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WWE and UFC have dominated the combat sports market for years. In what many see as the biggest shocker in WWE history, the two companies were merged by Endeavor in September 2023 to form TKO Group Holdings. The brands have worked together on a couple of occasions since then, but now a significant change has been forced.
The return of WWE Bad Blood is scheduled for Saturday, October 5 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. This will mark the 27th anniversary of the inaugural Bad Blood pay-per-view, which also featured the first-ever Hell in a Cell match. Surprises are apparently planned for the event, which could involve Cody Rhodes.
WWE Premium Live Event growth has been a focal point of the new era. Sources recently revealed how one major trend is set to continue, which comes after another change was decided on this year - PLE start times. The new format, for the most part, has Countdown pre-shows beginning at 11am or 5pm ET, depending on location, and main cards kicking off at 1pm or 7pm ET. There are some exceptions, such as SummerSlam's three-hour pre-show at 4pm ET.
Bad Blood is currently scheduled to start at 6pm ET. The Countdown to Bad Blood pre-show will likely begin at 4pm ET. A report from PWInsider has confirmed that the listed start time is not a typo; the main card is scheduled to start at 6pm ET instead of 7pm.
Officials decided on the earlier start time due to UFC 307: Pereira vs. Roundtree Jr. The pay-per-view is scheduled to take place that same night from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a 10pm ET start time. The early preliminary fights on UFC Fight Pass are actually scheduled to begin at 6pm ET, with the main prelims airing at 8pm ET on ESPN+, but the main card is set for 10pm ET, and Bad Blood will be off the air by then.
TKO will make history on October 5 with the return of Bad Blood. This will be the first time a WWE PLE takes place at the same time as a UFC PPV since the September 2023 merger.
Potential major WWE Bad Blood title match
The sports entertainment giant is rumored to feature a Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood on October 5. While not confirmed, there are several notable feuds that could end inside the steel structure.
Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship over Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam, thanks to a returning Roman Reigns. However, The New Tribal Chief declared on Friday night that he is coming after the winner of today's Bash in Berlin match between Cody and Kevin Owens.
It's now rumored that the Solo vs. Cody championship rematch may take place at Bad Blood. As far as the Cell matches go, the company could feature some of The Judgment Day's rivalries in the steel structure, or CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre, among others.
