WWE fans got a dose of nostalgia on this week’s Monday Night RAW when Bayley made her return — and she wasn’t alone. The “Hugger” persona that first made her a fan-favorite came back in full force.
The moment unfolded after Lyra Valkyria scored a big win over Roxanne Perez, only to be ambushed by Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. Just when the numbers game looked too much, Bayley charged down to the ring to even the odds.
What made the save even more impactful was Bayley’s demeanor. Throughout recent vignettes, WWE has shown her at war with herself — haunted by past versions of her character and conflicted over the damage she’s done, especially to Valkyria. That inner struggle spilled out live on RAW, but ultimately, Bayley leaned into her most beloved side.
After clearing the ring, she stepped back into her old shoes — Bayley then cheerfully got out of the ring and hugged Joe Tessitore and Corey Graves on commentary before embracing ring announcer Alicia Taylor. She gave some love to a few fans at ringside, as well as referee Jessika Carr and a security guard before racing back up the ramp, giving high fives to everyone she could
Bayley’s return adds another intriguing wrinkle to the women’s division. Will this rekindled Hugger energy mark a true shift in her character, or is this just one chapter in her ongoing battle with identity? Either way, Valkyria couldn’t have asked for a better ally.
Despite her earlier jovial self, Bayley lashes out at Lyra Valkyria backstage. Bayley still appears to be at war with herself. Which one of these personas will win out in the end?
