On Monday night, WWE RAW featured the return of the Women’s Gauntlet match for the first time in four years, spotlighting the competitors’ quest to challenge for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. After AJ Lee captured the title from Becky Lynch and declared herself a fighting champion welcoming all challengers, the women’s division rapidly rallied to earn a shot at her championship.
With several top talents vying for contention, including Liv Morgan urging Raquel Rodriguez to accept the challenge and Lyra Valkyria motivating Bayley to enter the competition, WWE official Adam Pearce announced the Gauntlet match would determine the next number one contender. This high-stakes match set the scene with six participants: IYO SKY, Raquel Rodriguez, Ivy Nile, Asuka, Lyra Valkyria, and Bayley.
Bayley Triumphs in a Grueling Battle on RAW
The Gauntlet kicked off between IYO SKY and Lyra Valkyria in a fast-paced showdown. SKY’s next opponent, Raquel Rodriguez, nearly eliminated her with help from Liv Morgan’s interference. The momentum shifted when Stephanie Vaquer intervened to aid SKY, distracting Rodriguez and enabling SKY to secure her win.
Following the upset, Rodriguez unleashed frustration on SKY, allowing Ivy Nile an easy path to victory over a weary opponent. Nile was then defeated by Bayley, who advanced to face Asuka next. The Empress of Tomorrow sought to capture a win, with ringside distractions involving Kairi Sane adding dramatic tension to the encounter.
Despite a competitive back-and-forth, Asuka’s Empress Lock was deftly escaped by Bayley, who ultimately sealed her place as the Gauntlet winner and next challenger for AJ Lee’s title. Lyra Valkyria also made a key save when Kairi Sane hesitated in her attempt to attack Bayley outside the ring, allowing Bayley to recover.
Implications of Bayley’s Victory and Title Match Ahead
Bayley’s hard-fought Gauntlet win marks a significant milestone in her pursuit of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, a goal she has chased since the title’s introduction. With next week’s RAW set to feature Bayley facing AJ Lee for the championship, anticipation runs high among fans eager to witness how this rivalry will unfold.
The return of the Women’s Gauntlet not only showcased the depth of talent in the division but also revived a compelling match format that demands endurance and strategy. Bayley’s victory tonight positions her as a formidable contender, setting the stage for a tense showdown that could reshape the women’s division hierarchy.
“.@itsBayleyWWE WINS the Gauntlet Match and will face @TheAJMendez for the Women’s Intercontinental Title NEXT WEEK! 🔥What a moment for Bayley and @Real_Valkyria! pic.twitter.com/cGdtLG6zdV” — WWE
.@itsBayleyWWE WINS the Gauntlet Match and will face @TheAJMendez for the Women’s Intercontinental Title NEXT WEEK! 🔥
What a moment for Bayley and @Real_Valkyria! pic.twitter.com/cGdtLG6zdV
— WWE (@WWE) March 10, 2026
