4 WWE Superstars who could take Bayley’s place while she is away

Bayley suffered a heartbreaking setback at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLV. After her grueling showdown with Lyra Valkyria, The Role Model didn’t show up on the following RAW. Thus, leaving her immediate future in doubt.

Although WWE has not suggested that the former Hugger is leaving the company, her absence could create a significant opening in the women’s division as the Road to SummerSlam 2026 continues.

Fortunately for Triple H, the women’s roster is deeper than ever. Between the established NXT standouts waiting for their chance and the current storylines developing across the brands, several stars could seamlessly slide into the veteran’s position and keep the momentum going.

That said, in this article, we look at four WWE Superstars who could fill Bayley’s spot while she is away.

#4. Lola Vice

Lola Vice has been one of NXT’s fastest-rising stars over the past year. With her legitimate MMA background, confidence on the microphone, and constantly improving in-ring work, she already carries herself like a main roster competitor.

Bayley’s absence presents an ideal opportunity for WWE to introduce a fresh face to a wider audience. Rather than bringing Lola Vice up without direction, Triple H could immediately place her in meaningful matches against established names.

Vice’s strike-heavy offense would instantly make her feel different from most of the women’s roster. The company has recently shown more willingness to feature NXT stars on RAW and SmackDown before calling them up permanently. This would be the ideal time to test the waters.

Even if she doesn’t immediately enter the championship picture, Lola Vice could quickly establish herself by picking up victories against experienced opponents and proving she belongs on the main roster.

Replacing Bayley entirely would be impossible. However, Vice could use this opening to become one of WWE’s next breakout stars.

#3. Sol Ruca could replace Bayley

Unlike several other NXT talents, Sol Ruca already has a built-in storyline waiting for her.

The Women’s Intercontinental Champion has crossed paths with Lyra Valkyria before. Thus, the history between them provides WWE with a ready-made feud that wouldn’t require weeks of explanation. Rather than introducing a random challenger, Triple H could capitalize on their existing issues.

Sol’s athleticism is unlike almost anyone else in WWE. Her spectacular aerial offense, highlighted by the Sol Snatcher, generates huge reactions from fans. Also, that unique style would create a completely different dynamic compared to Bayley‘s more technical approach.

More importantly, Lyra and Sol already have chemistry. Since Valkyria is expected to remain heavily featured following Saturday Night’s Main Event XLV, inserting Ruca into Bayley’s position would allow WWE to continue telling compelling stories without missing a beat. Perhaps the Women’s IC Title could also be on the line.

#2. Kelani Jordan

Kelani Jordan has developed into one of WWE’s most complete young stars. She possesses the athleticism, charisma, and babyface appeal necessary to thrive on RAW or SmackDown. More importantly, she has consistently shown that she can adapt to different opponents while continuing to improve every month.

Bayley’s absence opens the door for WWE to elevate someone who has long looked ready for bigger opportunities, and Jordan fits that description perfectly.

Instead of rushing the NXT star directly into a championship match on the main roster, WWE could gradually build her credibility through competitive victories before eventually positioning her among the division’s top stars.

Also, Jordan represents the future of the women’s division. Thus, promoting her to the main roster now and giving her television time would allow fans to become invested before she inevitably becomes a regular fixture.

Triple H has shown that he prefers rewarding performers who steadily improve instead of rushing prospects before they’re prepared. Thus, Kelani Jordan appears to fit that philosophy perfectly.

With Bayley temporarily unavailable, this could finally become Jordan’s moment to prove she belongs alongside WWE’s biggest female stars.

#1. Tatum Paxley

If WWE wants someone capable of stepping directly into Bayley’s role within the current storyline, perhaps Tatum Paxley makes the most sense. Her history with Lyra Valkyria writes itself.

The two women were once tag team partners, with Tatum becoming fiercely loyal to Lyra before their relationship eventually unraveled. That emotional history remains one of the strongest character-driven rivalries available to WWE. Thus, it wouldn’t take much to reignite it.

Instead of introducing an entirely new program, WWE could simply have Paxley confront Valkyria on the main roster. She could accuse her former partner of abandoning everyone close to her. The personal nature of the rivalry would instantly give fans something to invest in.

Also, Tatum brings a completely different personality to the women’s division. Her unpredictable behavior, unsettling character work, and willingness to embrace psychological mind games would contrast perfectly with Valkyria’s straightforward fighting spirit.

Unlike Bayley, who relied on experience and ring IQ, Paxley would attack Lyra Valkyria from an emotional angle. That change alone would help prevent the storyline from feeling repetitive.

From a long-term perspective, elevating Tatum Paxley could benefit WWE well beyond SummerSlam. She has steadily become one of NXT’s most unique performers. Thus, a high-profile feud with Valkyria could finally establish her as a legitimate main roster player.