Bayley's WWE WrestleMania 36 Opponent Revealed?

Here's who'll likely challenge the SmackDown Women's Champion.

Bayley Naomi
WWE

Bayley's WrestleMania 36 opponent may have just been revealed, and no, it isn't a turning Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair after a big main roster call-up, or even Lacey Evans coming back for another shot at glory.

It's Naomi.

This is the word of Bryan Alvarez, who, on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Live, claims to have heard from within the company that this is the match WWE plan on putting together for 'The Showcase of the Immortals.'

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If it happens, it won't be the first time Naomi has challenged for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania. 'Mania 33 saw her take the belt in a Six Pack Challenge and hold it all the way to SummerSlam 2017, where she was unseated by Natalya. She hasn't touched gold since then.

Naomi has enjoyed renewed focus since mounting a surprise comeback at Royal Rumble 2020, though she fell to Carmella in a four-way number one contender's bout a few weeks ago. This led to a brief Bayley vs. 'Mella feud that was only ever thought to be a placeholder before Naomi rose back up to claim her shot.

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Let's see if the former Funkadactyl can work her way to 'Mania.

Channel Manager
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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.