Report: Bayley Unlikely To Leave WWE For AEW As Contract Nears Its End

Bayley is unlikely to leave WWE for AEW, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Meltzer addressed Bayley’s future on the October 31 edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, as speculation about a move to AEW continues. He said, “Her deal’s up. I’m pretty much sure she’s not going to AEW. Not 100 sure, but pretty sure, and we’ll see what happens.”

The exact status of Bayley’s contract has been unclear for months, and different reports have given different timelines. Fightful Select previously reported that her deal is expected to lapse at the end of 2026 unless WWE adds injury time. Bryan Alvarez reported that her contract will run through January 2027, and PWInsider indicated that she had plenty of time left on her deal.

The AEW speculation has been kept alive in part by her friend Mercedes Mone, who has teased a potential move in recent months. Meltzer’s comments are the firmest word yet against that move happening, even with the contract situation unresolved.

Bayley closed her recent chapter with Lyra Valkyria on the October 26 episode of Raw in Fresno, beating Valkyria in a No Disqualification match. After the match, Bayley posted three words on X: “Women’s Wrestling Entertainment.”

Bayley has been with WWE for over a decade and is one of the most decorated women in company history, with runs as Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Women’s Champion, plus a Money in the Bank win and a Royal Rumble win. Her next step has been a talking point for months precisely because her deal has been coming due.

What is confirmed is Meltzer’s report and the conflicting timelines from earlier reports. What is not confirmed is when Bayley’s deal actually ends, or whether she has already agreed to a new deal with WWE.

Source: Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, via Sportskeeda