only weapon used. The unforgiving steel structure itself played a major role in the punishment both men endured. McIntyre repeatedly slammed Punk into the sides of the Cell, using the steel mesh to his advantage. Punk, in turn, used the steel steps, the ring post, and any other available tools to weaken McIntyre. The match was filled with high-impact, cringe-worthy moments, and the crowd couldn’t look away.
One of the biggest spots of the night came when Punk delivered a massive suplex to McIntyre, sending him crashing through a table set up at ringside. The crowd erupted as the table exploded under the force of both men, leaving McIntyre writhing in pain on the floor. This moment marked one of the match’s turning points, as Punk began to take control.
Symbolism and Storytelling: The Beads Bag Twist
As the match neared its climax, McIntyre pulled out a black bag from under the ring. Fans in attendance and watching at home immediately recognized the iconic imagery—this was usually a signal for thumbtacks, a classic hardcore wrestling weapon. The audience buzzed in anticipation, expecting McIntyre to scatter the sharp tacks across the ring and up the violence even further.
But in a surprising twist, the bag didn’t contain thumbtacks. Instead, McIntyre revealed a collection of colorful beads—a symbolic nod to the ongoing story between him and Punk. Throughout their feud, the beads had become a metaphor for their rivalry, and McIntyre’s decision to use them in this match was a clever storytelling device. It was a reminder that while the match was brutal, it was also deeply personal.
A Horrifying Claymore Gone Wrong
The match reached its most dangerous point when McIntyre went for his signature Claymore kick, a devastating move that has won him countless matches. However, this time Punk managed to dodge the attack at the last second, causing McIntyre to crash into the steel steps with his lower back. The impact was brutal, and McIntyre’s pain was clear as he writhed on the mat in agony. The sight of McIntyre’s body hitting the edge of the steel steps was one of the most jarring moments of the night, drawing gasps from the crowd.
This moment marked the beginning of the end for McIntyre. Punk, sensing an opportunity, capitalized on McIntyre’s injury by adding even more insult to injury. In a final act of humiliation, Punk grabbed some of the beads that McIntyre had introduced earlier in the match and shoved them down McIntyre’s throat. It was a symbolic victory for Punk, as he literally forced McIntyre to “choke” on the very object that had come to represent their feud.
The Final Blow: GTS with a Chain
With McIntyre incapacitated, Punk wasn’t done yet. He wanted to make sure the job was finished. Grabbing a steel chain, Punk wrapped it around his knee and prepared for one final blow. He lifted McIntyre up and delivered a devastating Go to Sleep (GTS) with the chain-enhanced knee, knocking McIntyre out cold. The added impact of the chain made the move even more dangerous, ensuring there was no way McIntyre would get up.
The referee counted to three, and with that, CM Punk was declared the winner of the match. The crowd erupted in cheers as Punk stood victorious, bloodied but triumphant, finally putting an end to his feud with McIntyre.
Punk’s Victory and the Legacy of Hell in a Cell
CM Punk’s victory over Drew McIntyre was not just a win in the record books—it was a statement. Punk had successfully restored the brutality and significance of the Hell in a Cell match, delivering a performance that harkened back to the days when the Cell was known for its unforgiving nature. The match will undoubtedly go down as one of the most violent and memorable Hell in a Cell matches in recent WWE history.
As the cage was lifted and the medical staff rushed in to tend to both men, the crowd gave a standing ovation, acknowledging the incredible effort both competitors had put into the match. Punk’s mission to bring back the importance of Hell in a Cell was accomplished, and fans were left in awe of the spectacle they had just witnessed.
What’s Next for Punk and McIntyre?
With the feud now behind them, the question on everyone’s mind is: What’s next for CM Punk and Drew McIntyre? Punk’s victory could catapult him into title contention, as he has proven himself as one of WWE’s toughest competitors. McIntyre, on the other hand, will need time to recover from the physical toll of this match. However, given his resilience, it’s only a matter of time before the Scottish Warrior makes his return to the top.
In the end, Bad Blood 2024 will be remembered for this Hell in a Cell match—a bout that perfectly blended storytelling, violence, and emotion. For CM Punk, it was the ultimate redemption; for Drew McIntyre, it was a painful defeat, but one that further solidified his reputation as one of WWE’s toughest competitors.
This match was a reminder of why Hell in a Cell remains one of WWE’s most iconic and feared structures, and it will likely inspire future generations of wrestlers to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible inside the Cell.
