Bayley signaled her impending return to WWE programming through a social media update, posting an image of herself training in the ring alongside NXT North American Champion Ricky Saints. This development comes after her absence since WrestleMania 41, where she was the subject of a backstage attack.
The assault prevented Bayley from competing in her scheduled Women’s Tag Team Championship match at the event. She and Lyra Valkyria had previously secured their title opportunity by winning a Gauntlet match. Becky Lynch was later revealed as the perpetrator of the attack and subsequently took Bayley’s place, teaming with Valkyria to win the Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 41.
Their reign was short-lived, however, as Lynch and Valkyria lost the championships to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez on the WWE RAW episode immediately following WrestleMania 41. In the aftermath of this loss, Becky Lynch underwent a character shift, turning heel and directing her aggression towards Lyra Valkyria. This culminated in a contest for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Backlash 2025, where Valkyria successfully defended her title against Lynch.
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Following the Backlash, reports from Sportskeeda indicated potential long-term plan adjustments for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship due to a possible injury sustained by Lyra Valkyria, who Michael Cole speculated on Wrestling Notícias might have suffered a nasal fracture during her match with Lynch. Dave Meltzer, also cited by Wrestling Notícias, suggested Valkyria’s victory was a strategic move to elevate her status.
READ MORE: Becky Lynch Expected to Gain Unexpected Ally in WWE Rivalry with Bayley
