Bayley has finally made her return to WWE earlier tonight on Monday Night RAW. After an absence of two months, she was now looking to make up for missed time and right some wrongs.
The Role Model has not been seen since her loss to Lyra Valkyria at Saturday Night’s Main Event a couple of months ago. Her brief absence led to speculation about her future, as she was on an expiring contract. She was linked to a potential move to All Elite Wrestling if she decides not to re-sign.
But following her return tonight on RAW, this seems to confirm reports that Bayley has re-signed with the promotion, in a deal which could extend past her in-ring career. But could she have made a mistake, seeing as there was a path to her joining AEW?
#1. Bayley may not be able to share the ring with Mercedes Moné ever again
One of the dream matches across women’s wrestling that many have clamored for is the eventual rematch between Mercedes Moné and Bayley. Both women consider one another to be their wrestling soulmate, and their matchups in the past are forever etched in history.
The CEO looked to be one of the biggest advocates for her best friend to become All-Elite. She even went as far as posting an edited match graphic for them for AEW WrestleDream.
Seeing as Bayley has committed long-term to WWE, their long-awaited reunion won’t happen anytime soon. Mercedes is currently committed to the Jacksonville-based promotion, and neither one of them looks to jump ship.
#2. Her ceiling in AEW may be higher
The former WWE Women’s Champion’s booking has been questionable, as she has been kept off of the promotion’s top PLEs this year and has been on the losing side of things. The only thing the company has been building on is her bitter feud with Lyra Valkyria.
While there is no guarantee that it will be perfect, a potential run in AEW for her has a much higher ceiling. Similar to what Tony Khan did for Mercedes Moné, Bayley could have been given the spotlight while being given a chance to let her choose whatever path she envisions. This could also have led her to headline one of their major pay-per-views, and get her All In: Wembley moment.
#3. The dream matches will never become a reality
Just like other top free agents in the industry, one of the biggest selling points of becoming All-Elite is the number of talent they could share the ring with. The company is also more wrestling-focused, so dream matches becoming a reality is always possible.
Bayley has named the likes of Kris Statlander as people she would want to face outside WWE. Apart from familiar faces, the promotion is full of incredible talent she has never crossed paths with. There is a plethora of matchups that could have been booked.
But unfortunately for AEW fans, things won’t be changing anytime soon. WWE will be getting back a key figure to their roster, whose impact could extend until past her retirement. If this move has interfered with Tony Khan’s plans, he could set his sights on other top free agents instead.
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Edited by Enzo Curabo