Latest Backstage Update on Bayley As Her WWE Contract Winds Down

Bayley’s WWE future has become a topic of discussion as her current contract is reportedly set to expire later this year. While no decision has been made so far, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that the former Women’s Champion has several factors to weigh before deciding whether to remain with WWE or go to AEW.

According to Dave Meltzer, Bayley’s situation isn’t as straightforward as simply choosing between two promotions. He notes one of the factors is WWE’s offer to keep her and that Bayley already has an established spot in WWE. A move elsewhere comes with risk, but she could end up in a higher spot in a place like AEW. He noted that she has been a WWE fan since childhood, adding that WWE fanhood has often played a “huge part” in similar decisions, “and more with women than men for whatever reason.”

AEW has naturally become part of the conversation because of Bayley’s friendship with Mercedes Moné. Moné has made no secret of wanting to face Bayley. Meltzer noted leaving WWE may be best if one has been in the company and isn’t going to be used well.

Meltzer noted that with WWE, “it’s still about a certain star look, talking ability and a certain patterned ring style.” With AEW, meanwhile, the focus is more on impressing the crowd and Tony Khan with excellent matches. That said, Meltzer cautioned that talent in AEW can become lost if they don’t hang on to a top spot.

Meltzer also noted that talents who spend most of their careers in WWE often end up unhappy in AEW or elsewhere if they still view WWE as the major leagues. He noted that if a talent’s goal is to be recognized as a star and recognized when they are out in places like the airport, WWE is the place to be, but if the goal is to have excellent matches, AEW is the place to be.

Meltzer added that money is a factor, but not the deciding one. If AEW president Tony Khan is interested, he will offer her a substantial deal.

For now, Bayley has not announced her plans. With her contract winding down, the decision on where she wrestles next remains one of the biggest questions surrounding WWE’s women’s division.