WWE SmackDown 02/02: Bayley Announces Her WrestleMania 40 Opponent in Front of Rhea Ripley & Damage CTRL

Damage CTRL finally turned its back on its leader, Bayley. The cracks were visible for quite a bit, and now the final nail in the coffin has been hammered in tonight’s edition of SmackDown as Iyo Sky and the Kabuki Warriors attacked the 2024 Royal Rumble winner in the ring. And with this, we finally have an opponent for Bayley in WrestleMania 40 as she announces her desire to face Iyo Sky for her SmackDown women’s championship. But what led to this?

The long-coming betrayal

The winner of the women’s battle royal was scheduled to pick her opponent for WrestleMania 40. However, this decision took on personal overtones in what was the end of Damage CTRL. Bayley made her entrance accompanied by IYO SKY, Kairi Sane, and Asuka. In the ring were Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce, General Managers of SmackDown and Raw respectively, who awaited the decision of the Grand Slam champion. Bayley took the microphone and began her promo by reminding her that she had done it all at WrestleMania. However, this year’s edition is different and special.

Bayley recalled that her journey from her return until now has been full of ups and downs. However, she never felt alone, as she had her friends at Damage CTRL, who were always there to support her. Bayley described the stable as not only the best all-female group in WWE history but also a family.

Returning to the topic that had gotten her there, Bayley pointed out that WrestleMania is synonymous with creating moments, and that’s why she must beat the best, which made her mention Rhea Ripley. However, she could also choose another path. Bayley addressed her classmates directly, to whom she spoke in Japanese. The champions were surprised. Bayley revealed that she had learned the language, and that was how she discovered that she was being talked about and teased behind her back. Bayley rebuked IYO, assuring him that she only wished to take Damage CTRL to the top.

Read More: Roman Reigns’ Return, Cody Rhodes Appears, Bayley Announces Her WrestleMania Opponent & More: WWE SmackDown Preview And Predictions 02/02

The faction had been going strong since 2022; however, the WWE had been hinting at the Damage CTRL going down somewhere in the future, as the members were being shown as displeased by the leadership of Bayley. Earlier tonight, they were seen discussing and mocking Bayley, but Bayley could hear them as she was in the nearby room.

In her promo, Bayley mentioned how she knew that the Kabuki warriors and Iyo mocked her behind her back, and all she wanted was for Damage CTRL to succeed. However, before she could speak any further, she was attacked by the Kabuki warriors and Iyo Sky. Bayley ended up next to the cornerback. And from that position, Bayley reached for a metal tube with which she counterattacked. Asuka and Sane were hit several times, causing them to flee. IYO, on the other hand, tried to defend herself with the Women’s Championship.

Bayley stopped, looking into the eyes of her now-former friend, who quickly regrouped with her compatriots on the entrance ramp. Bayley picked up the microphone and addressed SKY once more, declaring that she would be facing Iyo Sky at WrestleMania.

Watch this story: Every WWE Superstar Who Attacked Vince McMahon