TBS Champion Mercedes Mone ignited conversation across the wrestling world during this past Monday’s broadcast of WWE RAW, sharing a pointed reference to her longtime friend and rival, Bayley.Via her Instagram account, Mone posted a video montage that chronicled her extensive history with Bayley, showcasing their time together in NXT as members of the Four Horsewomen and their reigns as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. The timing of the post was particularly notable, as it occurred while Bayley was making her own impactful return to WWE programming after a nearly two-month absence.
During the WWE RAW telecast from Phoenix, Arizona, Bayley re-emerged by attacking the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Becky Lynch. The segment began with Lynch in the ring, who was soon confronted by her recent rival, Lyra Valkyria. As Lynch attempted to deal with Valkyria, Bayley launched a surprise assault from behind. Valkyria then threw Lynch back into the ring, allowing Bayley to continue the attack before the champion escaped through the crowd.
Bayley’s return directly restarts a feud with Lynch, who was revealed in the storyline as the person who attacked Bayley in April, removing her from a scheduled match at WrestleMania 41. Lynch subsequently took her place in that match and embarked on a heel run that led to her capturing the championship at Money in the Bank.
Mone’s tribute amidst her former partner’s dramatic WWE comeback has naturally led to fan speculation about the gesture’s meaning, especially with theories circulating for months about a potential reunion in AEW.
Currently, Mone is on a significant run in AEW after winning the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament by defeating Jamie Hayter. She is now scheduled for a major championship match against Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In on July 12.
READ MORE: AEW’s Recent Show Format Changes Explained