10 New Directions For WWE After SummerSlam 2025
4. Bayley Challenging Becky Lynch
Some reviewers online have called it a little long, but the Women's IC Title match between Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria was a terrific brawl with some creative spots. 99.9% of them happened before Bayley ran in, and it's true that Valkyria looked better in defeat than most would've imagined going into SummerSlam. Cole's right - Lyra is going places if she can sort out that promo game.
Bayley's run in compounded Valkyria's misery, because it was actually the hugger (Lyra might replace that 'h' with a 'b'!) who cost her the chance to win by accidentally smashing her with a chain. No more title shots for Lyra whilst Becks is still champion then, which means it's Bayley who'll have to hunt down 'The Man' and take that Intercontinental smile off her smug face.
At first, this writer thought WWE were gonna go heel with Bayley just for pure shock value, but he's glad they didn't. She can go rogue eventually, but the company have a couple of bouts with Lynch to burn through before reaching that turn. Meanwhile, Valkyria will have to find something else to do. Maybe moving up to challenge Naomi?
Never say never. Michael Cole's gushing praise on commentary is likely reflected by management behind the scenes right now, and it's clear to anybody watching WWE programming that Lyra has a bright future.
Bayley vs. Becky would be a top match for Clash In Paris though. Something about it feels fresher than most legacy bouts available in the women's division (Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair, for example). It'll be a hoot watching Bayley start to get meaner as the months roll on too.