WWE To Allow Blading In Major Matches

Bad Blood 2024 certainly lived up to it’s name, with both CM Punk and Drew McIntyre bleeding during their Hell in a Cell Match - a rarity for modern WWE.

Whilst WWE has operated a no-blading policy for several years, it seems as though these rules have been relaxed a little, with Dave Meltzer reporting in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that intentional bloodletting will be allowed ‘in major matches now that Vince McMahon is gone’ but the plan is not to overdo it.

Punk bladed during the match - according to plan - but opponent Drew McIntyre was busted open hardway due to an errant toolbox shot by Punk. The plan according to Meltzer was for only Punk to bleed, with WWE management backstage and at ringside ‘panicking’ due to how bad McIntyre’s wound was.

Initial on-the-spot plans were for the ringside doctor to enter the cell to check on McIntyre and stop the bleeding but this decision was jettisoned due to wanting to protect the stipulation. This was also informed by McIntyre taking control and sending word that he felt ok, but if he felt woozy at any point then he and Punk would go straight to the finish. McIntyre is said to have shown no signs of a concussion during the bout, and the match proceeded as intended with no issues, with McIntyre ‘very aware’ and in control at all times.