Bayley Wins Gauntlet Match, Set to Challenge AJ Lee for Women’s Intercontinental Championship

WWE star Bayley captured victory in a gauntlet match on Monday Night Raw, granting her the opportunity to contend for AJ Lee’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

This upcoming match is notably significant, as it has been nearly 13 years since the two wrestlers last faced off—August 21, 2013, to be exact. Back then, Lee, an established competitor, defeated Bayley, who was new to the scene.

Much has changed since that encounter. After leaving WWE in 2015, AJ Lee returned in September. Meanwhile, Bayley has solidified her place in the WWE as a four-time Women’s Champion and two-time Women’s Tag Team Champion, significantly contributing to the evolution of the women’s division. It’s interesting; the Women’s Intercontinental Championship didn’t even exist back then.

Following Lee’s title win over Becky Lynch, Bayley now finds herself on the path to potential championship gold. Reflecting on her journey, Bayley shared her thoughts: “It’s strange. I remember getting that email about facing AJ for the Divas title when I was just starting in NXT. I really couldn’t believe it.” It seems surreal to her even now—no one, including herself, expected Lee’s return, let alone the existence of an Intercontinental Championship for women.

Bayley continued, “It feels like a dream match. Having AJ back is amazing; we’ve been friends outside of wrestling for years. I didn’t just want to wrestle; I wanted to share this experience with my friend. Now that’s happening, it just feels right.”

In her pursuit of the title, she expressed her determination: “I want to win this championship because I’m aiming for my Grand Slam title. I need this to complete my goal.”

Let’s not forget the surprise when Lee returned, teaming with her husband CM Punk against Lynch and Seth Rollins. For many fans, Lee’s comeback may still feel unreal.

Bayley recalled being in Chicago for a filming schedule and hearing rumors of Lee’s return that particular day. “Even though we were best friends, she didn’t mention anything to me,” Bayley noted. “I trusted my instincts to stay in the moment, and it paid off.” She felt glad to be part of something significant, although Lee kept her plans under wraps.

Now, both Bayley and Lee are set to clash in what many consider a dream match, competing for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship this Monday on RAW, with the action starting at 8 PM ET.