WWE: Bayley picking up where she left off in the women’s division
By J.C.
Bayley continues to be the bright light for WWE.
Since the pandemic started, WWE and the wrestling world as a whole found ways to hang on and entertain fans. It’s a time of great turbulence in WWE and their women’s division, but Bayley took control and gave fans something to remember.
Even as notable names in the women’s division were released by WWE, Bayley stood strong and continued to entertain fans in new ways. Following her injury, there seemed to be a gap in the women’s division with most fans wondering when Bayley would make her return. Fans got more than what they ever expected when she made her return.
Bayley’s continued importance for WWE.
When Bayley re-invented herself going from the hugging superstar to a true role model, it was clear that it was going to be something different from her previous identity and it was the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
The opportunity knocked at the door and Bayley answered with a strong response. As the pandemic continued, the whole world slowed down and the wrestling world was no exception. Bayley kept the motor running for WWE and it was a massive payoff.
It got to the point Bayley was the most entertaining part of any WWE show. Her mix of witty sarcasm and natural charm made her an obvious pick when it comes to the most valuable player in the midst of the pandemic.
Unfortunately, Bayley got injured and it definitely left a hole as the wrestling world continued to change during her absence. It became noticeable since it’s very hard to fill the void of someone like her even with charismatic talent already on the roster.
It was truly the longest year with virtually everything changing in WWE during her absence. Those changes left yet another door open for Bayley and she crossed through with grace as she returned after a hiatus and she didn’t return alone.
She showed herself to be a person of many talents as she came back alongside Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai in a memorable return. She showed her managerial skills as she led the team straight to the finals of a volatile women’s tag team tournament.
Even though they came up short to Raquel and Aliyah, Bayley showed different elements and shined in the new era for WWE. Whether it was torturing Michael Cole on commentary or showing promotional skills that would put promoter legend Don King to shame.
There is a bigger picture of what will happen for the women’s division as it continues to take form. Bayley has embraced it and not skipped a beat and it spells optimism for her team for the rest of 2022 and beyond.
The other interesting aspect as the dust settles for the women’s tag team division is that Bayley was never officially drafted after her injury. It puts her in a wildcard situation similar to Stone Cold Steve Austin back in 2002 after the first draft ever.
With that in mind, Bayley could pop up on RAW, Smackdown, or even NXT. After being the one to answer the call, she is now the one who holds the keys to every possible door on every brand and there is no way to stop her.
It’s will be interesting moving forward since Bayley was not officially picked up by a single brand. The same can be said about Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai who both came back after being unceremoniously released by WWE.
Even with new women’s tag team champions, returns, and shake-ups across WWE, Bayley is picking up where she left off, and being such a wildcard with no brand commitment and ability to appear on any brand at any given moment makes for excitement on both RAW and Smackdown.
After Clash at the Castle, there will be more questions answered about what WWE will do and how long they will allow the role model star to stir chaos with her camp on all major shows. The cards are all in Bayley’s hand and it makes for an interesting moment next week.
No matter what, Bayley is just getting started as she continues her great return and fans will have to keep an eye on RAW, Smackdown, and even NXT to see what door Bayley decides to go through next in WWE.