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For many wrestling fans, Sasha Banks and Bayley's friendship is something that has transcended just appearing as an on-screen gimmick. The two women went from working as peers in NXT, to coming together as real-life besties, to eventually bringing that to their on-screen characters, which is why it has always felt so real and natural for them both. Whether presented as rivals or tag team partners, Sasha and Bayley have had their fair share of iconic moments in both NXT and WWE, from stealing the show at the first-ever NXT Takeover: Brooklyn, to becoming the first-ever WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Even so, for those who only watch WWE and don't follow the wrestlers themselves, there is only so much to know about their friendship from what WWE has publicly shown on their shows. In reality, these two are extremely close friends to a degree that goes far beyond the wrestling ring.
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Sasha Banks And Bayley Did Not Hit It Off Immediately
Despite being so tied together throughout their runs in both NXT and WWE, one might assume that Bayley and Sasha Banks have always been close with one another, however, the two of them have shared in the past that it did indeed take more time than most would expect for their friendship to ignite, with one of the factors being their different personalities and interests. On top of that, Bayley has admitted in interviews in the past that she thought Sasha was standoffish and did not want to befriend her.
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During an interview on New Day's Feel The Power Podcast, Bayley would state, "It was weird. I think she didn't want to be my friend, or she already had friends there, because she was there before me." Through their shared early love of pro wrestling and through constantly working together in WWE NXT, the two would eventually break the walls down and wind up becoming best friends.
The Friendship Between Bayley And Sasha Banks Has Helped Their Matches
Onscreen in WWE, the two would be shown as bitter rivals in NXT, with Bayley being the one to finally defeat Sasha Banks before The Boss would become a full-time main roster star. Together, the duo have put out some of the best women's matches in WWE history. Thanks to their real-life friendship the two have regularly been able to trust one another in-ring, and they have admitted to working a stronger in-ring style against each other because of it.
While many fans now have seen Bayley's ability to be a strong star on her own, through developing from one of the best babyfaces in women's wrestling into one of the most entertaining heels in WWE, there was a period where Bayley herself thought that fans may have believed that she "needed" Sasha Banks. Though the two are tied to one another for life due to their awesome matches, memorable rivalries, and real-life bond, Bayley has proven that she is her own person, and the same goes for Sasha.
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Bayley Openly Supports Sasha Banks, Even After Her WWE Walkout
While 2022 has seen quite a number of major or controversial stories come out of the wrestling world, one that has yet to be resolved is the walkout of Sasha Banks and Naomi in WWE. Reportedly angered over their booking and the creative behind the Women's Tag Team Division, the two would walk out during an episode of Raw, before commentary would then bury both women publicly. In the months since, there have been conflicting rumors of them either coming back to work for WWE or being released entirely, and while nothing has been confirmed, there are still no signs pointing in either direction.
With Naomi and Sasha booked and busy, either attending red carpet premieres or walking the runway for fashion shows, Bayley has continued her support for her real-life best friend, both online and in person. Having posted pictures with Naomi and Sasha from one of their fashion shows, Bayley has gone on the record by saying, "I just want them to know I support them 100 percent, no matter what" during an interview with Sports Illustrated. The fact remains that even with Banks' controversial exit from WWE, Bayley remains a supportive ally for Sasha, hammering home their already strong friendship.
