Why WWE Squashed Bayley On Last Night's Raw

We should point out that this is nothing but speculation, but the slew of superstars suddenly expressing dissatisfaction now there's a significantly-monied, greener-grassed competition on the other side of the fence tells you its contract season. With a well-paying alternative employer now an option, is it inconceivable Bayley may have joined Dean Ambrose in refusing to sign a new deal?

The former NXT Women's Champion is a huge WWE mark, but she loves the industry itself even more. At this stage of her career - she turns 30 this June - Bayley might finally think it's time to prioritise personal acclaim over 'living the dream', especially as the dream is not all it's made out to be.

It seems unlikely Bayley would jump ship just as WWE's women's division has reached its apogee, but by definition the only way from here is down. Already we've seen evidence of this; Lacey Evans, of all people, has been earmarked as Becky Lynch's first challenger.

Lacey Evans.

Though the roster is still a little thin, AEW's Tony Khan has promised the group will do their utmost to present a world class women's division, making clear on their intent with the symbolic signing of legendary joshi Aja Kong. A former indie darling grossly mismanaged by the Big Bad E - one who can leverage fan resentment against the competition - would be the perfect marquee acquisition for the burgeoning group. Bayley fits that bill to a tee - and could probably demand a sizable wad for her services.

At present, it's best to assume the situation which transpired on Raw was simply another episode in the series labelled 'WWE's Booking Team don't really know what they're doing'. Who knows, maybe at long last they'll fire the heel Bayley bullet, and once Lacey bloody Evans is out the road, WrestleMania's big winner will have a legitimate challenger.

It's hard to remain so optimistic. By this stage, all our hopes for Bayley have been bear-hugged right out of us.