Why Sasha Banks Vs Bayley Means So Much To So Many

Bayley's stranglehold over the SmackDown Women's Title was, for a time, seemingly not a concern for Sasha Banks. In kayfabe, it appeared as though she was glad of the fresh start alongside her friend on the blue brand after a bruising loss to Becky Lynch following her emphatic return. From these acorns an enormous oak tree has risen, overtaking all of WWE in the process.

Ahead of the entire world coming to a standstill around February and March, the discussion about Bayley's belt was in similar stasis. Banks was the only WretleMania contender rather than a particularly good one, not least with a heel versus heel dynamic. But she was eyeballing the title. This was interesting.

At WrestleMania, WWE doubled down on the Batista/Triple H comparisons when Bayley allowed Sasha to take a fall in a multi-woman match before relying on her partner to help her retain. It happened again and again, with Sasha either winning matches for the two or even emerging victorious from situations her partner had put her in. The overt was as fun as the covert - was Bayley aware of the imminent danger and putting her friend in harm's way? Was Banks allowing herself to be manipulated and picking the right time to strike?

Winning the tag belts was an inspired and unexpected beat. The very prize that once tore them apart in kayfabe brought them back together, albeit with the teases of a singles feud remaining. It's been simplistic, but magnificently handled by the talent through their promos, their work and their social media. They've risen to the challenge of actually making something on the shows resonate - WWE must reward their hard work (and their own patience) by seeing it through.

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