WWE: Why Naomi should challenge Bayley at WrestleMania 36

Bayley’s opponent at WWE WrestleMania 36 is up in the air, but here’s the case for Naomi being her challenger for the SmackDown Women’s Title.

Naomi returning to in-ring action in the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble was a welcome surprise for most of the WWE Universe. Fans had missed the Glow, and we were elated to see Naomi return in all her natural haired glory. The moment she stepped inside the squared circle, it was like she never left.

Within a matter of seconds, Naomi showed why many consider her to be one of, if not the most, underrated female superstars the WWE has to offer.  Facing Bayley at WWE WrestleMania 36 would be an opportunity for the two-time SmackDown women’s champion to prove why she is one of the best.

Bayley and Naomi have rarely been on the same brand, however in almost every interaction they have had, Naomi has prevailed. Seriously, think back to the first-ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal. Who did Naomi finally eliminate to win that match? Bayley.  And did Naomi get her promised Championship opportunity after winning that match? (We all know she didn’t). She already has an advantage. Bayley has never beaten Naomi.

Now I know the dream (and possible?) match is SashaBanks  vs. Bayley, who, mind you, have “fight forever” vibes a ’la Gargano/Ciampa, but we’ve already ventured down this path. Besides, according to Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet, Sasha has reportedly filmed scenes for the upcoming second season of Disney’s The Mandalorian.

Speaking on the latest Wrestling Observer Live,  Bryan Alvarez stated that the Naomi is currently penciled in to be  Bayley’s opponent at WrestleMania 36.  [Hat tip to WrestlingInc.com]

Naomi is a fresh challenger for Bayley.  This isn’t about friendships or betrayals, it is the quintessential “you have never beaten me” story.   I’m not only talking about match scenarios, in every single situation where these two have come face to face,  Naomi has always prevailed. This a great foundation upon which to build their feud, and a possible match at  WrestleMania 36.

Bayley’s achievements since turning to the dark side are nothing to be scoffed at. She has the longest combined reign as champion, and she has beaten all who have challenged her (ahem, Lacey Evans and Nikki Cross).  She thinks of herself and Sasha as being better than everyone else. She is the Role Model, the woman who sets the standard in the SmackDown women’s division.  Naomi is a threat to her, to the dominance, she perceives to have.

At the time of writing, Naomi is set to face Carmella to determine who will face Bayley at Super Showdown on February 27th. A match set after Carmella beat Naomi in a fatal four-way to be able to challenge Bayley even though Naomi’s shoulders were up, and later on, losing to Bayley through nefarious means. Carmella will most likely win that encounter and challenge Bayley at Super Showdown, possibly closing out their “you have changed/ we were never best friends, I just pitied you storyline they currently have running.

WrestleMania is fast approaching, and it will be interesting to see what WWE has planned for these two talented women, and hopefully, they give Naomi and Bayley the chance to show why the “Grandest Stage of them all” is the ideal place for them to steal the show.