Bayley, known for her excellence in WWE, maintains her impressive reign as the Women’s Champion. Her dedication and skill are evidenced by her journey to the top. Bayley became champion at WrestleMania after holding the title for more than 100 days, beating her ex-partner Iyo Sky from Damage CTRL. This victory on April 7th at WWE’s flagship event solidified her status as a formidable competitor. Now, she is preparing to defend her title against Nia Jax on August 3rd at SummerSlam 2024.
The Queen of the Ring Eyes the Championship
Having recently won the Queen of the Ring tournament, Nia Jax is set on winning the WWE Women’s Championship. This year she is making her tournament debut, adding importance to her quest for the title. The ongoing feud between Jax and Bayley has been intensifying, leading to a heated split-screen confrontation on SmackDown. The conflict escalated when Bayley’s remarks stirred up controversy.
A War of Words: Bayley’s Accusations
During the SmackDown segment, Bayley labeled Jax as clumsy and reckless in the ring. Nia Jax has long faced criticism online for her aggressive style, with many labeling her as a dangerous worker. Bayley’s remarks echoed these sentiments, highlighting incidents where Jax allegedly caused harm to her opponents. This narrative, however, didn’t sit well with everyone.
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Mark Henry Defends Nia Jax
WWE veteran Mark Henry voiced his disagreement with Bayley’s statements on the Busted Open Podcast. He argued that such criticisms were outdated and unfair, given Jax’s improvements since her return. “I think that you should tell the truth. They said Nia was dangerous or reckless, that she jumped on people too heavy, that she punched Becky Lynch in the face. There’s other things that she’s done that were reckless. To reference something that was almost a reality, I feel like it kind of sucks,” Henry stated. He emphasized that Jax has significantly improved her performance, both in the ring and on the microphone.
A Changed Competitor: Jax’s Evolution
Henry highlighted Jax’s transformation, noting her enhanced skills and confidence. “Nia has gotten so much better. She looks better, wrestles better, and is better on the microphone. You can’t keep bringing up the past because it doesn’t apply to now,” he added. Henry believes that despite the tension, the upcoming match will be spectacular, showcasing the best of both superstars.
Nia Jax Strikes Back: Body-Shaming Controversy
The verbal battle didn’t end with Bayley’s accusations. Nia Jax, known for her advocacy of body positivity, took a controversial jab at Bayley’s appearance. She insinuated that Bayley had undergone a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery, a comment that shocked many, given Jax’s stance against body shaming.
Damage Control: Jax’s Clarification
Realizing the impact of her words, Jax quickly moved to clarify her intent. On a recent podcast, she explained, “I was just stating the obvious. Bayley and I have a history that goes back to NXT. It’s been a solid decade of us knowing each other. I didn’t mean to body shame her. I know Bayley long enough to know that is an all-natural, beautiful Brazilian booty, Latina [laughs].” Jax emphasized that her comments were meant to highlight Bayley’s natural beauty and their long-standing friendship.
The WWE’s New Era of Promos
This heated exchange between Bayley and Jax underscores WWE’s shift towards more intense and personal promos. Breaking away from their PG era, WWE is embracing a more raw and realistic approach, as Triple H had promised. The question remains: did Bayley and Jax cross the line, or did they merely push the boundaries of storytelling?
What Lies Ahead: The Road to SummerSlam
With SummerSlam drawing near, the feud between Bayley and Jax is anticipated to escalate. Both elite performers are recognized for their skills in the ring and are sure to deliver a memorable show. Supporters are anxiously anticipating the face-off, eager to find out who will come out on top.
Fan Reactions and Speculations
The WWE Universe is buzzing with opinions about the feud. Some fans support Bayley’s candid remarks, while others believe Jax has earned redemption. Social media is alight with debates, adding to the anticipation of their SummerSlam clash.