After the July 25th, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown in Cleveland, fans witnessed an unexpected dark match between Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. Before the bout began, Bayley took a microphone and delivered a pointed promo expressing her frustration about being left out of SummerSlam 2025, while addressing the current WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Lyra Valkyria.
Heated Words and a Call for Explanation
Bayley openly challenged Valkyria regarding recent developments on Monday Night Raw, where she attempted to arrange a tag team title opportunity to ensure both of them would appear at SummerSlam. Her irritation stemmed from being excluded from the SummerSlam card despite her efforts.
Before this match gets started, I have a bone to pick with the first ever Women’s IC Champion, Lyra Valkyria, okay? Now, I know this is SmackDown, but if you guys watch Monday Night RAW, I tried to do something out of the good of my heart—put us in a tag team title match. Why? To get us to SummerSlam, because I am out of a match at SummerSlam, thanks to you! Explain yourself!
—Bayley, WWE Superstar
The audience responded with a mixture of cheers and laughter as Bayley demanded an answer, creating an electric atmosphere in the arena.
Focused on the Night’s Performance Despite Setbacks
Bayley then moved past the confrontation and emphasized her commitment to delivering a strong performance for the crowd. She made it clear that despite previous setbacks, her priority was to give the Cleveland audience an exciting contest.
Look, it doesn’t matter. It’s water under the bridge. It’s water under the bridge. Look, all I care about is giving Cleveland a show tonight—and I’m gonna beat your ass!
—Bayley, WWE Superstar
Nevertheless, the match concluded with Lyra Valkyria earning a clean victory, furthering her rise as a key competitor from Raw’s roster.
Implications of Bayley’s SummerSlam Absence and Future Storylines
Bayley’s exclusion from SummerSlam 2025 stands out, especially given her status as a former Grand Slam Champion and consistent presence at major WWE events. This moment could signal the beginning of a deeper rivalry between Bayley and Valkyria or possibly hint at developments in Bayley’s WWE trajectory following SummerSlam.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WrestleMania or SummerSlam bigger?
A. SummerSlam is a professional wrestling show held every year since 1988. The WWE, the biggest wrestling company, organizes it. Known as “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” SummerSlam is seen as WWE’s second most important event after WrestleMania.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2025 2 nights?
A. SummerSlam is among WWE’s top four major live events, along with WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. This year, for the first time, it expands to a two-night event.
Q. Is SummerSlam the 2nd biggest PPV?
A. Known as “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” this event is among WWE’s original “Big Four” pay-per-view events. Alongside WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series, it is seen as WWE’s second-largest event, following WrestleMania.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2 nights in 2025?
A. WWE SummerSlam 2025 will have two nights of events, including a big rematch between John Cena and Cody Rhodes from WrestleMania. Here are the details about the date, matches, tickets, and more for the event.
