An unforgettable moment unfolded at a recent SmackDown event in San Diego, where current WWE Superstar Bayley paid a heartfelt tribute to Lisa Marie Varon, better known as Victoria. The gesture took place in front of Varon, who was sitting ringside, and left the former superstar moved to tears. This tribute not only celebrated Varon’s legacy but also showed the respect and admiration Bayley holds for those who paved the way in WWE.
Key Highlights
- Bayley performed Lisa Marie Varon’s signature spinning sidewalk slam during SmackDown.
- Varon was sitting front row and was visibly emotional at the tribute.
- Bayley acknowledged Varon before executing the move by pointing directly at her.
- Bayley visited Varon during the commercial break to share a heartfelt moment.
- Varon remains humble, seeing herself as an “average girl” despite her WWE success.
A Ringside Moment Full of Meaning
Lisa Marie Varon attended SmackDown in San Diego, not expecting to be recognized in such a special way. Bayley, aware of Varon’s presence, asked if she could perform Varon’s iconic spinning sidewalk slam move, famously nicknamed the “spider web.” Varon happily agreed, not knowing just how much the moment would mean to her.
“When I went to San Diego, to the arena, Bayley, she said, ‘Hey, can I do the spider web, the spinning sidewalk slam?’ And I go, ‘Oh, please, please.” – Lisa Marie Varon
Bayley’s gesture showed deep respect for Varon’s contributions to WWE and demonstrated the strong connections between WWE generations.
The Tribute in Action
What made the moment truly powerful was how Bayley executed the move. Before performing the spinning sidewalk slam, Bayley made sure to catch Varon’s attention and pointed at her, making the tribute unmistakably personal. This direct acknowledgment moved Varon profoundly.
“She came like this… she went right before the move, she went like this, and pointed at me and did the move.”
“And I was like, I started crying.” – Lisa Marie Varon
For Varon, the tribute was more than just a move in the ring—it was a recognition of her lasting impact on the sport she helped shape.
A Moment Beyond the Ring
The special connection between Bayley and Varon continued beyond the tribute move. During a commercial break, Bayley approached Varon to express her admiration and gratitude personally. This exchange revealed the humility and mutual respect between the two women.
“[Bayley] came out to give me hugs, because [she said] ‘I can’t believe that you’re watching one of my matches.’”
“And I was like, ‘No, I can’t believe you’re actually doing a move and paying homage to me. You know what I mean?’” – Lisa Marie Varon
The genuine emotion shared during this moment highlights how WWE’s legacy is carried forward through respect and recognition.
Humility Defines Lisa Marie Varon
Despite her successes in WWE and her status as a legend, Varon remains grounded and views herself as a normal person rather than a celebrity. She admitted that the admiration she receives can sometimes make her uncomfortable, a testament to her humble nature.
“You still live in that bubble that I’m like, I’m still like an average girl… I know I’ve done a lot in my life, but I don’t see myself as a celebrity.”
“And I get nervous… when someone’s so nervous to meet me, it makes me uncomfortable, because I’m like, ‘Oh no, no, no, please, don’t be nervous, please.’… I’m a normal person.” – Lisa Marie Varon
This humility only endears her more to fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
News in Brief: Bayley’s Tribute to Lisa Marie Varon
Bayley honored WWE legend Lisa Marie Varon with a spinning sidewalk slam tribute during SmackDown in San Diego, where Varon was in attendance. Bayley acknowledged Varon by pointing at her before performing the move, leaving Varon emotional. During a commercial break, Bayley approached Varon to share a heartfelt moment. Despite her WWE fame, Varon remains humble and sees herself as an “average girl.” This tribute exemplifies the deep respect between WWE generations and highlights the personal connections that enrich the sport.
