Bayley’s WWE future doesn’t appear to be a question anymore. After her surprise return on the September 7 episode of RAW, a new report says she has officially signed a new deal with the company.
Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discussed Bayley’s return during the post-RAW edition of Wrestling Observer Radio. When her contract status came up, Meltzer gave a direct answer and confirmed that she has signed a new WWE deal.
“Yep, signed a new deal.”
Meltzer also talked about the reaction Bayley received when she appeared during Lyra Valkyria’s Money in the Bank qualifier against Sol Ruca and Maxxine Dupri. He felt the match had struggled to get much of a response before Bayley showed up, but her return immediately changed the atmosphere.
“This match had no heat until very late in the match. When Bayley showed up, they went crazy because it was something big and new and all that.”
That confirmation clears up the biggest question left hanging over Bayley following her return. Sean Ross Sapp had previously reported that there was belief within WWE that Bayley had re-signed, including from one wrestler he spoke with roughly two weeks earlier, but he hadn’t been able to confirm it at the time.
“Pro Wrestling Insider, PWInsider, reported that there’s a belief that Bayley is staying with WWE. I spoke to a wrestler two weeks ago that believes she re-signed with WWE, but none of that was confirmed yet.”
The uncertainty had also kept the door open for AEW. Sapp noted that AEW didn’t necessarily have confirmation about Bayley’s WWE status and had been hoping it would at least get the opportunity to make a play for her.
“I can tell you AEW doesn’t necessarily have that information yet, and they definitely had high hopes that they would at least be able to make a play for Bayley.”
AEW’s interest wasn’t new either. Bayley’s potential free agency had reportedly been discussed within the company for close to a year, with AEW expected to pursue her if she actually reached the open market.
Instead, Bayley returned to WWE television on September 7 and immediately went after Valkyria. She pulled the referee out of the ring after Valkyria hit Maxxine Dupri with the Night Wing, allowing Ruca to capitalize with the Sol Snatcher and qualify for Money in the Bank. Bayley then attacked Valkyria after the match.
With a new deal signed and a feud with Valkyria already underway, the uncertainty surrounding Bayley’s future finally appears to be over. AEW may have hoped for an opportunity to make its pitch, but Bayley is staying right where she is.
What do you think about Bayley signing a new WWE deal and immediately returning to feud with Lyra Valkyria? Let us know in the comments.
