Jim Ross believes Bayley would be an outstanding signing for All Elite Wrestling should the decorated WWE star ever become available.
Bayley returned on Monday’s show amid uncertainty surrounding her WWE contract situation. Conflicting reports have emerged over whether she has already agreed to a new deal, leaving her long-term status unclear. There has been no confirmed indication that Bayley is headed anywhere, but Ross was asked to consider the possibility of her joining AEW during a recent episode of Grilling JR.
Ross did not hesitate when asked whether he would want to see Bayley arrive in Tony Khan’s promotion. In his view, Bayley would bring more than name recognition or another established in-ring presence. He sees her as someone who could provide veteran leadership within a women’s roster that has continued to add depth and experience.
“Oh hell yeah. Really, I do,” Ross said. “She could add to the ever-growing women’s division in AEW. Tony Khan’s done a great job of paying attention to the women. I don’t mean that as a wise-ass remark, but he’s hired some really good talents, and that division continues to strengthen as we move forward.”
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AEW’s women’s division has evolved considerably since the company’s earliest years. The roster now features a broader mix of champions, internationally experienced wrestlers, younger prospects and performers who have already worked on major stages. Ross’ point was not simply that Bayley would be another recognizable addition to that group. He argued that her value would also be felt in the locker room and in the development of less experienced talent.
“So Bayley could help,” Ross continued. “A veteran, she could answer questions that some of these young ladies might not have the answers to. She could be a leader, which is what I’m trying to say, which is very important.”
That distinction is significant in any discussion of a possible Bayley move. She has spent years performing in high-profile situations, working across different character presentations and adjusting to the expectations that come with being part of a major company’s featured women’s programming. A wrestler with that background can contribute in obvious ways on television, but can also offer perspective to colleagues navigating major matches, live television pressure, audience reactions and character development.
Ross’ comments also centered on why Bayley’s career has resonated. He contrasted her success with an older philosophy of talent recruitment that placed a heavy emphasis on a particular physical image. Ross recalled being given a specific directive by Vince McMahon during his own time in talent relations.
“She’s not a stereotypical women’s wrestler in today’s world,” Ross said. “I remember when McMahon said, JR, I want you to go out and hire me some athletic tens. And if you look at the definition of an athletic ten, then you see Trish Stratus, and I hired her, and that kind of set the bar.”
Ross used that memory to underline what he sees as the foundation of Bayley’s success. Rather than fitting a narrowly defined visual template, Bayley established herself through her ability, connection with audiences and versatility as a performer. Her career has included major accomplishments and prominent roles, but Ross focused on the core skills that enabled her to sustain that level of success.
“Well, Bayley has successfully had a great career, has had great success, not looking like that, because she’s got talent and she can work, she can wrestle,” Ross said.
The observation speaks to an important aspect of Bayley’s standing in modern wrestling. A possible move to another major promotion would not be built only around the novelty of seeing her in a different environment. It would be based on a lengthy track record of producing in-ring performances, adapting her presentation and earning crowd investment throughout multiple phases of her career.
For AEW, a wrestler with those attributes could potentially fill several roles. She could enter immediately as a featured challenger, establish fresh rivalries and bring a familiar name into programs with existing stars. At the same time, Ross emphasized the possibility of Bayley serving as a mentor and leader. Those responsibilities do not necessarily require a formal backstage title. They can emerge through day-to-day interaction, match preparation and the example set by an established performer.
Ross believes Khan would recognize the potential upside of adding someone with Bayley’s resume if the opportunity ever presented itself.
“So yeah, she’d be a great addition to AEW,” Ross said. “I would celebrate her arrival if it were to occur, and I’m sure that Tony Khan, who has a great eye for talent, would be very interested in her.”
That is still a hypothetical conversation, not confirmation of negotiations or a pending departure. Bayley’s return on Monday came amid the conflicting reports about whether a new WWE agreement has been completed. Until her contractual status is clarified publicly, any discussion of her landing in AEW remains speculation.
Still, Ross’ remarks show why Bayley would immediately become one of the most discussed possible free-agent additions in wrestling if she were to reach the open market. Established stars are judged not only by their previous championships or recognition, but by whether they can create new matchups, help elevate opponents and add something meaningful to a promotion’s wider culture. Ross made clear that he believes Bayley checks each of those boxes.
Why Bayley’s Experience Would Matter
AEW has made continued investment in its women’s roster, and Ross credited Khan for the attention given to strengthening that side of the company. The value of a veteran addition in that environment is not necessarily measured by replacing anyone already in position. Instead, it can be measured by expanding the options available for television, pay-per-view events and long-term roster development.
A performer with Bayley’s experience could have a strong impact whether positioned around championship contention, a personal rivalry or a story designed to spotlight emerging talent. Ross specifically highlighted her ability to answer questions for younger wrestlers. That is a practical contribution, especially in a division where talent at different stages of their careers are working together on a national platform.
There is also the creative appeal of a fresh setting. Wrestlers who have spent substantial time in one promotion can prompt immediate interest when placed opposite opponents they have not regularly faced. Ross did not name prospective opponents or offer fantasy-booking scenarios, but his enthusiasm reflects the kind of attention a Bayley arrival would command.
Contract Questions Remain the Central Issue
For now, the key fact is uncertainty. Bayley has returned to WWE programming, while reports have differed on whether that return came after she signed a new contract. Her presence on Monday’s show does not, by itself, settle the question of her longer-term contractual future.
Ross’ comments should therefore be viewed as an assessment of what Bayley could offer AEW in a potential future scenario, rather than a report that such a move is in motion. He was direct about his preference, describing himself as someone who would celebrate her arrival, but no official development has established that an arrival is imminent or even possible.
What is clear is Ross’ assessment of Bayley as a wrestler. He sees an accomplished performer whose success rests on talent, ring work and the ability to connect, and he believes those traits would translate strongly to AEW. If Bayley’s WWE status becomes definitively known, the conversation around her next chapter will only intensify. Until then, her return and the conflicting contract reports leave the situation open to continued attention.
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.