DVD Review: Bayley: Iconic Matches

Image Source: Amazon

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Running Time: 70 Minutes
Certificate: 12
Number Of Discs: 1
Studio: Fremantle Home Entertainment
Released: January 29 2018

(Thanks to Fetch Publicity for arranging this review.)

The Iconic Matches series of straight-forward mini-collections of memorable bouts continues with The Hugger herself Bayley being profiled. In a way, it's sad watching this DVD, as it covers a time when Bayley was over like Rover (Taz Show reference), given that in recent months she has suffered from poor booking, injury and even being booed out of the building (though that thankfully seems to have ceased in recent months).

Still, this DVD features Bayley at her peak, which will bring a smile to the face of any of her fans. Especially since the first match is the stunning showdown where she dethroned Sasha Banks for the NXT Women's Championship at the original TakeOver: Brooklyn show in 2015. It's probably the best WWE women's match of all-time, and despite the momentum of the Women's Revolution in the company since then, it will take some effort to top this one.

Next, we have Bayley against Nia Jax from TakeOver: London. It's a very different match from the Sasha one, and some may even find it a bit dull. However, the London crowd are fully behind Bayley, and this, combined with Bayley's believable fighting spirit, makes it a well-worked encounter. Lastly, we get Bayley serving as Sasha's surprise partner against Charlotte and Dana Brooke at Battleground 2016, which saw Bayley receive the loudest pop ever for a female performer in a WWE setting.

One could argue that only Sasha vs. Bayley is worth checking out, but this goes beyond simply reliving the action. It's about recognising the incredible emotional connection that fans had developed with Bayley, one that very few performers can achieve in this post-kayfabe age. Hopefully, WWE will find a way to help Bayley reclaim that popularity, because she's one of the more likeable talents in the company, and based on her in-ring talent, her best days may yet be ahead of her. In the meantime, though, fans of Bayley will really enjoy this DVD, brief as it is.

Overall Rating: 7/10 - Respectable