7 New Directions For WWE After Saturday Night's Main Event (13 Dec)

6. Bayley Teasing A Retirement Tour?

Gunther Brock Lesnar
WWE.com

The story of her match vs. Sol Ruca on Saturday was that Bayley couldn’t live with Sol’s athleticism or quickness. Despite being a crafty veteran, she also got caught with a surprise roll-up after suckering Sol in with one of her own, so WWE can weave in some ‘I’ve lost my edge’ narrative if you like. Hell, if 2026 is going to be a year of retirements for Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles and probably Chris Jericho, then Bayley teasing hanging up her boots too would be fitting.

Being brutally honest, the split personality gimmick hasn’t been clicking on Mondays, so going with the straight up babyface sympathy vote would be for the best right now. There's certainly room for a stalwart suggesting that this new generation of women flocking to the main roster is overwhelming and making them doubt their own skillset.

Bayley is ideal for that position.

She isn't finished yet by any means (although the AEW rumours will linger due to her close friendship with Mercedes Mone), but there's a story to tell here. It'd be a good one. If necessary, Lyra Valkyria can be the one to help snap Bayley out of her funk and get back on track with a Women's Intercontinental or United States Title reign.

As for Ruca? She's destined for great things. That was a pressure spot in Washington, and it easily could've been too much for the NXT'er. Thankfully, she met the challenge head on. Kudos to Bayley for knowing when to slow Sol down so she didn't get flustered or try to do too much.

Now, tease that retirement gig.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.