Bayley awarded major honor outside of WWE ahead of SmackDown

Bayley is one of the most decorated performers in WWE history. The Role Model recently won a huge honor outside the Stamford-based wrestling promotion.

The 35-year-old had an impressive start to 2024 as she won the Women's Royal Rumble Match for the first time. The former Damage CTRL member took things to another level and defeated former stablemate IYO SKY to become the WWE Women's Champion. More than halfway through the year, she has lost only one singles match, which was against Bianca Belair on the January 12 edition of Friday Night SmackDown.

Thanks to her incredible performance throughout the year, Bayley tops ESPN's Pro Wrestling Power Rankings in the female performer's category. She is closely followed by AEW's Toni Storm, while TNA's Jordynne Grace bags the third spot. It remains to be seen if the inaugural WWE Women's Grand Slam Champion will be able to secure the top spot by the end of the year.

Bayley claims she was moved to tears at a recent WWE show

Bayley's most recent televised in-ring appearance was at WWE Clash at the Castle: Scotland. The Women's Champion successfully defended her title against Piper Niven in a hard-fought battle despite interference from the latter's tag team partner, Chelsea Green.

Bayley's previous title defense was against Naomi and Tiffany Stratton in a Triple-Threat match at WWE Backlash: France. While speaking to Metro.co.uk, The Role Model claimed to have been moved to tears by the crowd at the French premium live event. She also mentioned that the positive energy from fans can help the superstars lift their spirits:

"That match with Naomi and Tiffany [Stratton], not only did I have so much fun in that match, but that crowd – I was moved to tears afterwards. It was so special...We don’t have off seasons here, so as excited I was to perform and defend the title, I was just a little mentally run down. But at SmackDown [on the first night], that fricking crowd just lifts you up. It’s so real when we say you guys give us energy and give us life. It’s so real to us, to our bodies – physically and emotionally. It’s what keeps us going, and that is what I needed," she said. [H/T: Metro.co.uk]

Bayley's next championship defense will likely be against Nia Jax at SummerSlam. The Irresistible Force won the Queen of the Ring Tournament earlier this year to earn an opportunity to challenge for the Women's Title at the premium live event scheduled for August 3.