Bayley’s debut on the main roster has been the most heavily anticipated one, second only to Finn Balor. She debuted in NXT in 2012, coming fresh off a run in the independent scene. Over 3 years, her character developed into the lovable babyface underdog, who the NXT Universe found easy to get behind. She had her crowning moment at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn last year when she defeated Sasha Banks to become the NXT Women’s Champion, a title which she held onto for 7 full months before dropping it to Asuka.
Bayley was injured during the time that Sasha Banks, Charlotte and Becky Lynch were called up in a period known as “The Divas Revolution”, and she was not called up. It was speculated that she was to come up along with the other 3, but that is not known for sure. However, it was a blessing in disguise for the Hugger, as she would rise to the top of the card and become the face of the NXT Women’s division, a position she held for a full year, before her NXT swan song at NXT Takeover Brooklyn: II.
What makes Bayley so unique is her appeal to little girls. Not only them, but she has favourable reactions from crowds of all ages as well, something that works greatly in her favour. Plus, with the merchandise that she has going for her, there is absolutely no doubt that she is the most profitable woman of that division as well. In fact, many have compared her to Cena in terms of being an eternal babyface.
Bayley made an appearance at Battleground, teaming up with Sasha Banks to defeat Charlotte and Dana Brooke. Sasha Banks lost the WWE Women’s Championship at Summerslam, which was said to be due to nagging injuries, and WWE instantly took Sasha Banks off any appearances for 33 days. This set up the perfect time for Bayley to debut on the main roster, and when she finally did, she got the reaction of the night. Even at Battleground she got one of the loudest pops of the night.
Bayley has seemingly already gotten over with the main roster crowd, but still needs to establish herself. However, it looks like WWE may not be doing the underdog story with Bayley, and that she will have a rather quick rise to the top.
It is an interesting situation because what made her character and rise to the top at NXT so special was the chase, and the eventual payoff. It is definitely intriguing to see what direction WWE take with Bayley, but there is no doubt that she will be the top star of the Raw women’s division, simply due to her appeal.
Would you have Bayley rise to the top quickly or have her chase the title?
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