Jim Ross believes Bayley would be an asset to All Elite Wrestling should the longtime WWE star ever become available.
Bayley’s contract situation has generated fresh discussion as she has returned to WWE television and renewed her rivalry with Lyra Valkyria. Her status beyond her current agreement remains unclear, however. Reports have differed on whether the multi-time champion has already signed a new WWE deal, has yet to do so, or is nevertheless expected to remain with the company.
That uncertainty has naturally fueled speculation about possible destinations in the event Bayley were to depart. One frequently mentioned possibility is AEW, where her close friend Mercedes Moné is already a prominent figure. Ross addressed the prospect during a recent edition of Grilling JR, stressing that Bayley could offer much more than another recognizable name for the roster.
“The division continues to strengthen as we move forward,” Ross said. “So Bayley can help answer questions some of these young ladies might not have the answers to. She can be a leader, which is very important. And she’s still a hell of a hand.”
For more background on this topic, read Will Ospreay Admits He Feared a Hostile Reception Before AEW All In: London Triumph.
Ross’ comments centered on the combination of ring experience and leadership that Bayley could bring to a growing women’s division. AEW has continued to add established performers while also featuring wrestlers at different stages of their development. In that type of environment, Ross sees value in someone who has spent years working on major television programs, navigating championship programs, and evolving through several distinct character presentations.
Bayley has been a central WWE figure for much of the modern era. Her career has included runs as a beloved fan favorite, a highly successful antagonist, a singles champion, and a key member and leader of Damage CTRL. She has also been involved in high-profile rivalries and major event matches, giving her a depth of experience that could translate into a veteran role in any locker room.
Ross did not suggest that Bayley is leaving WWE, and there is no definitive public resolution to the reports surrounding her contract. Instead, he discussed the scenario in the context of her potential availability. From Ross’ perspective, it would be difficult for AEW President Tony Khan not to have interest in a performer with Bayley’s credentials.
“I would celebrate her arrival if it were to occur,” Ross said.
The remarks are notable because they frame a possible signing around practical value rather than merely the attention attached to a major free agent. Bayley has long been regarded as a versatile performer capable of working multiple styles and roles. Her body of work includes emotional long-form stories, faction-based angles, tag team success, and singles programs, making her the kind of talent who could be positioned in a variety of places on a roster.
Why Bayley’s Experience Would Stand Out
AEW’s women’s division has been an area of continued focus as the company has expanded its depth and showcased more established names. Ross specifically praised Khan’s approach to hiring talent for that division, saying it has continued to become stronger. His point about Bayley was not simply that she could enter immediately as a title contender, though her championship background would certainly make that possible.
Instead, Ross emphasized the role an accomplished wrestler can play around younger talent. Professional wrestling is learned through a mix of formal training, in-ring repetitions, television experience, and locker-room guidance. A veteran can help less experienced wrestlers with match structure, pacing, character consistency, promo preparation, and the myriad smaller decisions that come with performing before a national audience.
Bayley’s own career reflects a willingness to adapt. She first became widely associated with an upbeat, connection-driven persona before making a dramatic shift into a more antagonistic role. That transition gave her an expanded range as a character and helped establish her as one of WWE’s most dependable performers across changing creative circumstances. Later, her work in a group setting required a different kind of presence: leadership, chemistry with partners, and the ability to keep several personalities connected within one presentation.
Those qualities are part of what Ross appeared to mean when he called her a leader. Leadership in wrestling is not limited to holding a formal office or receiving a title belt. It can mean setting standards in the ring, helping peers prepare for important opportunities, and providing a steady presence when television plans or match assignments change quickly. For a division that continues to introduce and elevate talent, that experience can carry considerable value.
No Resolution To The WWE Question
For now, the important qualifier remains the same: Bayley is back on WWE programming and is again involved with Lyra Valkyria, while her longer-term contract status has been the subject of conflicting claims. A reported re-signing, a reported lack of a re-signing, and an expectation that a new deal will be completed are not the same thing. Until Bayley or WWE publicly clarifies the situation, any discussion of AEW remains speculative.
That distinction matters. Wrestling contract talk can quickly move from uncertainty to assumption, particularly when a major star has friendships in another promotion or an obvious history with talent elsewhere. Mercedes Moné’s presence in AEW makes the idea of a reunion easy for fans to imagine, but friendship alone does not establish negotiations, plans, or interest from either side beyond hypothetical discussion.
Bayley also has an active story in WWE. Her revived issue with Valkyria gives her an immediate on-screen direction, and there has been no announcement that she is preparing for an exit. Ross’ comments should therefore be viewed as an assessment of what Bayley could provide in AEW if circumstances ever made such a move possible, not as confirmation that one is imminent.
A Potentially Major Addition If Available
If Bayley did reach free agency, she would be one of the more consequential names on the market. Her name recognition, championship history, and broad experience would make her relevant to any major promotion seeking to strengthen its women’s roster. AEW would have an especially clear case to make because of the chance to create fresh matchups with performers she has not regularly faced on national television.
There would also be considerable interest in the possibility of Bayley sharing a promotion with Moné again. Their relationship has been well documented over the years, and both have played significant roles in the evolution of women’s wrestling at the highest level. Still, the most meaningful aspect of Ross’ appraisal was broader than a possible reunion. He sees Bayley as a wrestler who can contribute in the ring while also helping develop the performers around her.
Ross has been consistently direct about the importance of depth in a wrestling division. His assessment of Bayley fits that outlook. A company can benefit from rising talent and marquee attractions alike, but it also needs experienced hands who understand how to make stories, matches, and opponents better. In Ross’ view, Bayley fits that description.
Until there is a clear update on her WWE agreement, Bayley’s future remains an open question rather than a settled story. What is clear is that Ross would welcome her to AEW should the opportunity arise. He views her as a proven worker, a credible leader, and a potential resource for a women’s division that he believes is continuing to gain strength.
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Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.