Sunday Convo: ‘Business Just Picked Up’ As The Rock Returns At Bad Blood 2024

The State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA, was the venue that hosted WWE’s Bad Blood 2024 on Saturday night in front of a crowd of 16,092. Although the event produced a good show, everyone was there for the main event: Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu going up against Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. The match delivered in many ways but what blew the roof of the venue was when The Rock’s music hit at the end of the match. Twenty-eight years after his wrestling debut, The Rock appearing is still a box office attraction, which always equates to the phrase “business just picked up.”

The Main Event Was Everything We Expected Except For One Thing

There is no denying that the ringwalks for both Rhodes and Reigns were over the top in a good way. The Pine Bluff Marching Band was out there playing their respective music, and it was a tip of the cap for the marching band culture in Atlanta. Once the match started, there was some uncertainty as Rhodes and Reigns couldn’t figure out who would go first. The commentary added fuel to the fire by referencing old WCW stories about Dusty Rhodes and how he couldn’t trust his partner in a specific match. Once the action finally began, both teams got their licks in, and it was entertaining.

Whether it was the crowd chanting “You can’t wrestle” to Solo or Rhodes saluting Reigns before jumping off the top rope and onto Fatu, who was lying on the commentary table, the match gave you a little bit of everything. Then, as the end was near, the Tongas came out to help Solo, only to be kicked by a man in a hoodie and mask. That man was Jimmy Uso, and the arena went wild. Reigns speared a distracted Solo, and he was able to pin Solo for the 1-2-3.

Here is where the magic happened: the psychology level went from zero to a hundred. After pinning Solo for the win, Jimmy went into the ring praising his Tribal Chief, and Reigns had a look on his face like he was still surprised. Then, once Reigns got up, he hugged Jimmy, and you felt his emotions behind it. It was almost as if you were receiving that hug through the TV or at the arena. It felt so genuine, but it could have also been an acknowledgment of their bond, and Jimmy showing Reigns love, especially since Reigns’ father passed away over the summer. It was a special moment that made for great TV.

Cody Rhodes Needed Help & Roman Reigns Was Stuck Between A Rock & A Hard Place

Once Reigns left the ring with Jimmy, Rhodes was left in the ring by himself, and that’s when the Bloodline attacked him. Jimmy pleaded with Reigns to help Rhodes, but Reigns continued to say that him helping Rhodes was only a “one-time thing.” After discussing it some more, Reigns agreed, and they both went into the ring to help Rhodes. Then, after clearing the ring, there was a moment when Reigns had the undisputed title in his hands and was hesitant to give it back to Rhodes. He finally did, but it was slow enough that it felt like Reigns was questioning himself throughout the moment. Once Rhodes raised his belt, that’s when The Rock’s music hit, and the crowd likely broke any decibel level records because it was loud.

The Rock came out holding his People’s title, and after soaking up the energy while showing goosebumps on his arms, he counted one, two, and three with his fingers and then waved off his arm, almost implying that he was the fourth member of a proposed team to face the Bloodline. Afterward, the Rock had a camera crew follow him to his truck, and that’s when he said that when the Final Boss is ready to explain things, he would, but at that moment, he wasn’t prepared to.

The Final Boss Is Still A Big Attraction

From January to the end of WrestleMania, the WWE recorded good numbers regarding gate, merchandise, and attendance. It was all primarily due to The Rock turning heel and becoming The Final Boss. It was something the WWE Universe hadn’t seen in a while, and when he turned, it worked. After WrestleMania, things were still great, but they slowly settled down to what the WWE would normally do with regard to business. The Rock is coming back a little over two months before the new Netflix deal begins, and it is perfect timing because this version of The Rock needs to be on an uncensored platform where half of his promo isn’t muted. Going by the crowd’s reaction last night, business has picked up already and The Rock is ready to take the WWE into 2025 with a whole new attitude.

Abraham Gonzalez

Abraham Gonzalez is the founder of FightsATW. His journalistic work has been published and used across several platforms to include online, network TV and promotional companies. He is an American Public University alumnus and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). Abraham was the Managing Editor for NYFights, Big Fight Weekend, contributed to FanSidedMMA and ProBoxTV.

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