Insider Insights Regarding the Future Use of Blood on WWE Television

This week’s episode of WWE Monday Night Raw showcased a rare occurrence: the use of blood during a dramatic altercation between The Rock and Cody Rhodes in the final moments of the show.

Setting the Scene Earlier in the evening, The Rock had forewarned Rhodes of his intent to draw blood, a promise he fulfilled as he relentlessly assaulted Rhodes across various areas of the arena before ultimately slamming him against a tour bus.

Rhodes bore the visible effects of the altercation, bleeding from his forehead as a result of The Rock’s onslaught. In a symbolic gesture, The Rock removed his weightlifting belt, smearing Cody’s blood upon it, while affirming, “I’ve kept my promise to Mama Rhodes.” This sequence served as the latest development in the ongoing buildup to the highly anticipated WrestleMania 40 – Night 1 headliner, pitting The Rock & Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns against Rhodes & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.

Regulation and Rarity The inclusion of blood in WWE television is a rarity, given the longstanding ban instituted by Vince McMahon. This prohibition has been so strict that matches have occasionally been halted to attend to wrestlers requiring medical attention, adhering to McMahon’s directive. Notably, following a steel cage match on Raw featuring Chris Jericho and Batista, fines were issued due to Batista sustaining a “hard way” cut, underscoring the severity of the prohibition surrounding blood in WWE productions.