Former SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley is back, and she’s not come alone!
WWE’s new era is off to a breathless and frankly unbelievable start.
Following a show-stealing opening match between between Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch, WWE’s women’s division was flipped on it’s head.
After an embrace between a defeated Lynch and Belair, the Irishwoman exited the ring, leaving the EST to celebrate. However, she was quickly joined by Bayley who arrived to a monster ovation. The former SmackDown Women’s Champion has been out of action for a year, but somehow there were bigger surprises to come.
The first came in the shape of former NXT star Dakota Kai who had been released by the company back in April. But just as Kai made her way to stand with Bayley in the entrance-way, the pair were joined by Io Shirai who also hadn’t been seen for a number of months.
.@itsBayleyWWE is back and it looks like she came with some backup đź‘€#SummerSlampic.twitter.com/6jrDeLkvcY
— WWE (@WWE) July 31, 2022
The three women entered the ring for a stare-down with Belair who was quickly backed up by Lynch. At this, the crowd roared their approval and commentary lost their minds.
Heading into Money In The Bank 2021, Bayley had been set to meet Belair in an “I Quit” match, but sustained an injury during a training session. It was later reported that the former NXT star had sustained a torn ACL while performing a chain wrestling drill.