IYO SKY's ex-WWE rival shares why she was absent from this week's SmackDown
WWE Superstar IYO SKY and her team members achieved a significant victory at Survivor Series: WarGames. One of her former rivals and teammates was absent from the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
On the Road to WrestleMania XL, SKY, Kairi Sane, and Asuka kicked Bayley out of the Damage CTRL group. Later, Dakota Kai also betrayed the 35-year-old. The Role Model then captured the WWE Women's Championship from The Genius of The Sky at The Showcase of The Immortals before dropping the title to Nia Jax at SummerSlam 2024.
That being said, Bayley and IYO kept their differences aside and teamed up alongside Naomi, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley to defeat Jax, Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, Candice LeRae, and Raquel Rodriguez in the Women's WarGames Match on November 30.
The Hugger was notably absent from the December 6, 2024, edition of WWE SmackDown, prompting speculation from fans about her whereabouts. In an interview with Byron Saxton on SmackDown Lowdown, Bayley cited the physical toll of last week's Women's WarGames Match as the reason for her absence from TV.
The SmackDown Superstar acknowledged the brutal nature of the bout and emphasized the importance of rest and recovery.
"That match is so brutal. We all know the stakes we take, all the risks we take just by joining the teams and being a part of it. I was in there from the very beginning, starting with Nia Jax. So it took a toll [on my body]. But let's just say I'm happy that I got this week off to rest, okay? I get to rest," Bayley said. [From 01:38 to 01:54]
You can watch the full video below:
IYO SKY and Bayley are set for major WWE matches
On the November 15, 2024, installment of the blue brand, The Role Model defeated B-Fab and Candice LeRae in the Women's United States Title Tournament First Round Triple Threat Match.
Similarly, Chelsea Green emerged victorious over Blair Davenport and Bianca Belair during the November 22 edition. The Hot Mess will lock horns with The Role Model in the semi-final of the Women's US Title Tournament next Friday.
Meanwhile, The Genius of The Sky won the Women's World Title Number One Contender's Battle Royal on RAW last month. As confirmed by WWE, IYO SKY vs. Liv Morgan is set to take place at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 14, 2024.
It remains to be seen if Bayley becomes the inaugural Women's United States Champion and if SKY captures the Women's World Title from The Judgment Day member.
Please credit WWE SmackDown Lowdown and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.