2015 was an important year for the history of women’s wrestling in WWE, and the division began taking it more seriously on the main roster, just as a wave of fresh talent led the revolution in the company’s developmental system. Among those new wrestlers were Bailey and Sasha Banks (aka Mercedes Mohn).
Both women signed their first contract in 2012, and joined WWE NXT as the brand changed from reality show and moved to Full Sale University. It didn’t take long for the two prospective friends to intertwine on screen. Banks defeated Bailey in an episode of the streaming series in September 2013, and rivalries including Charlotte Flair were also quickly developed.
The storyline continues to be steadily built over the next two years, with Banks and Bailey both winning each other. Meanwhile, they tried to win the WWE NXT women’s championship, but after a fatal 4-way way in February 2015, Banks ultimately won the title from Flair, setting the pinnacle of their early rivalry with Bailey.
At the same time, fans responded to women’s appointments at WWE in order. The infamous hashtag “Divas A Chance” marked a turning point in the same month that the bank won the NXT title, marking a turning point in the way the women’s division was presented in WWE. A key matchup between Banks and Bailey will help solidify that shift soon.
Bailey is finally catching the WWE NXT Women’s Championship
After becoming champion in February, Banks defended the title five times in six months, and found himself occupying herself in a feud with Emma. After overcoming Emma, Bailey won over Becky Lynch and Flair, securing her position as the number one contender for Takeover Brooklyn, the biggest show in August 2015.
Despite not being the main event of the night, Banks and Bailey undoubtedly stole the show. Clocking in about 18 minutes, the match highlighted the incredible chemistry of the two wrestlers. In the end, Bailey finally does what she has failed over and over again.
When the match ended, Bailey and Banks were joined in the ring by Flair and Lynch, with the four women celebrating as commentary. Banks, Flair and Lynch had already moved from development to the main roster, but Bailey was kept at NXT to serve as the brand’s champion until his loss to Asuka in April 2016.
Bailey and Banks both achieved great success in wrestling. Bailey remains in WWE, but the bank came out of the promotion in 2022 after a behind-the-scenes disagreement with Vince McMahon. She is now struggling with AEW and NJPW.
