Bayley is one of the most-iconic WWE Superstars of all time. The longest-reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion has truly earned the moniker of being the Role Model of WWE; but has been conspicuous with her absence. In fact, this is the longest period of time that she has been absent from our TV screens since joining the main roster in 2016.
Hahahahaha suck it @CoraJadeWWE https://t.co/LY70BAwIdz
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) April 13, 2022
Bayley has had one of the best character transformations in WWE history
It’s hard to think that the Role Model used to once come out with inflatable tube men, but it’s true. Back in 2016, the woman who debuted on the main roster of WWE was not a violent badass; she was a hugger, complete with her own section and Buddies.
But all that changed in 2019 when Bayley decided to get a bob cut, get edgy, and just start proving why she is one of the best performers in WWE.
Her heel turn made her the best thing on the main roster, especially during the pandemic era where every pro-wrestling company struggled with putting on shows. The Role Model of the WWE entered 2021 with no injuries to speak of; but would not end the year on the same note.
Bayley has been off WWE television for 278 days and counting
The last time we saw Bayley was in the lead-up to Money In The Bank 2021, but we didn’t know it at the time. In the midst of a heated feud with Bianca Belair, WWE’s Role Model picked up a rather gruesome injury.
Bayley tore her ACL in a “freak accident” in July 2021 during a training session and was immediately announced as being inactive for the rest of the year.
BREAKING NEWS: @itsBayleyWWE has suffered an injury while training and will be out approximately nine months.
A replacement for her match against @BiancaBelairWWE at #MITB will be announced tonight on #SmackDown.https://t.co/qLsf8KTHNp
— WWE (@WWE) July 9, 2021
Bianca Belair might be the reason that Bayley returns to WWE
It looks like the only WWE events she is attending these days are weddings, as she was spotted at Corey Graves & Carmella’s wedding ceremony after WrestleMania 38 concluded. Since their last encounter, the EST of WWE has gone on to defeat Becky Lynch in a Match Of The Year candidate.
Back-to-back@BiancaBelairWWE #WrESTleMania pic.twitter.com/xEvY0kAAz9
— WWE (@WWE) April 6, 2022
The Women’s Division on Raw can use a boost now that Belair has no serious competition in sight. Bringing Bayley back as her next big challenger will be the perfect way to continue their storyline and help the injured superstar ease back into the scheme of things.