Bayley’s WWE future remains uncertain as her reported contract situation continues to hang over her prolonged absence from television. A new update from Dave Meltzer suggests that the former Women’s Champion has yet to make a final decision on her next step.
Speaking on "Wrestling Observer Radio," Meltzer said Bayley has not signed a new WWE contract and that the decision is now in her hands.
"The only thing I've heard from them when it comes to Bayley is that Bayley has a decision to make. So, that's the story … she has not signed a contract," said Meltzer.
"The Role Model" has been away from WWE television since losing to Lyra Valkyria at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The result has taken on added significance because her former ally later referenced the victory during a commercial-break promo on RAW, saying she had “ran Bayley out of here.”
That has led to speculation that WWE may have intentionally left the door open for Bayley to leave if she chooses not to sign a new deal. However, there has been no confirmation from the 37-year-old star or WWE that she is departing the company.
There is also some uncertainty surrounding the timing of her current contract. Bayley’s deal has been widely reported as expiring in October, but Meltzer noted that she will not become a free agent this month.
Bayley has previously spoken highly of her time in WWE and has expressed interest in potentially working as a producer for the company at some point. Her close friendship with Mercedes Moné, meanwhile, has continued to make AEW a natural part of the conversation surrounding her future.
Bayley Adds Fuel to AEW Speculation With Training Video
(Photo by Cooper Neill/WWE via Getty Images)
Bayley recently addressed the speculation in her own way with a lengthy post on Instagram. The video showed her training at several wrestling gyms and working with wrestlers from outside WWE.
One of the most noticeable names featured in the montage was Mercedes Moné (fka Sasha Banks). The two have remained close since their WWE days and became two of the most prominent members of the company's women's division.
The caption also caught attention. Bayley wrote, “all or nothing, baby,” alongside the training footage. Fans were quick to notice another detail: the song used in the video was “All In.” That is also the name of AEW’s upcoming event at Wembley Stadium in London on August 30.
None of those choices confirm that Bayley is planning to join AEW. They have, however, given fans another reason to question what she has planned while her WWE status remains unresolved.
Dave Meltzer believes Bayley’s next move could also determine how WWE handles her return to television. If she signs a new deal, he expects the company could quickly bring her back into the storyline with Lyra Valkyria.
“If she signs a contract, she’ll probably come back and attack Lyra, and that’ll be her storyline,” Meltzer said.
If Bayley decides not to continue with WWE, Meltzer believes her previous loss at Madison Square Garden could ultimately serve as her final appearance for the company.
For now, neither outcome has been confirmed. Bayley remains at the center of plenty of speculation, but her next move will ultimately depend on the decision she makes regarding her WWE future.
