Last night, WWE Friday Night SmackDown rocked the FOX Network with a roaring crowd of over 13,000 fans.
The episode was nothing short of thrilling, featuring a memorable showdown between Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and The Rock in an electrifying segment.
However, amidst the high-energy action, the ongoing saga of Damage CTRL continued to unfold. The stable, masterminded by Bayley back in 2022, finds itself in a turbulent phase with The Role Model now seemingly on the outside looking in.
Meanwhile, a formidable lineup including IYO SKY, Kairi Sane, Dakota Kai, and Asuka is gunning for her spot.
During this week’s SmackDown, Bayley took the mic with Kayla Braxton to express her sentiments about the faction’s split. Later, Damage CTRL fired back, with Dakota Kai throwing down the gauntlet in a surprising challenge to Bayley for a match on the next episode.
With the bout confirmed for the upcoming SmackDown, speculation is rife on how it might play out. Will Dakota’s return to the ring unfold smoothly this time?
Or could it be another trap in the making? Who will emerge victorious? Let’s explore four potential scenarios for the Bayley vs. Dakota Kai showdown on WWE SmackDown.
1. Bayley Claims Victory Cleanly on WWE SmackDown
Despite recent setbacks, it’s unwise to underestimate Bayley’s prowess. A stalwart of the WWE women’s division, she boasts an impressive resume as a Grand Slam Champion, having clinched titles across NXT, RAW, and SmackDown, not to mention the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Bayley’s exceptional talent may shine through once more on the next SmackDown. With her signature moves like the Bayley-To-Belly or the Rose Plant, she could secure a decisive victory over her former friend-turn-adversary, asserting her dominance in the ring.
2. Damage CTRL Tips the Scales in Dakota Kai’s Favor
Damage CTRL’s presence looms large over the impending match. Originally conceived by Bayley, the faction has since evolved into a formidable force with the addition of powerhouse talents like Asuka and Kairi Sane.
DAKOTA VS BAYLEY NEXT WEEK??? OMG WHAT pic.twitter.com/OpB4pwMpEK
— aleena (@monebnks) March 9, 2024
With their numerical advantage, there’s a distinct possibility that Dakota Kai could clinch victory with a little help from her allies. The distraction and interference from IYO, Asuka, and Kairi could pave the way for Dakota to deliver a knockout blow, securing a pinfall win over Bayley.
3. Ambush Redux: The Match That Never Was
The anticipation for Dakota Kai’s return match was palpable, but history has shown that things don’t always go according to plan in the world of WWE.
A previous attempt at a tag team match ended in betrayal, with Dakota revealing her allegiance to Damage CTRL and ambushing Bayley.
DAKOTA KAI HAS TURNED ON BAYLEY AND IS WITH IYO AND THE KABUKI WARRIORS
😭😭😭😭#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/nt2cbeLumj
— CrispyWrestling (@CrispyWrestlin) March 2, 2024
This time around, the much-anticipated singles match could suffer a similar fate. Before or after the bell rings, the other members of Damage CTRL could storm the ring, unleashing a brutal assault on Bayley, leaving her battered and beaten once again.
4. Naomi’s Unexpected Intervention
In a surprising turn of events, Naomi, the former SmackDown Women’s Champion, has made her return to WWE. Displaying empathy towards Bayley’s plight in a recent segment, Naomi’s presence could hold significant implications for the impending clash.
Should Damage CTRL attempt to tip the scales in Dakota’s favor or launch an attack on Bayley, Naomi might emerge as the unexpected savior.
This segment is so intriguing to me. Either Bianca Belair is turning heel and feuding with Naomi (WrestleMania please) or she will have a change of heart and her and Naomi will help Bayley and potentially take on the Kabuki Warriors at WrestleMania?!? Thoughts?!? #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/FhIzcjrhq7
— Vin (@WhoisVindictive) March 9, 2024
Her timely intervention could thwart the faction’s plans, potentially leading to the match being thrown out, but ensuring Bayley knows she’s not alone in the locker room.
As anticipation mounts for the showdown between Bayley and Dakota Kai, the WWE universe eagerly awaits to see how the drama unfolds on the next episode of SmackDown.
