Bayley has established herself as one of WWE’s top performers since her arrival in 2012 on the NXT brand, earning widespread admiration for her in-ring skills and charisma. She is a former NXT Women’s Champion, having built a strong fanbase early in her career, and her match against Sasha Banks at the 2015 NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn earned the prestigious Match of the Year award.
Throughout her WWE tenure, Bayley has captured the Women’s Championship four times, winning twice each on RAW and SmackDown. In addition, she has twice held the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Known as “The Role Model,” Bayley moved up to the WWE main roster on RAW in August 2016 and quickly became involved in high-profile rivalries, including with Charlotte Flair, where she secured her first singles title by defeating her former NXT opponent.
Other significant adversaries in Bayley’s career include Mercedes Mone—formerly known as Sasha Banks—and Becky Lynch. Together with these three, she is recognized as part of The Four Horsewomen, a group named in homage to the legendary Four Horsemen faction. Despite her impressive career, Bayley has faced physical setbacks, including injuries that sidelined her for periods. Most recently, plans for her match at WrestleMania 41 were canceled, leading WWE to script a storyline in which she was attacked.
Since her return following these challenges, the 36-year-old wrestler has struggled to regain momentum in the ring, with her most recent victory dating back to April 2025. This record of losses has led fans to speculate about her contract status with WWE.
Bayley Confirms Contract Duration Until Late 2026
Bayley provided clarity on her WWE contract in a candid appearance on the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast. Reflecting on more than ten years with the company based in Stamford, she mentioned that her current contract is set to expire in late 2026, allowing her additional time to create memorable moments with the WWE audience.
Initially, Bayley had expected to retire at age 35 but expressed gratitude that her career has extended beyond that timeline. Despite recent struggles, including missing out on a match booking at the 2025 SummerSlam pay-per-view event—which was notable for spanning two nights for the first time since 1988—she remains committed to continuing her wrestling journey. WWE has also aired a vignette hinting at a possible character shift for Bayley, suggesting a future heel turn that could reinvigorate her storyline presence.
Context: Other Notable WWE and AEW Developments
In the broader professional wrestling scene, speculation surrounds star performers in WWE and AEW alike. Triple H reportedly plans for a major WWE talent to win the 2026 Royal Rumble and claim the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42, signaling possible shifts in the promotion’s top storylines.
Meanwhile, AEW teased the return of a previously absent star on their Dynamite show, building anticipation among fans. On the WWE side, a former Superstar recently revealed they were not surprised by their release despite having several years remaining on their contract.
The wrestling community also mourned the loss of iconic figure Hulk Hogan, whose passing deeply affected Vince McMahon, underscoring Hogan’s importance to the company’s history.
In other news, John Cena’s recent transition back to a babyface character has drawn mixed reactions, while his potential team-up with a WWE veteran under the moniker “The Cena Brothers” aims to deliver a memorable final stretch before his mid-December 2025 retirement.
Additionally, a major AEW star was recently not cleared to travel for Dynamite, impacting upcoming event plans.
Bayley’s Future and What It Means for WWE Fans
Bayley’s confirmed contract extension through late 2026 offers fans assurance that she will remain a visible and active figure in WWE for at least the next couple of years. Amidst a period of adversity and adaptation, the possibility of a heel turn presents new opportunities for character development and fresh storylines.
As one of WWE’s veteran women’s wrestlers and a key member of The Four Horsewomen, Bayley’s continued involvement helps maintain legacy connections within the company while also keeping doors open for future highlights. With WWE focusing on evolving narratives and building towards major events like the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 42, Bayley’s trajectory will likely remain an interesting element to watch as she balances veteran experience with renewed ambition.
