How WWE Ruined Bayley, and How They Can Get Her Over Again
By Rob Furness
WWE.com
Provide Clear Direction
The WWE has a real issues with how they book faces. In fact, it’s a topic I previously wrote about. Creative always seems to be trying to replicate the rise of Daniel Bryan. They constantly book their babyface talents to look like incompetent losers. The problem is, not every superstar is capable of capturing an audience like he was. Not only that, in the women’s division there is less opportunity to shine outside of the title picture – especially on Raw.
Instead of wasting Bayley in terrible feuds where she is booked to lose, WWE must allow her to overcome the odds. As a pure babyface she needs to be protected in her losses she struggles in victory. However, WWE has proven time and time again that a superstars win/loss record doesn’t matter to them.
.@SashaBanksWWE took care of @DanaBrookeWWE, helping @ItsBayleyWWE in her #RAW Women's Title Match vs @MsCharlotteWWE! pic.twitter.com/PheLXnh0GS
— WWE (@WWE) February 14, 2017
Early on it became apparent that Bayley mishandled. Firstly, by being so quickly inserted into the title picture. Then by the means in which she won it; via interference from Sasha Banks. While Banks’ interference was only to offset interference from Dana Brooke earlier in the match, it left a bad taste with many fans.
Keep Her Away from the Title
Perhaps being injured was a blessing in disguise for Bayley. According to the dirt sheets, she was actually once again booked to lose against Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam. But WWE double-downed and hastily inserted her into the title match at No Mercy during the Raw go-home show on Sept. 18. She was unceremoniously pinned by the reigning champion.
Los Angeles might be the #CityOfAngels, but there is only ONE Goddess in @WWE and her name is @AlexaBliss_WWE! #AndStill #WWENoMercy pic.twitter.com/R4HT0RYxH0
— WWE (@WWE) September 25, 2017
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At this point, another title win isn’t going to do anything to help improve Bayley in the eyes of the WWE Universe. And it is very unlikely to happen anyways. They seem to be dead set on keeping the title on Alexa Bliss until Asuka arrives at TLC.
WWE must be willing to let Bayley rehabilitate her character and regain her momentum in the undercard against women like Dana Brooke, Mickie James, and Emma. Known more for her in-ring skill, Bayley was the first women (along with Sasha Banks) to headline NXT Takeover. If WWE lets Bayley focus on doing what she does best, putting on stellar matches, then she may regain the interest of the WWE universe.
Next: WWE: A Major Problem Creative is Facing
Let Bayley Be Bayley
Thankfully Bayley looks to have a long and bright career ahead of her. She is a merch mover and uniquely connects with the young female demographic – a demo WWE is looking to expand. If the WWE can just give Bayley space to be herself, while allowing her to put on great matches, there is no reason she can’t once again become a beloved face in the women’s division.