Bayley recently shared how her alliance with Lyra Valkyria, which began in early 2023 before WrestleMania 41, has been a source of positivity during a challenging year. The two joined forces to pursue the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships and have since remained intertwined in ongoing storylines, fostering a connection both on and off the ring. On the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, Bayley recalled the instant bond they formed and highlighted the significance of Valkyria’s optimistic spirit in helping her navigate difficult moments.
How Lyra Valkyria’s Optimism Helped Bayley Endure
Bayley expressed deep appreciation for Valkyria’s energy, describing her as both humorous and genuinely passionate about wrestling. Despite initially questioning their pairing, Bayley quickly recognized Valkyria’s value as a teammate and friend. Her youthful enthusiasm contrasted with Bayley’s own struggles, especially after being sidelined from WrestleMania, and provided the encouragement Bayley needed to maintain a positive outlook amidst adversity.
Bayley explained,
“She is incredible. We kind of just got thrown into this tag team last year before Mania and I was like, ‘This is weird. I don’t know this girl. Like, genuinely why are we doing this?’ And then we hung out one night and I was like, ‘Oh, she’s amazing.’ She’s hilarious, she’s a sweet person, and she loves wrestling on a different level, weirdly like I do. So that was just natural. But she — I told her like this last year, I don’t think I would have gotten through this last year as positively as I have without her. Because it’s kind of like, she’s so new to the roster still where she’s still fresh, doe eyed, like, ‘Don’t give up man!’ And I’m still like, ‘It’s freaking hard sometimes. I got beat up and taken off WrestleMania, right? I’m allowed to be mad!’ And she’s like, ‘It’s okay!’”
I feel like I needed her to really keep pushing me, and in times that I’m just like, this old lady that I’m like, ‘I’ve been through this. It’ll be okay, though.’ She’s like, ‘No, we’re going to fight and we’re going to get better.’ And I’m kind of that for her too, where she’s — I want to bring out the the true Lyra, who she really is. The one that I know, the one that the locker room knows. Which is just going to make her a million times better. She’s so much more than what she is in the ring.
— Bayley, WWE Superstar
Bayley on Professionalism and Growth for New WWE Talent
Reflecting on what she believes newcomers to WWE should embody, Bayley emphasized the importance of professionalism and dedication. She acknowledged that her own habit of staying until the end of shows has drawn some playful teasing from fellow wrestlers, but she regards it as a key part of learning and respect within the locker room. Bayley encouraged rising stars to embrace the process by being present, asking questions, and continuously working hard to improve their craft.
She stated,
“Man, I got really made fun of for that ‘staying till the end of the show’ by my own locker room. But it’s cool, it’s funny. I don’t know how to answer that, because I feel that, just do what you feel — I guess it’s all about being professional. You know, it’s not so much like the respect or, ‘this is how we do it in wrestling.’ I feel like it just comes down to being professional. You work a job, if you work a 9 to 5, you’re there till 5. You can’t just be like, ‘I think my work’s done. I’m just going to take off.’ Like, we work one day, you know? Come stay and watch the show. It’s fun, Your friends are wrestling.”
I think it’s just professionalism. And if you got places to be, I get it. If you got a long drive, I get it. But I just — as long as people are willing to learn, and they’re asking the right questions and they’re um working hard? It really shows. I really feel like the cream rises to the top around here.
— Bayley, WWE Superstar
The Impact of Bayley and Lyra Valkyria’s Partnership in WWE
The partnership between Bayley and Lyra Valkyria stands out not only for their pursuit of tag team gold but also for the way it has strengthened Bayley through positivity and mutual support. Their collaboration has injected fresh energy into their storylines while showcasing Valkyria’s potential beyond the ring. Bayley’s efforts to nurture the authentic qualities of her teammate suggest a promising path forward for both performers as they continue to develop within WWE.
