Bayley's WWE Return Reportedly Set for Raw Tonight: Here's Where She Could Fit

Bayley could be back on WWE television as soon as Monday night. According to PWInsider Elite, Bayley is expected to return on the September 7 episode of WWE Raw in Birmingham, Alabama. The report comes just days after the outlet reported that WWE had been discussing creative pitches for Bayley on the Raw brand and that she was expected back soon. Bayley has not appeared on WWE television since the July 18 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event at Madison Square Garden. That night, she lost to Lyra Valkyria before Valkyria continued the attack after the bell, providing a storyline explanation for Bayley's absence. Bayley did wrestle once more at a WWE live event on July 26. Her absence has also fueled speculation about her future with WWE, particularly with her contract reportedly approaching its expiration later this year. But with creative plans now reportedly in place, the bigger question may be what WWE has planned for her when she returns. The most obvious answer is Lyra Valkyria. There is unfinished business between the two, and WWE has an easy story to pick back up after Valkyria was responsible for writing Bayley off television. A returning Bayley seeking revenge would require little explanation. But Raw suddenly offers some other intriguing possibilities. Liv Morgan is scheduled to defend the Women's World Championship against Stephanie Vaquer on Monday night. Regardless of who leaves Birmingham with the title, inserting Bayley into the championship picture would immediately give her something significant to do. Then there is Money in the Bank. Qualifying matches for both the men's and women's Money in the Bank ladder matches begin Monday, with the PLE scheduled for October 10 in New Orleans. Bayley has history with the briefcase, winning the 2019 women's ladder match before successfully cashing in later that same night. Putting her into this year's field would give WWE another established name for one of its biggest matches of the fall — and potentially provide Bayley with a new direction rather than immediately returning to the story she left behind. Whatever the direction, after nearly two months away from WWE television, Bayley's reported return gives an already busy Raw another major story to watch Monday night. This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.