WWE SummerSlam 2025 is rapidly approaching as a highly anticipated two-night event packed with major WWE names. Fans expected Bayley, a standout wrestler and former Women’s Champion, to participate in the event, particularly in the Women’s Intercontinental Championship scene. However, Bayley missing WWE SummerSlam 2025 has emerged as a notable shock, raising questions about the reasons behind her absence.
The event is stacked with big stars such as Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Gunther. On Night Two, Rhodes and Cena headline in a fierce Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship, setting high expectations. Yet, despite her status and long-lasting fan support, Bayley will not be featured during this marquee event, leaving many puzzled and concerned about her position within WWE.
Bayley’s Role and Fan Perception Over the Years
Bayley has cultivated a loyal fanbase throughout her WWE tenure, beginning from her NXT days, where she was famed for her relatable underdog persona. Over time, this character evolved, becoming more complex while preserving fan admiration. Her underdog image has closely paralleled other wrestlers like Sami Zayn and Mick Foley, who combine resilience with consistent top-tier performances.
However, sustaining underdog sympathy becomes difficult once a competitor becomes a frequent titleholder, as Bayley has been with multiple world championships. Some insiders suggest WWE leadership under Triple H might be deliberately keeping Bayley off SummerSlam to preserve sympathy around her character and maintain her as a strong babyface in the eyes of the audience. This tactical absence could be an attempt to refresh her storyline potential or position her for future narratives.
Possible Fallout from Recent WWE Decisions Affecting Bayley
Though Bayley is a praised and seasoned talent, she has not consistently received top billing alongside WWE’s most heavily promoted women stars such as Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, Tiffany Stratton, or Becky Lynch. Earlier this year, Bayley was controversially removed from the WrestleMania card despite promotional build-up. She was initially eyed to compete in a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match but was pulled without public explanation.
This scenario has led to speculation about Bayley’s future with WWE. Rumors surfaced that Bayley hinted at not renewing her contract after it expires, which may have influenced WWE officials to limit her exposure at major events. From a business perspective, if a talent signals plans to leave, the company might prioritize opportunities for wrestlers viewed as long-term investments.
Lyra Valkyria’s Rising Push and Its Impact on Bayley
Bayley’s absence might also relate to WWE’s ongoing push for Lyra Valkyria, a rising star who has already made significant waves. Lyra, who joined WWE through the NXT UK brand and later transitioned to NXT in the United States, secured the NXT Women’s Championship before advancing to the main roster last year.
Lyra has since become the longest-reigning WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion and briefly held the Women’s Tag Team Titles. This year, she is set to challenge Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam, adding prominence to this matchup. As WWE focuses heavily on building Lyra’s momentum, Bayley’s role appears to be sidelined in favor of spotlighting fresh talent.
What Bayley’s Absence Could Mean for WWE SummerSlam and Beyond
Despite being off the official roster for the event, Bayley could still influence SummerSlam indirectly. The Women’s Intercontinental Championship match at SummerSlam promises to be intense, featuring stipulations such as no disqualifications and no countouts. Additionally, if Lyra loses, she is barred from challenging for the title again as long as Becky Lynch remains champion.
This setting creates a dramatic opportunity for Bayley to make a surprising heel turn by interfering in the match and costing Lyra the victory. Such an angle would reignite Bayley’s storyline with a personal and physical rivalry, potentially elevating her character even without being scheduled for a match. This scenario hints that while Bayley may not be competing, she might still impact SummerSlam storylines in a significant way.
Bayley’s current absence from WWE’s biggest summer event underlines ongoing tensions regarding her role and future in the company. Whether her gap from SummerSlam marks a strategic pause or the beginning of a changing career trajectory, it demonstrates WWE’s shifting priorities and evolving storylines. Fans will be watching closely to see if The Role Model returns soon or if this absence signals a deeper transition in her wrestling journey.
