Open challenge answered by new signing, new stable forming? - 4 things Bayley should do on WWE SmackDown (July 12, 2024)
WWE has had a big week. Last Friday presented an epic edition of SmackDown airing live from Toronto and included a major title change. From there, Money in the Bank and NXT Heatwave aired over the weekend.
RAW and NXT featured surprise returns and appearances, and now all eyes are on the post-Money in the Bank edition of Friday Night SmackDown. The big show only has a few segments and matches announced, which means much of the card remains a mystery.
One person who will almost certainly be on the blue brand's next episode is Bayley. She is the World Champion of SmackDown and is set to compete in a major match at SummerSlam, so she will surely be showcased.
The question, of course, is: What will Bayley do on tonight's show? This article will take a look at a handful of things The Role Model may do later on. This includes jumping a big name, forming a new faction in the wake of recent chaos, and beyond.
Below are four things Bayley should do on WWE SmackDown.
#4. She could call Nia Jax out for a fight
WWE Friday Night SmackDown last week was an interesting show, but one segment that is being overlooked is a match between Bayley and Piper Niven. The Clash at the Castle Scotland rematch was a strong one, but it was the chaos surrounding the bout that particularly stood out.
Bayley defeated the former WWE 24/7 Champion as numerous women brawled around the ring ahead of their Money in the Bank Ladder Match. During the chaos, Nia Jax showed up and viciously attacked The Role Model, likely to send a message ahead of their SummerSlam bout.
While Bayley is crafty, she is certainly not a coward. As a result, despite having a significant size disadvantage, The Role Model may go to the ring and call out Nia for a fight. The cocky Jax will surely accept, as she's not one to be fazed by most opposition. The two brawling could make for an exciting piece for television.
#3. Bayley could hold a WWE Women's Championship open challenge
Speaking of exciting pieces of television, very little in pro wrestling is as fun as an open challenge. When a WWE champion heads to the ring and holds an open challenge of some kind, fans are invested in finding out who will step up and attempt to win gold.
There is a chance Bayley does exactly that on WWE SmackDown. This could be accepted by the likes of Michin, Chelsea Green, Tiffany Stratton, and even Blair Davenport, among others. Still, a more interesting option is available.
It recently came out that Stephanie Vaquer has signed with the sports entertainment juggernaut. The former CMLL and New Japan star could be the one who accepts Bayley's challenge, debuting in a major way by challenging for arguably the top women's title in all of pro wrestling.
#2. She could form a new stable
Bayley is no stranger to stables. An unofficial stable known as the Four Horsewomen was a staple on NXT and the main roster. This included friends and rivals Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch, along with The Role Model.
From there, Bayley launched Damage CTRL, a group still rocking steady on WWE RAW. Bayley is no longer part of the faction, however. Now she is regularly outnumbered by the likes of Chelsea Green and Piper Niven, among others. As a result, she may need to form a new group for protection, and it could start as soon as on SmackDown.
The WWE star could first look at two people who have had her back recently. Naomi is an obvious pick, given their friendship. Michin is an outside pick, as they've had issues in the past but have bonded recently, and Yim even helped Bayley last week during Nia's assault.
#1. Bayley could jump Nia Jax
As noted, Nia Jax attacked Bayley last week following the Role Model's match against Piper Niven on WWE SmackDown. If it wasn't for Michin saving her via a kendo stick, there was a genuine chance Bayley would've been injured.
That could be Nia Jax's plan. She may have wanted to injure the WWE Women's Champion, so she would either be forced to vacate the prized title or go into SummerSlam hurt. Bayley likely knows this and will respond in equal measure.
The reigning champion may return the favor and jump Nia during Friday Night SmackDown tonight. She could do so with a weapon or go after one of Jax's legs. In doing so, it would let the powerful Queen of the Ring know that Bayley isn't somebody to bully or mess around with.