WWE or AEW.
Those seem to be the only two viable options staring Bayley in the face as her WWE contract is reportedly up soon.
My colleague Geno Mrosko argued that Bayley should go to AEW, and I agree with him. As an outsider offering unsolicited career advice, I would tell Bayley to go where the money and the easy schedule are. If that’s AEW, then welcome to Jacksonville!
But what I truly wish for Bayley is something even more, something I wish for all wrestlers.
Option C: A successful life beyond wrestling.
In recent months, Bayley has launched Lodestone, a series of seminars and training camps for women wrestlers. Speaking to Nikki & Brie Bella on their show in November, she said, “I’ve always pictured myself continuing on with wrestling and wanting to open a school someday.”
Certainly, Bayley has something to offer the industry that future generations can benefit from. That she wants to do it is a testament to her passion.
In talking to the Bellas, Bayley added, “Non-wrestling stuff is kind of a little bit harder for me because this is all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
That worries me.
There can only be so many schools to open, so many students to teach, and so many jobs within the industry. With WWE gobbling up the industry, there may be fewer opportunities for wrestling lifers to find long-term, gainful employment.
I joked that I’d love to see Bayley open a party rental shop, offering inflatable tube men to customers. But I’d be elated if Bayley became a real estate mogul battling Ryan Serhant. Or an interior designer whose work appears on Homeworthy.
Regardless, whatever Bayley does next, I hope it’s a fruitful venture. But between options A or B, I’m rooting hardest for option C: an entirely new path that’s less dependent on the industry and more self-sufficient.
Vaya con Dios, Bayley.
