Gauntlet match in Seattle determines next title challenger
Summary
– Bayley won a six-woman gauntlet match on the March 9 episode of RAW
– The match featured IYO SKY, Lyra Valkyria, Ivy Nile, Asuka, and Raquel Rodriguez
– Bayley will challenge AJ Lee for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship
A new challenger for AJ Lee’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship was determined during the March 9 episode of WWE RAW in Seattle.
The show featured a six-woman gauntlet match to decide who would earn the next opportunity at the title. The bout included IYO SKY, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Ivy Nile, Asuka, and Raquel Rodriguez.
The match began with IYO SKY facing Lyra Valkyria. Both competitors traded offense early before IYO secured the first elimination by hitting her signature Over the Moonsault.
Raquel Rodriguez entered next and immediately used her strength advantage to wear down IYO. The contest became more chaotic when Liv Morgan appeared at ringside and attempted to distract IYO.
Stephanie Vaquer soon ran down to confront Morgan, leading to a brawl that spilled up the entrance ramp. The distraction did not stop IYO, who managed to pin Rodriguez with a creative inside cradle from the top rope.
Rodriguez attacked IYO after the elimination, delivering a brutal boot and several power moves that left her vulnerable. Ivy Nile then rushed to the ring and quickly pinned IYO to remove her from the match.
Bayley entered next and battled Ivy Nile in a competitive exchange. Nile impressed with her power and intensity, but Bayley eventually gained control and finished the sequence with a Bayley-to-Belly to secure the elimination.
The final stage of the gauntlet saw Bayley face Asuka. The match turned into a back-and-forth contest as both veterans searched for the decisive moment.
Asuka briefly trapped Bayley in the Asuka Lock, but Bayley managed to escape the hold and regain momentum. Bayley ultimately secured the victory, earning the right to challenge AJ Lee for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
The title match is now scheduled for next week’s episode of RAW in Texas, where Bayley will attempt to dethrone the reigning champion.
