Damage CTRL Events of June 16th 2023

Remember when Bayley quipped about all of Damage CTRL becoming the Women's Champion after their excellent teamwork handed then RAW Women's Champion Bianca Belair a loss at Clash at the Castle? Just imagine if that came true. Picture this: IYO SKY and Bayley both grab the Money in the Bank briefcase and cash it in to win the WWE Women's or World Women's Championship. There were co-women's champions once before in WWE. Why not again? They can do it for Dakota Kai and when she's back in action, The Captain gets to co-hold with them.

On the Road to WrestleMania, I did not take a blind eye to the hints of tension Dakota and IYO had with Bayley. Yet, that tasty fruit punch had me convinced it was nothing. I refused to believe Bayley favored her own interests over theirs. On April 10th 2023, I decided not to partake in the drink and my eyes were opened. Bayley and her selfishness were evident. Both Dakota and IYO were tiring of it. Then Dakota got injured and in recent weeks, despite tension present between IYO and Bayley, I tried to be optimistic they could work things to honor The Captain. After IYO and Bayley both qualified for the 2023 Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match and there was no tension. Just love and celebration. Sure, Bayley looked frustrated when IYO accepted a match against Zelina Vega. But Bayley shrugged it off. Old habits die slow, as they say. Old habits like remaining optimistic when it comes to Bayley?

On the June 16th 2023 episode of SmackDown, IYO faced Zelina. Bayley got up on the apron to provide a distraction to assist SKY. IYO came up behind Vega to roll her up for a pin only for Zelina to counter with a waistlock. SKY nearly collided with Bayley. The referee was distracted admonishing Bayley, missing SKY countering Vega's waistlock into a roll-up. Bayley shouted at the referee to return his attention to the match, pointing at the pin. The referee was too late and Vega kicked out. IYO turned her gaze to Bayley, shouting aggressively at her.

Vega struck SKY down with the 619 and stacked her up for the pinfall victory. Bayley was apologetic to IYO but that didn't calm SKY's anger. Moments later backstage, IYO shouted at Bayley to stop getting involved in her matches. Bayley told IYO she needs to accept all the help she can get right now. IYO questioned if Bayley trusts her. Bayley insisted she does but the ladder match will be every woman for herself so to let her do what she has to do right now. This heated discussion was intruded upon by Shotzi.

Shotzi was still mad that Bayley cost her the qualifying match against IYO. The Role Model told her she doesn't belong in Money in the Bank because she isn't on Damage CTRL's level. Bayley laughed at Shotzi challenging her to put her Money in the Bank match spot on the line. IYO told Shotzi that Bayley accepted. Shotzi left to get the match made official. Bayley slapped SKY across the shoulder, asking her why she did that. IYO mischievously smiled, responding she was just trying to help. Bayley had that miffed but knows she walked right into that reaction.

I can't blame IYO for being angry. Bayley's motives have been suspect for a time. Unintentional or not, Bayley did cost her the RAW Women's Championship at Backlash. Bayley promised Dakota they would win the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles but stupidly cost them the match. If Bayley wants to honor Dakota and make right with IYO, she needs to do as Our Captain did and put trust in SKY instead of just herself. My renewed optimism when it comes to Bayley hangs in a balance.