WWE Role Model Could LEAVE The Company, Hasn't Signed New Deal Yet (WWE News)
AEW chief Tony Khan is on high alert about a possible (and major) WWE departure in 2026.
Fightful Select has disclosed further (and highly interesting) details on Bayley's current status within WWE, as well as what this could mean to a possible future in AEW or elsewhere on the pro wrestling map. According to the write up, exactly when the 'Role Model's' contract lapses isn't clear, but it's believed that "Bayley's deal is up by the end of the year unless injury time is added".
Expectations within WWE suggest that the company would want to retain her rather than see her leave like fellow veterans Sheamus or New Day. It is, however, worth noting that the promotion has been cutting salaries when putting fresh terms on the table.
An agent Fightful spoke to said it'd be smart for Bayley to "at least hit the negotiation period". They also believe that strong interest from Tony Khan and AEW "could tip the change in contract terms for many in WWE"; incredibly, they also implied that this could force WWE's hand and potentially slot in some sort of no-cut clause for a future contract.
That'd be massive, if it happened.
Then, there's the freedom - AEW currently pays travel costs and lets talent seek opportunities outside core programming like Dynamite or Collision. WWE doesn't offer the same sort of independence, but there are spots in associated groups like TNA or AAA on offer for the right workers.
Bayley's availability has been a hot topic in AEW "for quite some time". It's believed that Khan would welcome her into the fold if/when she could make the jump. It's clear that Bayley, who lost to old pal Lyra Valkyria at Saturday Night's Main Event over the weekend, is in a really strong position here.
She can afford to sit on things for a while before starting up renegotiations.