When Bayley started her career, she was a natural talent recognized mostly for her skills in the ring as the current WWE Women’s Champion. She joined WWE wanting to wrestle, but lacked a unique character or persona to stand out in the competitive world of professional wrestling. This lack of a clear character was a significant hurdle, as she initially believed her wrestling skills alone would be enough to succeed.
Discovering Her Authentic Identity: Dusty Rhodes’ Guidance
Bayley’s course changed significantly when she met the iconic Dusty Rhodes. During an episode of the podcast “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” hosted by Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion and Dusty’s son, Bayley discussed the significant influence Dusty had on her professional and personal development.
Dusty Rhodes, who was highly respected in the wrestling world, noticed Bayley’s potential before she could see it in herself. “I came into WWE just as a wrestler,” Bayley recounted. “That was literally what got me my job. It was like, ‘Okay, she can go in the ring a little bit’ and I didn’t have a character. I thought I could get by on my wrestling but I quickly saw that I needed more to me and Dusty [would spend extra time with] people that really needed work and he would find in us what we couldn’t see in ourselves.”
Embracing Her Inner Superfan
Dusty encouraged Bayley to lean into her natural enthusiasm and passion for wrestling. This tip made a significant impact. Bayley had always considered herself a “superfan,” and Dusty encouraged her to fully embrace this part of who she is, even when she was feeling unsure or out of her element.
“Dusty told me to embrace what I was trying to hide,” Bayley explained. “He allowed me to trust myself and really [show that] what you are afraid to show is okay. ‘Let’s just try it.’ So I tried it, you know? Be a superfan.”
Lessons from Dusty: The Lightbulb Moments
Dusty Rhodes had a unique way of teaching and inspiring. He would seize moments of clarity or breakthroughs with individual talents and turn them into learning experiences for the entire group. Bayley recalled how Dusty would recognize when a wrestler had an epiphany and would use it as a teaching moment for everyone.
“He really did just find that [special trait in someone],” she recalled. “He didn’t give up until we realized it and he made sure that everybody realized it as soon as we did. He could see when the lightbulb would go off in us and he would stop class and be like, ‘Did you guys see that? That’s it right there. Do that again.'”
Staying True to Herself Amidst Challenges
One of Bayley’s significant challenges was staying true to her character in an era that still favored the “Divas” image of female wrestlers. Despite the pressure to conform, Dusty Rhodes encouraged Bayley to maintain her unique identity. This guidance was crucial during her early matches, including her memorable bout against Alicia Fox.
“My first match in my character, I wrestled Alicia Fox [and] I came out with the ponytail but I didn’t think WWE would approve it because we were still in a ‘Diva’ era,” she noted. Once I reached the ring, I let my hair down and thought to myself, “Now that my hair is down, I feel like a Diva.” Upon my return, he was positioned at the base of the stairs and told me, “Never remove your ponytail.” Keep it there.
From Side Ponytail to Stardom
Dusty Rhodes’ advice to keep her side ponytail was more than just a style tip; it was a symbol of authenticity and confidence. Bayley followed his guidance, and it became a defining feature of her character. As she advanced in her career, she moved past the side ponytail hairstyle, but the teachings from Dusty continued to be crucial to her success.
Contemplating Dusty’s impact
Bayley’s homage to Dusty Rhodes not only highlights his impact on her career but also shows the lasting impression he made on the wrestling world. Dusty’s talent for recognizing and fostering potential in others influenced a whole generation of wrestlers, such as Bayley, who has excelled and grown to be a popular figure in WWE.
Bayley expressed deep appreciation for Dusty Rhodes’ guidance in her emotional retelling. His faith in her and his constant backing enabled her to develop into the successful star she is now. Bayley upholds the teachings and self-assurance passed down to her by Dusty Rhodes as she forges her own heritage.
