A Hellish Spectacle: WWE Bad Blood 2004
In the annals of wrestling history, 2004 was a year marked by intense rivalries and unforgettable matches. WWE Bad Blood 2004, held exclusively for the Raw brand, was no exception. This electrifying event took place on June 13th at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, drawing a passionate crowd of 9,000 fans.
A Night of Grudges and Championships
The heart of WWE Bad Blood 2004 was fueled by personal vendettas and the pursuit of championship gold. Several key matches captivated the audience:
- The Hell in a Cell Main Event: Triple H and Shawn Michaels reignited their bitter feud in a brutal Hell in a Cell match. This steel cage structure, synonymous with Bad Blood, witnessed a grueling battle that left both competitors battered and bruised. In the end, Triple H emerged victorious, but not without enduring a tremendous amount of punishment.
- Championship Clashes: Chris Benoit, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, defended his title against the monstrous Kane in a hard-hitting encounter. Meanwhile, Randy Orton, the Intercontinental Champion, faced the athletic Shelton Benjamin in a high-octane contest that showcased their technical prowess. Both champions successfully retained their titles, proving their dominance in their respective divisions.
- A Women’s Revolution: The women of WWE also took center stage at Bad Blood 2004. Trish Stratus, Lita, Victoria, and Gail Kim battled in a Fatal 4-Way match for the Women’s Championship. This match represented a significant step forward for women’s wrestling, as it showcased their athleticism and determination. Ultimately, Trish Stratus emerged as the new champion, solidifying her status as a rising star.
The Legacy of WWE Bad Blood 2004
Beyond the thrilling matches and championship clashes, WWE Bad Blood 2004 had a lasting impact on the wrestling landscape.
- The Hell in a Cell Tradition: This event further cemented the Hell in a Cell as a staple of Bad Blood, showcasing the match’s ability to create unforgettable moments of brutality and drama.
- A Turning Point for Women’s Wrestling: The Fatal 4-Way match helped to elevate the women’s division, demonstrating that female wrestlers could deliver compelling performances and main-event-worthy matches.
- A Financial Success: WWE Bad Blood 2004 was a commercial success, generating over $494,000 in ticket sales and 264,000 pay-per-view buys. This success solidified the event’s place in WWE’s calendar and contributed to the company’s growing financial strength.
Remembering WWE Bad Blood 2004
As we look back on WWE Bad Blood 2004, we are reminded of a time when wrestling was raw, emotional, and unpredictable. The event showcased the best that WWE had to offer, from legendary rivalries to groundbreaking matches. It was a night that wrestling fans will never forget.
Whether you were in attendance that fateful night or experienced the event through the magic of pay-per-view, WWE Bad Blood 2004 holds a special place in the hearts of many. It represents a time when wrestling was more than just entertainment; it was a spectacle of athleticism, storytelling, and sheer passion.
Let’s raise a toast to WWE Bad Blood 2004, a night that will forever be etched in the annals of wrestling history.