Podcast Summary: The Nikki & Brie Show – "Bayley: Built by Grit, Guided by Purpose"

Date: November 24, 2025
Host: Nikki Garcia (Solo episode; Brie absent)
Guest: WWE Superstar Bayley

Episode Overview

This heartfelt, candid conversation features Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella) in a solo sit-down with WWE Grand Slam Champion Bayley. The episode explores Bayley’s journey in wrestling, personal growth, the evolution of the women’s locker room, and her passion for mentoring the next generation. The two friends reflect on the challenges of staying grounded, the power of community, changes in women's wrestling, and the meaning of grit and purpose—both in and out of the ring.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life Beyond Wrestling and Staying Grounded (02:40–06:30)

• Finding Identity Outside of Wrestling
  • Bayley discusses the challenge of finding new interests beyond her wrestling career:

    “Wrestling was always my hobby and now...what am I gonna do on top of everything and on top of this career?” (03:05)

  • She is considering opening a wrestling school and will run a seminar to test the waters.
• The Importance of Family and Old Friends
  • Bayley credits her long-standing friends and family with keeping her centered:

    "My same group of friends since I was 10 years old...that really helps me continue in everything that I do. No matter where I go...my family, my friends are always there for me.” (05:09)

  • Nikki shares that she and Brie also rely on family to stay grounded.

2. Early Life & How Wrestling Became Her Dream (07:17–12:48)

• Impact of Family Divorce
  • Bayley opens up about her parents’ divorce at age 8 and how it indirectly led her to wrestling, as her father introduced her to it, while her mother initially disapproved.

    “If my parents hadn’t split, I wouldn’t have gotten into wrestling because my mom absolutely hated it...my dad got me into it." (07:31)

• First Inspirations
  • She describes her childhood awe watching Macho Man and independent shows, realizing wrestlers were "just human," which made her dream feel attainable (09:54–12:48).
  • Her first steps into wrestling came when she started training at a local school at 18.

3. The Value of Grit & Independent Wrestling (12:48–16:11)

• Learning the Hard Way
  • Discussion about setting up and tearing down rings at indie shows, which builds “grit.”
  • Nikki reminisces about shimmer and the camaraderie of early women’s wrestling circuits.

4. Evolution in Wrestling & Personal Growth (17:21–22:00)

• Parallel Growth (Bayley and Her Characters)
  • Bayley relates her different personas (the “hugger,” main roster heel, Damage CTRL) to stages of personal growth:

    “I really see the parallels of me as a person...connected with my characters. When I first got signed...I was living my dream...then I started growing, got bratty, and now, with Damage CTRL, I'm here to help others.” (17:35)

  • She credits wrestling for giving her confidence, social skills, and a global perspective.
• Motherhood, Confidence, and Identity
  • Nikki opens up about regaining her confidence after motherhood and how returning to wrestling reignited her sense of self (20:27–21:58).

5. Locker Room Culture & Women’s Division Camaraderie (22:14–30:33)

• Positive and Giving Environment
  • Bayley and Nikki praise the current women’s locker room as supportive, collaborative, and unlike past eras.

    “I came into the company looking at things different...we're in this together...our lives are in each other's hands." (28:41)

• Generational Change
  • They discuss how the shift away from selfishness has led to better matches and a sense of sisterhood.

6. Teaching, Mentorship, and the Next Generation (33:27–38:08)

• Bayley’s Upcoming Seminar
  • Bayley is organizing a seminar for experienced female wrestlers worldwide, aiming to bridge the gap between indie and contract talent.

    “I don't want there to be this big gap...we care about independent wrestlers...we need them to be ready to go.” (33:43)

  • She reflects on the challenge of saying no, but reframes it as giving others “their own story.”
• Advice for Young Wrestlers
  • Nikki emphasizes the importance of standing out:

    “What makes you different? What makes people stop and go, I want to see more of that?” (37:32)

7. Fun & Chemistry in the Ring (39:01–40:44)

• Signature Moves and Character Evolution
  • Nikki talks about the origins of her “Booty Shake” and “shirt rip” and how she adapts her performance over the years.
  • Bayley and Nikki joke about physical changes and the importance of feeling the crowd.

8. Games and Getting to Know Bayley (53:18–59:11)

• “Un-bayleivable” Game
  Nikki quizzes Bayley with fun, personality-revealing questions:
  • Would be a counselor if not a wrestler
  • Friends would call her “unserious,” enemies “annoying”
  • Not actually a “crazy cat lady”—she only has two cats!
  • Procrastination is her toxic trait
  • Celebrity crush: Nick Miller from New Girl (Jake Johnson)
  • Hype song: “Dedicate” by Lil Wayne

9. Survivor Series, Wrestling Memories & the Power of Storytelling (45:54–51:11)

• Favorite Survivor Series Memories
  • Bayley recalls her pride in leading Damage CTRL at War Games

    “Just to be there with a group that I had created on such a big stage...a very proud moment for me.” (46:48)

  • Nikki fondly remembers Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown and how storylines grew beyond the ring.
  • Both reflect on the authenticity and pride in brand competition during Survivor Series.

10. Affirmation & Inspirational Close (60:13–63:58)

• Bayley’s Wisdom: The Four Agreements
  • She lives by the principles of The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz):

    “Don’t take anything personal...be impeccable with your word, don’t make assumptions, always do your best.” (61:07)

  • Nikki and Bayley agree this outlook helps in wrestling and life.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Staying a Fan
  “I think I’ve just always stayed a fan at heart...I’ve always wanted to just make people feel the way I felt when I watched wrestling.” (04:31, Bayley)
• On Locker Room Camaraderie
  “Our lives are in each other’s hands, and why not get better together?” (28:41, Bayley)
• On Women’s Division Evolution
  “You guys give me those vibes of slowly getting back to [character-driven wrestling], you know?” (24:38, Nikki)
• On Teaching the Next Generation
  “I want to spread as much as we can...so I’m really excited. We'll see how it goes.” (36:11, Bayley)
• On Affirmation
  “Don’t take anything personally, because people aren’t really, for the most part, not trying to hurt your feelings...they are just doing what they need to do for them.” (61:07, Bayley)
• On Friendship & Fun
  The women share wild stories of late-night parties and bonding during the “party days,” emphasizing the value of camaraderie. (41:42–44:44)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:40 – Bayley discusses life balance and finding purpose beyond wrestling
• 04:31 – Bayley on staying grounded, being a fan
• 07:17 – Early family, discovering wrestling
• 12:48 – Indie shows, setting up rings, building grit
• 17:21 – Parallels between personal growth and her characters
• 22:14 – Locker room stories, giving culture
• 33:27 – Bayley’s seminar for women wrestlers
• 40:44 – “Un-bayleivable” game: fun insights
• 46:48 – Favorite Survivor Series memories
• 61:07 – Four Agreements affirmation

Closing Affirmations & Thanks

• Bayley: “Don’t take anything personal...be impeccable with your word, don’t make assumptions, always do your best.” (61:07)
• Gratitude: Nikki gives thanks for the women’s locker room, Bayley for her brother’s support at home.

Overall Tone and Vibe

Warm, open, and full of mutual admiration, the episode weaves through serious introspection, lighthearted banter, and wrestling lore. Both women’s authenticity shines—making the conversation an inspiring must-listen for fans and anyone seeking insight on growth, resilience, and sisterhood.

Listen to this episode for an uplifting, inside look at what drives and sustains one of wrestling’s most beloved superstars, and how a supportive community makes all the difference—in the ring and beyond.