Former ally, first-time-ever match, and more - 4 possible matches for WWE Women's Champion Bayley at Backlash France
There is a brand new WWE Women's Champion in town. Bayley won the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble Match and proceeded to challenge and defeat the then-Women's Champion IYO SKY in one of the main matches at WrestleMania XL.
Fans were thrilled to see The Role Model win the prized title, but there was not much time to celebrate. The last week's episode of SmackDown saw both Tiffany Stratton and Naomi ready to challenge Bayley. This led to The Role Model defending her title on SmackDown last night.
Bayley went one-on-one with Naomi in the main event of Friday Night SmackDown. The two had a competitive bout, but no winner was truly decided courtesy of an interference by The Buff Barbie. As a result, Bayley holds onto her prized world championship.
With Bayley still the Women's Champion, it is time to look ahead to her next title defense. There is a chance that she will defend her belt at Backlash France in just a few weeks. This article will look at a handful of performers who could be The Role Model's challenger at the big premium live event.
Below are four possible matches for WWE Women's Champion Bayley at Backlash France.
#4. She could have a rematch with Naomi after the WWE SmackDown bout ended in a No contest
As noted, Bayley had a major championship defense on Friday Night SmackDown. She put her WWE Women's Championship on the line against Naomi in what was promised to be a great match. The two were living up to those lofty expectations before things went awry.
Tiffany Stratton surprisingly showed up and attacked both women. This led to the title match being ruled as No contest, as neither woman could compete courtesy of Stratton's assault. Naturally, this means the better woman was not decided and the WWE Women's Championship remains around Bayley's waist.
There is a chance that SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis will decide that since no proper winner was announced, a rematch is necessary. Naomi could battle Bayley again at Backlash France, but this time with an added stipulation of Tiffany Stratton being banned from interfering.
#3. Bayley could battle Tiffany Stratton
Tiffany Stratton is the future of WWE. At just 24 years of age, The Buff Barbie is already one of the better female performers in the company. She has a striking physical appearance, incredible athleticism, and boatloads of charisma. Tiffany has it all.
The Buff Barbie getting involved in last night's title defense was a surprise, but perhaps it should not have been. Tiffany made it clear that she wanted the WWE Women's Championship and she was seemingly furious over losing to Naomi the prior week.
Bayley may not be happy that Tiffany attacked her and cost both women a chance to show out in the main event of Friday Night SmackDown. The Role Model could demand a title match from Triple H or Nick Aldis at Backlash France so she can get revenge.
#2. She could face IYO SKY for the prized title
Fans would be unwise to forget Damage CTRL. The stellar WWE faction had not been seen since WrestleMania XL until the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown. During the blue brand's latest show, all four members of the heel faction were shown in a luxury press box watching the main event.
Unfortunately, WrestleMania XL did not go great for the group. IYO SKY lost her WWE Women's Championship to Bayley and the trio of Kairi Sane, Asuka, and Dakota Kai lost to Bianca Belair, Naomi, and Jade Cargill.
IYO is still a top contender, however, and will likely demand a rematch sooner rather than later. That rematch could come in France at the upcoming Backlash Premium Live Event. The last time the pair fought, they arguably stole the show. A rematch would no doubt have a similar outcome.
#1. The Role Model could wrestle Tiffany and Naomi in a Triple Threat Match
This article has already broken down why both Naomi and Tiffany Stratton could be next in line for a shot at the WWE Women's Championship. Both have gotten physical with Bayley and each other in recent weeks as tensions continue to rise.
Instead of SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis making the two fight again to determine a challenger or for Naomi to earn an automatic rematch after her bout was interrupted, WWE could take a different approach. Bayley's next title defense could be against both women.
A decision could be made to have The Role Model defend her prized title against both Naomi and Tiffany Stratton in a Triple Threat Match at Backlash France. This would very much put Bayley's title in jeopardy, but the match would be incredible to witness.