These are six things that WWE fans need to admit about the amazing role model, Bayley.
Certain wrestlers always get a reaction from the crowd. Depending on their role in the company and gimmick, they’re either booed or cheered. It’s the mark of a true superstar. WWE’s Bayley is a performer who epitomizes that.
For over a decade, Bayley has proven her worth. She competed in the first Iron Woman match in the WWE, consistently put on A+ matches, and reinvented herself (the latter will be explained further in the next section). However, there are things that people won’t admit about her. Here are the seven most notable.
6. Bayley was crucial during the Pandemic
It was strange seeing wrestlers compete without crowds. No audience meant there was no outside energy to feed off. The competitors had to survive and keep the TV audience captivated with only their talents. Bayley did this better than anyone and that’s including the men. Without her, the WWE ratings would have been in the toilet.
Throughout the pandemic, Bayley embodied what it meant to be a star. Without the big names like Becky Lynch and Roman Reigns, someone had to step up. Bayley was that person. She was entertaining, her matches were always top-tier, and she made her opponents look good. Another notable thing is she continued to revamp her personality and add new catchphrases to keep things fresh. It’s not shocking that she’s remained one of the best once the crowd returned.
5. Bayley’s heel turn was epic
Bayley becoming a heel was like hitting the reset button. It didn’t stop after she attacked Becky Lynch with a chair. She changed everything about her. The ponytail was cut off, destroyed her inflatable buddies, told the fans off, and changed her theme music. You’d think someone with a John Cena-like personality would have taken a hit after such a drastic change. Instead, her heel personality was adored.
Wrestling greats know when to switch things up. New World Order Hulk Hogan, blue-blood Hunter Hearst Helmsley becoming Triple H, and Sting going black and white were all dramatic changes that helped their careers. It was time for Bayley to do the same.
Bayley could have remained a lovable character who wore bright colors. Would her popularity be what it is now? Probably not. Eventually, things would have gotten stale. Plus, as you can tell, she’s better at being evil. When her career is over, her personality change will be looked at as what turned her into a WWE legend.
4. Bayley is the best Horsewoman
Becky Lynch has more notoriety outside of the WWE, Charlotte Flair may have more world title reigns, and Sasha Banks has gone on to be in Star Wars projects. But Bayley is the better WWE superstar by a mile.
Let’s look at the facts. She’s the woman’s first grand slam winner. Whenever someone needs a boost in their career, they go to her (more on that later). She’s also the only woman to have a talk show segment in the WWE. And, if we’re being honest, she’s a better in-ring performer.
3. Bayley is a kingmaker
A WWE superstar is more than winning matches. The best of the best make their opponents look good. Among the elite are Chris Jericho, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Brock Lesnar. Bayley has to be added to this list.
Throughout Bianca Belair’s momentum, Bayley has remained her greatest rival. The two of them tear the house down every night. Bianca has gotten the better of the Role Model, but it doesn’t matter. The purpose of their feud is to get Belair over. Mission accomplished.
After her injury injury, Bayley returned with Dakota Kai and Io Sky. They branded themselves Damage CTRL. The two NXT stars became even more popular and won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. As this article is being written, Io Sky is SmackDown Women’s Champion. This writer doesn’t know if this happened so quickly without Bayley’s presence.
While each of the women mentioned is beyond talented, Bayley’s being around helped the audience see their greatness. The best part is she’s just getting started. More careers will be advanced thanks to her. There are a plethora of women joining the WWE all the time and they’ll need someone to help them reach their true potential. Bayley will be that someone.
2. Bayley should win the 2024 Royal Rumble
Shockingly, Bayley hasn’t won the Royal Rumble match. However, it makes sense. The previous six winners had to come out victorious. It wasn’t just a boost for their careers. It helped the storylines and ratings in the WWE. Now, it’s time for Bayley to win one.
Adding this victory to her resume puts her in an exclusive group. She’d become one of the only WWE Grand Slam Winners to win the Royal Rumble (Randy Orton, Becky Lynch, Asuka, and Seth Rollins are the only ones on that list). Coming out victorious would be a major feat that will lead to one last accomplishment she needs to achieve.
1. Main-eventing WrestleMania
At WrestleMania 33, Bayley competed in a fatal-four-way match with Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, and Nia Jax. While the Role Model came out victorious, it wasn’t the main event match. She needs to main event the biggest wrestling event in the world like all of the best have. That being said, winning isn’t a must.
Shawn Michaels is known as Mr. WrestleMania. This monicker isn’t because he wins all the time (he has a losing record at the event). His ability to steal the show is what does it. Since Io Sky is the current champion, maybe she should keep the title and eventually have a match against her current (and soon-to-be former) leader. It’s a feud that’s been building up for months. It’s also a match that could steal the show.
What else should be on this list? Is this writer wrong? Let us know in the comments below.