Bayley, the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble winner, made headlines recently for her unexpected appearance at Mercedes Mone’s debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The former WWE superstar couldn’t resist witnessing her longtime friend’s milestone moment firsthand at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on the 13th March edition of AEW Dynamite.
Accompanied by fellow WWE Superstars Naomi and Tamina, Bayley showed her unwavering support for Mone, underscoring the depth of their friendship despite their respective affiliations with rival promotions. Despite their presence at the event, the trio opted to maintain a low profile and disguised their identities, ensuring they didn’t steal the spotlight from Mone’s momentous debut.
In an exclusive interview with Alex McCarthy for Mail Sport, Bayley shed light on her decision to attend Mercedes Mone’s AEW debut, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and Mone’s undeniable contributions to the wrestling industry. Bayley expressed her admiration for Mone’s talent and dedication, recognizing her as a trailblazer who has paved the way for future generations of women in wrestling.
Bayley highlighted the importance of supporting fellow wrestlers, regardless of the promotion they compete in, and celebrating their achievements. Attending Mone’s debut was not only a show of solidarity but also a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among wrestlers across different organizations.
Moreover, Bayley emphasized the impact that Mone’s presence in AEW could have on the wrestling landscape, particularly in terms of providing opportunities for women to showcase their skills and elevate the level of competition. By attending Mone’s debut, Bayley hoped to contribute to the momentum behind Mone’s career and inspire other wrestlers to support each other in their respective journeys within the industry.
“She deserves that. I mean, we all know everything she’s done for the industry. To me, it’s like, it doesn’t matter where she is or what country she is in or what company she works for. She makes wrestling special because she’s so passionate about it, and she loves it so much. So just her being back in a ring I think just brought the wrestling world together. That’s something I couldn’t miss.”
Bayley’s emotional bond with Mercedes Mone traces back to their historic encounter in the main event of NXT: Brooklyn in 2015, a pivotal moment in the women’s wrestling revolution. From becoming the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions to sharing countless memorable moments both inside and outside the ring, Bayley expressed the enduring nature of their friendship:
“There’s certain people in your life and in your career that you share moments with that that bond you for life. For us, that started from the moment we met to our first practice match we had the second day we knew each other, and then to Brooklyn. It’s like, when you share those things together, it’s like, alright, well, we’re bonded for life. I will always be there for you. So no matter where she is, I will always be there for her just like she’s been for me.”
In an industry often characterized by fierce competition, Bayley’s unwavering support for her friend transcends professional boundaries, exemplifying the true essence of camaraderie and solidarity in the world of wrestling.
