Why Bayley Is The Most Underappreciated Wrestler In WWE
Robert King
Published Mar 27, 2026
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In the world of professional wrestling, certain names resonate deeply with fans, becoming synonymous with greatness and success. However, among the pantheon of legends, there are those who, despite their extraordinary talent and immense contributions to the industry, have remained criminally underrated. One such wrestler is Bayley, a true pioneer and an unsung hero in WWE history. From her outstanding career to her unmatched dedication and selflessness, Bayley's accomplishments speak volumes about her exceptional skills and her undervalued status in the industry. She's been in WWE for a decade and still struggles to receive the respect from WWE that she's earned.
Bayley Was A Catalyst For WWE's Women's Revolution
Bayley's WWE career is nothing short of extraordinary. As a member of the iconic Four Horsewomen alongside Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch, Bayley played an integral role in revolutionizing women's wrestling. Together, these four talented individuals shattered barriers and proved that women could deliver compelling matches and captivating storylines on par with their male counterparts. One particular match that stands out in Bayley's career is her historic encounter with Sasha Banks at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn in 2015. The match received critical acclaim and is widely regarded as a catalyst for the significant shift in how women's wrestling was perceived within the company.
Bayley's achievements go beyond that groundbreaking match. She holds the distinction of being the first-ever women's Grand Slam Champion in WWE history. Furthermore, Bayley's reign as the longest-reigning SmackDown Women's Champion in history is a testament to her dominance and ability to carry the women's division. During the challenging times of the pandemic era, when live audiences were absent, Bayley's unwavering commitment to her craft was on full display. She adapted to the circumstances, delivering captivating promos and matches that kept fans engaged and invested in her character. Despite the lack of crowd reactions, Bayley's performances demonstrated her adaptability and the depth of her talent.
RELATED: How Bayley Came Up With Her Wrestling Name & The Story Behind It, Explained
Bayley Is Booked To Lose Most Of Her Big Matches
Bayley's journey in WWE has been filled with moments of brilliance and excellence, yet she has often been undervalued and underutilized by the company. Despite her undeniable talent and remarkable contributions to the industry, Bayley has not received the same treatment and opportunities as her fellow Four Horsewomen. While Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch have all had their fair share of high-profile storylines, memorable rivalries, and main event moments, Bayley has often found herself on the outskirts of the main spotlight. One aspect that highlights the undervaluing of Bayley is her consistent losses in big matches. Despite her exceptional in-ring skills and ability to tell compelling stories, she has often been made to come up short when it matters most. Whether it's dropping championships in high-stakes encounters or being defeated in pivotal moments, Bayley's track record in crucial matches doesn't reflect her true talent and contributions to the industry.
Moreover, Bayley's presence on promotional materials, such as posters and advertisements, has been notably lacking compared to her counterparts. Even though she has a massive fan following and has proven herself as a marketable star, she is often not given the same visibility and recognition as others. This disparity in treatment becomes even more glaring when considering Bayley's consistent dedication and commitment to the company, especially during the challenging pandemic era.
Throughout the pandemic, Bayley demonstrated her unwavering loyalty by appearing on every show, even when other top stars were absent. She risked her health and safety to entertain the fans, delivering exceptional performances and captivating promos without the energy of a live audience. Despite her outstanding efforts to carry the company on her back during difficult times, Bayley has not been rewarded with the same level of acknowledgment and opportunities as some of her peers. She wasn't even given a match at WrestleMania 37, the first WrestleMania in front of an audience after the pandemic, while she was the one who lead the company during that time.
RELATED: Bayley's Booking Since Her WWE Return Has Made No Sense
Bayley's Selfless Mentorship With Damage CTRL
Throughout her career, Bayley has been known for her willingness to go above and beyond to help others succeed. Numerous women wrestlers have publicly praised her for her guidance and support, acknowledging her instrumental role in their development. Bayley's approachable nature and genuine desire to see others excel have made her a trusted figure backstage. Moreover, Bayley has taken it upon herself to groom young talent, recognizing the importance of investing in the future of the industry. Her latest endeavor, forming the Damage CTRL faction, showcases her dedication to nurturing rising stars Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai.
Even when she is not in the title picture or given the same opportunities as her peers, she approaches every match with unmatched passion and dedication. Her workhorse mentality was clearly evident in a recent WWE live event where she sustained an injury during a match with Charlotte Flair and Asuka. Despite not being in the women's title scene on TV unlike the other two women, Bayley's commitment to her craft was apparent as she took on the role of the workhorse in the match. WWE needs to start doing a better job in appreciating one of the best to ever do it in Bayley, one of their most loyal workers in history.
