10 WWE Elimination Chamber 2018 Impulse Reactions

8. Broken Bayley

roman Reigns
WWE.com

Bayley delivered an excellent performance. Given how badly she has been booked on the main roster, it's easy to forget how great she is on her day, but last night was a stark reminder. Whether playing face-in-peril to Absolution or firing up on Sasha Banks, everything she did was perfect, and she was protected in defeat, falling only to an opportunistic roll-up.

But there's one major, damning problem here: none of it registered.

Though 'The Hugger' drew some cheers throughout, she struggled to keep the people on her side. Such is the mess WWE have made of her character. Fans are now so disinterested in Bayley, they celebrated Banks' turn on her, filling the building with "YES!" chants.

Bayley couldn't have done any more to draw pops last night, yet it still wasn't enough. Sadly, her popularity has long since jumped the shark, and while the upcoming Banks feud should help (Sasha is a world-class heel, after all), a full recovery is by no means guaranteed. We shan't abandon hope yet, but if this storyline doesn't save her, nothing else will.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.