Lyra Valkyria defeats Bayley at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Irish wrestler Lyra Valkyria won a contested bout against former Women’s Champion Bayley at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in New York’s Madison Square Garden. The match ended when Valkyria forced a referee stoppage with a Bulldog Choke/Saka Otoshi submission, leaving Bayley unconscious. Both competitors sustained facial injuries; Valkyria’s nose was broken early, and Bayley later reported a facial injury from the closing moments. After the bell, Valkyria continued the assault, striking Bayley on the steel steps with a night‑wing maneuver.

The victory highlighted Valkyria’s recent heel turn and a darker character presentation, which she reinforced in a backstage promo stating she “never needed Bayley or Becky Lynch” and is headed “straight to the top.” Fan reaction on social media criticized WWE’s handling of Bayley’s career, with many calling for a change in her booking. Bayley herself confirmed her injuries and hinted at possible future moves within WWE.