10 Times WWE Wrestlers Escaped Booking Hell

Bayley’s path to booking hell had a lot of memorable matches and considerable title accolades. She is one of NXT’s greatest success stories - an organic babyface created in the WWE Performance Center. As ‘The Hugger’, she was a lovable underdog, with a child-like innocence that made fans protective of her. Her merch was a best seller and she almost made Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guys look fun, but as with all Lawful Good babyfaces, the act eventually became grating and one-note.

Bayley and Sasha Banks teased reigniting their acclaimed NXT rivalry on the main roster. Most naturally assumed Bayley would be cast as the face, with Banks already a proven heel. Bayley chopped off her signature ponytail, burst her Bayley Buddies, and turned on her fans. Her 380-day run as SmackDown Women’s Champion greatly benefited from the new persona. ‘The Huggable One’ couldn’t carry an extended championship reign while keeping fan’s interest piqued, and the realignment made the feud with Banks one of the hottest rivalries of 2020.

Even away from the title picture, she is an entertaining and witty heel, who isn’t afraid to play up the goofiness inherent in professional wrestling.