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How WWE Ruined Bayley, and How They Can Get Her Over Again

Rob Furness
Rob Furness

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Few superstars have experienced an absolutely free fall while on the main roster. Despite all the adversity, if booked right, Bayley could still be a top face — eventually.

There is no denying that Bayley’s character has suffered irreparable damage over the last few months. But it wouldn’t take much for her to once again become one of the most popular women on the Raw roster.

Back in 2016, Bayley made a surprise appearance at  Battleground as Sasha Bank’s surprise tag partner against Charlotte and Dana Brooks. The reaction from the crowd was unlike anything I had heard. Infact, news sites like Fox Sports even wrote dedicated articles about the pop she received. It was a truly  surprising and deserving moment. The duo picked up the victory, but more importantly it whet the appetite of the WWE Universe.

Fast forward to Raw, February 13. Officially a member of the Raw’s women’s roster, Bayley squared off against Charlotte for the Raw Women’s Championship. Thanks to interference from Sasha Banks, Bayley captures her first-ever championship on the main roster. She then went on to defend her title against Flair at Fastlane and Wrestlemania 33.

The initial success came fast and furiously for The Huggable One. As one of the 4 Horsewomen, it was well deserved.

Then the Superstar Shakeup happened. More specifically, Alexa Bliss was traded to the Raw roster. Known as the Wicked Witch of SmackDown Live, Bliss had already been a 2x women’s champion on the blue brand. After picking up a victory to become the #1 to the Raw Women’s Championship, Bliss became the next challenger to Bayley.

At Payback, Alexa Bliss defeated Bayley clean  for the championship. But things would only get worse from there.

In the week’s leading up to their rematch at Extreme Rules, WWE would air what many fans would consider the worst segment of 2017, “Bayley: This is Your Life.” The segment aimed to insult Bayley’s past by bringing out old friends, ex-boyfriends, and a former teacher. Each painted Bayley as too nice for own good and generally an awkward person who didn’t belong in the ring. All it did was make one of the most popular stars look pathetic. The segment was neither well done nor entertaining. And no clips from the segment were uploaded to WWE’s Youtube Channel.

After withstanding such a verbal assault as she did, it seemed that perhaps Bayley would recapture the title at Extreme Rules. After all, Bayley had picked the stipulation for the match (a kendo stick on a pole match), to prove she could “get extreme” with Bliss.

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After both women jockeyed for the kendo stick, Bayley came down with it. However, Bayley hesitated to use it, which gave Alexa time to capitalize and punish Bayley for it. Eventually, Alexa was able to grab the stick, and after a couple of shots with it, she pinned Bayley. The match was painfully hard to watch in its story, execution, and outcome.

But, as a fan, the absolute low was the reaction she received when she announced her injury at the hands against Nia Jax.

The crowd was vicious. They were more focused on trying to see themselves on TV than give Bayley a chance on the mic. The clip above removes the chorus of boos she received when thanking everyone for their support, but you can still hear them throughout the segment.  Many have speculated that Vince McMahon was not happy with the reaction from the crowd.

So if they’re not happy with how the WWE Universe is reacting to one of their top stars, how can WWE fix it?

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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.

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.

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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.

Rob Furness

Rob Furness