Bayley’s WWE future just got a lot more interesting.
Fightful Select says Bayley has not signed a new deal with WWE, and her current contract is expected to expire before the end of 2026 unless injury time is added.
This comes after Lyra Valkyria beat Bayley at Saturday Night’s Main Event, dropped her with the Nightwing on the steel steps and then claimed on RAW that she had sent Bayley packing. Despite how final the attack looked, nobody inside WWE could confirm that Bayley has officially been written off television. The bigger issue behind the scenes is her contract.
WWE is expected to make a serious effort to keep Bayley, but that may not be as simple as sliding a new deal across the table. AEW has been discussing the possibility of signing her for close to a year, and the expectation is that Tony Khan’s company will make a strong play if she reaches free agency.
Bayley has attended several AEW events in the past, although Khan is said to avoid discussing business with WWE talent while they remain under contract. Her friendship with Mercedes Moné only adds more fuel to the situation. Dave Meltzer previously pointed out that a fresh start could give Bayley a bigger spotlight after spending nearly her entire major-league career inside WWE.
“She’s been there for her whole life practically, it seems. A change of scenery could do her really well.”
Both WWE and AEW are expected to offer Bayley a multi-year deal worth millions. WWE can offer the bigger platform and a deep roster of familiar opponents, while AEW covers travel expenses and gives talent more freedom to accept outside appearances and bookings.
The post-match attack may have been storyline, but Bayley’s contract situation is very real. She has not re-signed, AEW is waiting, and WWE now has to decide how badly it wants to stop one of its biggest women’s stars from walking out the door.
Do you think Bayley should stay with WWE or take the leap to AEW? Leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
