Bayley will be the first challenger for Bianca Belair’s SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Ahead of Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, WWE announced that Belair will defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Bayley at WrestleMania Backlash. The pay-per-view is taking place on Sunday, May 16.
Belair became SmackDown Women’s Champion by defeating Sasha Banks in the main event of WrestleMania 37 night one. During a backstage interview on last week’s post-WrestleMania edition of SmackDown, Bayley declared that she wants to challenge Belair and restore dignity to the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Bayley mocked Belair, saying the reason Belair was crying before her match against Banks began is because she didn’t think she could actually win.
The Street Profits hosted a victory party for Belair on SmackDown last week. Belair thanked Banks for making history with her at WrestleMania, but she also pointed out the mark she left on Banks when she gave Banks a hair whip shot during their match. Banks was then interviewed backstage but quickly stormed off in frustration.
The SmackDown Women’s Championship is the first title that Belair has held in her career.
Bayley is a two-time former SmackDown Women’s Champion, including having the longest reign in the title’s history
Belair vs. Bayley is the second match that’s been announced for WrestleMania Backlash. Bobby Lashley defending his WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre is also set for the PPV.