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Bayley cemented her place on the mountaintop of WWE during the longest reign as SmackDown Women's Champion in history. She elevated herself on TV during the pandemic, making her injury last summer more crushing.
With the Royal Rumble starting the Road to WrestleMania, The Role Model's return is one of the most anticipated ones. She has many fans wondering who could possibly be her opponent for a possible showdown at the Showcase of the Immortals.
There are plenty of options that would excite fans, especially with a slate of returning superstars and legends coming back in the Rumble.
Both main roster champions have openings for new challengers. Many options could hold great potential at the Show of Shows and deliver top-notch quality.
In this article, let's look at five potential opponents for Bayley at WrestleMania 38.
5) Bayley vs. IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James
The potential for the former Hugger to return for the 2022 Women's Royal Rumble Match has been high since her injury last summer. However, the buzz increased when WWE announced a slate of returning stars and legends for this year's event. At the top of the lineup was IMPACT Knockouts World Champion Mickie James.
Mickie James could be here for a one-off, but the possibilities are out there for more. If WWE and IMPACT Wrestling work together post-Royal Rumble, pitting her against The Role Model is an interesting option.
The longest-reigning SmackDown Women's Champion could add another major accolade to her resume. A showdown against Mickie James with the IMPACT Knockouts Championship makes a huge statement. Not only will it show that the two companies have plans for the future, but Mickie's return will be more meaningful as well.
4) Bayley vs. Bianca Belair
Bayley left a lot of unfinished business in WWE due to her injury. The Role Model was the number one contender for the SmackDown Women's Championship and was scheduled to face Bianca Belair in an I Quit Match at Money In The Bank 2021. However, there is room for the company to revisit this feud during the WrestleMania season.
Despite losing her title to Becky Lynch in deflating fashion at SummerSlam 2021, Belair has remained one of the top stars of the women's division. With her entry into the 2022 Women's Royal Rumble Match, she could well be on her way to headlining Mania once again. If The EST doesn't find herself getting a title shot at the event, revisiting this rivalry could be a viable secondary option.
3) Bayley vs. Sasha Banks
The Golden Role Models became one of the mainstays of WWE during the pandemic era. The Role Model and The Boss showed excellent chemistry in the ring and on the mic. The duo even held all the championship gold on the main roster at one point.
Soon after, their breakup also led to some terrific matchups on pay-per-view and television. But many fans were left unsatisfied because they wanted this feud to culminate at WrestleMania.
If WWE were to present this classic feud that has meant so much to the Women's Revolution at the Showcase of Immortals, it is guaranteed to be a show-stealer. These two women have never missed a spot and could produce yet another great match.
2) Bayley vs. Current SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair
Some fans might forget that Bayley's heel turn came against Charlotte Flair. After aligning with Sasha Banks, the former Hugger shed her former babyface skin and violently destroyed her signature inflatable decorations. She defeated Charlotte Flair to win the SmackDown Women's Championship to add to this change.
There has been enough time since then to reignite the feud. The two competitors have a long history dating back to the runs in NXT. They have gone from friends to enemies to friends again to enemies once again. With SmackDown not having a lot of performers with star power, the former Hugger may be the solution.
1) Bayley vs. Current RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch
The Four Horsewomen, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and The Role Model, have all etched their names in WWE history for being the most decorated women ever to step foot in the squared circle. However, there is one matchup that hasn't been featured on a major show.
The Role Model vs. The Man is an encounter that excites many. Becky Lynch is the reigning RAW Women's Champion and hasn't been beaten in singles action since Money In The Bank 2019. Her reputation proceeds itself and will be earmarked for a high-profile contest at WrestleMania 38.
With limited options for Becky Lynch at the Showcase of Immortals, a dream match against the longest-reigning SmackDown Women's Champion presents all-timer potential. It makes for a compelling feud and a likely WrestleMania classic. That's why Becky Lynch is the biggest potential opponent for Bayley at WrestleMania 38.
