Returns and shockers were the theme of WWE Monday Night RAW. In terms of shockers, Gunther won the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event. For returns, Nikki Bella made her comeback, and Asuka's return was announced for next week.
There was also a combination of both in the show, as during the segment between Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch, Bayley showed up and attacked The Man.
This was The Role Model's first appearance since WrestleMania 41, where she was found attacked backstage. Fans were ecstatic to see Bayley back, as she's a beloved star, and the past two months or so weren't quite the same without her around.
Bayley's return came as a surprise, but the timing couldn't have been better, with shows such as Night of Champions and Evolution just around the corner. Now, the big question is, what will The Role Model do since she's back? This article will explore a handful of routes she can take following her big return.
Below are four directions for Bayley following her shocking return on WWE RAW.
#4. She could battle Becky Lynch at WWE Night of Champions
WWE had a stacked weekend. The Sports Entertainment juggernaut aired two separate Premium Live Events on Saturday. First was Worlds Collide, featuring stars from RAW, SmackDown, AAA, Evolve, and NXT. The second was Money in the Bank.
The next premium live event is just a few weeks away, as Night of Champions will air live from Saudi Arabia at the end of the month. The show could feature Bayley's in-ring return with a bout against Becky Lynch for the Women's Intercontinental Championship.
Bayley and Becky have had a rough past, and things escalated to new heights when The Man attacked The Role Model before WrestleMania 41 and subsequently took her spot on The Show of Shows. Given that she attacked Becky when she returned on RAW, Bayley could seek revenge in the form of a match at Night of Champions.
#3. Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, and Becky Lynch could clash in a Triple Threat Match
The story of Becky Lynch taking Bayley's spot at WrestleMania involves another pivotal player. Lyra Valkyria was The Role Model's partner heading into The Grandest Stage of Them All, and the pair was supposed to team up to take on Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
Instead of that happening, Lynch and Valkyria teamed up and captured the WWE Women's Tag Team Title. Of course, Lyra was unaware of Becky's attack, and the two subsequently split up and began feuding after losing the championship back to Morgan and Rodriguez. With that being said, despite the issues between Lyra and Becky, Valkyria seemed annoyed by Bayley's arrival.
There is a chance that Lyra and Bayley aren't on good terms either. They could have had some off-screen falling out, perhaps over what Becky did. Regardless, it could lead to all three women feuding in the coming weeks. A Triple Threat Match between the trio would be phenomenal.
#2. She could form a permanent tag team with Lyra Valkyria
While it is easy to read Lyra's reaction to Bayley's return on WWE RAW as a negative, she could have simply been surprised that The Role Model showed up. It could mean that Lyra Valkyria and Bayley might remain on good terms.
If that is indeed the case, there is a chance they could continue the momentum they were building before WrestleMania and remain a tag team moving forward. It was clear that they had good chemistry as a pair.
It could even mean that they might once again chase the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship once they take care of Becky Lynch. Bayley and Lyra defeating Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez could add some juice to the dwindling tag team scene.
#1. Bayley could attempt to reunite with Kairi Sane and IYO SKY
While Bayley could align with Lyra Valkyria moving forward, she could decide to look for allies who had her back in the past. In what could be a heartwarming and shocking moment, The Role Model could try to reunite with Damage CTRL on WWE television.
Bayley started Damage CTRL with IYO SKY and the recently released Dakota Kai. Over time, Asuka and Kairi Sane also joined the group. Sadly, the stable turned on Bayley, and they had a very physical and violent split last year.
Now, IYO SKY and Kairi Sane are babyfaces, and so is Bayley. Asuka will return next week, but it's unclear if she'll still show allegiance towards Damage CTRL. Regardless, The Role Model could try to patch things up with The Sky Pirates and reform Damage CTRL. From there, Becky Lynch would need to watch her back, as Bayley will have some incredible allies.
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