50 Things You Learn Binge-Watching Every WWE Royal Rumble
3. Bayley’s 2024 Babyface Run Peaked Early
The truth here is that Bayley's babyface run post-Damage CTRL dropped off after she beat old stablemate IYO SKY to become Women's Champion at WrestleMania 40. That was a banner moment in her career, because it proved that babyface Bayley could fly in front of WWE's audience. Why is that important? Go back and watch the scattered boos emerging towards the end of her hugger run years prior.
No-one knew this would be the case at the time, but Bayley winning the 2024 women's Royal Rumble was really her most exciting moment since starting to move away from a leadership role with CTRL towards a good guy run. The win over IYO was fabulous, but it's ruined a little by the apathetic title reign that followed. Her on-screen friendship with Naomi has softened Bayley to the point that she's wound up running with a 'lost momentum' storyline too.
This all cooled a lot quicker than Triple H must've hoped it would.
It's incredible to look at the Rumble as an isolated landmark for Bayley. At first glance, it looked like she was well on course to have the best year of her entire career, but that didn't happen. If anything, most of what she's done since winning the January match then capturing gold in April has tanked. Or, if that's too harsh, then it's been content fans have been meh towards.
Her babyface leap peaked far too early. The Rumble was really when people bought in. After that, they were happy for the title change then not much else.