September 15, 2023. Denver, Colorado. Ball Arena. SmackDown. WWE Women's Champion IYO SKY defends her championship against Asuka on the September 22, 2023 episode of SmackDown. One week prior, her Damage CTRL sister Bayley hoped to soften up The Empress of Tomorrow prior to IYO's eagerly awaited title defense. Bayley's displays of leadership this year have been a mixed bag of results for The Ladies, so we can hope this one is positive. Before I chronicle these events, I must say that when in Colorado... It's Damage CTRL Time!
IYO was off training for her title defense, so it was just Dakota Kai and Bayley. Backstage prior to the match, Bayley expressed concern about IYO's match against Asuka with a not-subtle hint of agitation. The Role Mole claimed she had everything planned out perfectly from their debut to IYO cashing in. Uh, I don't know about that. Moving on. It's brought up that IYO has never had a one on one match against Asuka. She questioned with irritation in her tone of voice: "I don't know why she impulsively challenged her so, I just hope IYO's ready for Asuka."
Dakota has always been supportive and believed in IYO. She told Bayley "with all due respect" that on this night, it's her not IYO who has to be ready for Asuka. Bayley resentfully replied that it's easy for Dakota to say that because she's injured. That clearly hurt Dakota. Shame on you Bayley. Dakota put a comforting hand on Bayley's shoulder telling her she knows she has her back, however questioned if she's ready for Asuka because she's been distracted lately by Shotzi.
Our Captain did not shy away from honesty, giving Bayley the you know I'm right look. Bayley knew her sister was. One of the most difficult things to do is being honest with a friend. That is the mark of a true friend. I'm very proud of Our Captain for saying what needed to be said. Look, Bayley's recent selflessness has restored my optimism in her after months of reasonable doubt. But last week, it was hinted she wasn't happy with IYO making her own decision. The stark contrast between Dakota and her. Dakota trusts IYO. I fear Bayley is not as selfless as I hoped.
I hoped Bayley was just angry at Asuka last week, not shooting an angry look at IYO. But I fear I may have been wrong. If you look closely, last week Bayley was even eyeing the championship during their entrance. I know Shotzi has been a pain in the ass, so I sympathize with Bayley. But Bayley needs to put more trust in IYO. Damage CTRL needs more of the selfless Bayley we've seen hints at. Or was that all self-motivated? A lot to ponder.
That brings us to Bayley versus Asuka. Dakota cheered her sister on from ringside. In the end, The Role Model intended to put The Empress through a freakin' table. But that damn lunatic Shotzi showed up, forcing Bayley back into the ring where Asuka snuck her up for a pinfall victory. Cheater! Dakota's words were a boon to Bayley who gave Asuka one heck of a damn good fight, softening her up a bit for IYO. Shotzi had no business interfering. If Shotzi didn't stick her nose, Bayley would have at least put more of a hurt on Asuka courtesy of the table.
In a WWE Digital Exclusive, a camera person snuck up on Dakota and Bayley as they were having a tense conversation clearly not meant for our eyes. Bayley took offense, relentlessly insisting she was ready for Asuka but not for others like Shotzi and Charlotte who intervene in her matches. She claimed IYO and her have to look out for Dakota because she's injured, therefore an easy target. That others take advantage of the numbers game. Bayley told Dakota that the enemies of Damage CTRL know if she wasn't injured she'd kick their faces off.
Up until Bayley talked about IYO and her looking out for Dakota, perhaps there was a hint of doubt about what Bayley was saying on Dakota's face. I hope Bayley was sincere and not just making up excuses to sell snake oil and butter Dakota up. Bayley is expertly good at that. Moving on. Bayley said the likes of Shotzi, Asuka and Charlotte are bullies not the good guys. She insisted Damage CTRL are the good guys. I completely agree with Bayley about that.
Bayley touched Dakota's heart, telling her she took what she said earlier to heart and did it. Dakota told Bayley she knew she could do it, which I believe she did hence having that heart to heart with Bayley to reassure her. Bayley finished things up for the night, stating with vigor in her voice that Damage CTRL aren't going to dwell on the past, rather their focus is on IYO whom Bayley knows is ready and will retain her championship against Asuka.
Dakota is and always has been a supportive friend to Bayley. Just as she has always been to IYO. But that is who The Captain once was and once again became. She once trusted in friendship until it wounded her. But her bond with Wendy Choo restored her belief in friendship. That has been evident in her relationships with both IYO and Bayley. I just hope Bayley really did take what Dakota said to heart and believes IYO can defeat Asuka rather than is selling snake oil to mask bitterness and jealously.
One last thing before I wrap. Bayley told Dakota she's close to her heart. She better not break The Captain's heart.
