The Steve Austin Show — Bayley PART ONE - SAS CLASSIC
Date: December 23, 2025
Guest: Bayley (WWE Superstar, former RAW Women’s Champion)
Host: Steve Austin
Episode Overview
In this special two-part episode, Steve Austin welcomes WWE Superstar Bayley into his Hollywood home for an in-depth, honest, and lively conversation. They discuss Bayley’s journey from indie wrestling to WWE stardom, her approach to in-ring psychology, her relationships in the locker room, the art of character development, and her upcoming first trip to Japan with WWE. This episode is full of insights, memories, and the genuine camaraderie between host and guest.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. How This Last-Minute Podcast Came Together
- Steve Austin shares how Bayley reached out about his Broken Skull IPA and agreed, last-minute, to appear on the podcast since she was in town for RAW at the Staples Center.
“She came over, we started shooting a breeze, talking about the business of pro wrestling, all kinds of stuff…” (02:00)
2. Bayley’s Trip to L.A. and WWE Schedule
- Bayley was in Los Angeles early for CrossFit training before RAW, visiting family, and searching for Austin’s beer. She details the upcoming WWE tour with stops in Tokyo and Shanghai.
- First-ever trip to Japan:
“I’ve never been there. So it’ll be your first time?... I’m really excited... especially to go with Sasha.” (18:05–18:30)
- Why traveling to Japan with Sasha Banks matters:
“She’s definitely my closest friend...we’re just the same.” (18:31)
- First-ever trip to Japan:
3. Chemistry with Sasha Banks
- Bayley explains the bond she shares with Sasha Banks, both on the road and in the ring.
“We listen to your podcasts on the road all the time... it would have been such a cool thing for her to be here...” (19:01)
4. Wrestling Styles, Working with Asuka, and “Receipts”
- Discussion of Japanese wrestling culture and working with in-ring talent like Asuka.
“Her kicks were a little stiff, but it was okay...you don’t feel it until afterwards.” (21:08)
- “Receipts,” or hitting a snug move in response to rough work, are still part of wrestling's backstage code.
“If it’s dangerous and …they're not calming down...you kind of have to give them one.” (22:15)
5. Transition from Indies to NXT
- Bayley’s path: From local California indies to a WWE tryout, having no real character as “Davina Rose” but impressing with leadership in tryouts and emotional promos.
“I cried during my promo, which was really bad, and that was it.” (27:41)
- Details on the physical and emotional toll of WWE tryouts, and how her ability to lead untrained participants helped get her noticed.
6. Developing Bayley’s Character in WWE/NXT
- William Regal’s advice:
“Basically, he said we’re missing a demographic for little girls…you have that about you.” (46:34)
- Bayley credits Dusty Rhodes with helping her embrace her true self:
“He’s like, just be who you are... don’t be a wrestler. Just be you and enjoy it.” (47:52)
- Being “100% herself” on screen, turned up for TV, made everything—including psychology—easier.
“Once I accepted that it was okay to be myself and not try to be a wrestler...then it just got really fun.” (48:16)
7. In-Ring Psychology and Growth
- Depth on learning psychology over time, watching her matches repeatedly, and focusing on leading newer talent in the ring.
“I always tell people…watch it like three or four times...one to watch just myself, then my opponent, then without sound, then just listening to commentators.” (51:29)
- Working with commentators behind the scenes to get key points across on TV.
8. Main Roster vs. NXT
- Difference between NXT and main roster chiefly the crowd size, passion, and match time.
“The NXT crowd’s very passionate...with WWE, it kind of takes years to get that.” (54:00)
9. Embracing WWE’s Demanding Travel and Lifestyle
- Training on the road, travel routines, and the motivation to stay in peak form, especially among wrestlers like Seth Rollins and Cesaro.
“Sometimes when you see guys like them...you kind of feel motivated.” (36:52)
- The dynamic of riding with friends vs. veterans and the value of a trusted confidant like Sasha for venting and decompressing.
“We like to complain to each other and kind of vent to each other about everything.” (39:50)
10. Fan Reactions, Confidence, and Handling Negativity
- Bayley honestly discusses the sting of tepid fan reactions and how those can shake confidence, as well as how to handle negative fans, drawing from John Cena’s example.
“If sometimes you don’t get the reaction that you need, do you go out there and try to rush things?...No, I’ve probably done that before...” (60:52) “I had this...I went up to the turnbuckle...this guy looked me dead in the eye and he goes, 'You suck, Bayley.'...I just smile. I said, 'Thank you, sir,' and I turned around.” (61:33)
11. Eddie Guerrero’s Influence
- Steve and Bayley share admiration for Eddie Guerrero—his in-ring “magic,” emotional connection with fans, and Bond between wrestler and audience.
“When he won, it felt like everybody won. Like you were a part of him and he made you feel like we all did this together.” (42:43)
12. Navigating a “Weird Spot” in Her WWE Career
- As the episode closes, Bayley discusses feeling “in a weird spot,” still adjusting to differences between NXT and WWE, and seeking advice from peers and veterans—including Austin himself.
“I’m still figuring them out. I’m at a weird spot right now.” (64:43)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Steve Austin on Bayley’s authenticity:
“When I see you, I know that it’s not a gimmick...that’s who you are. And the same thing with Stone Cold...that’s who I am turned up to a 10 or 11.” (48:16)
- Bayley on learning psychology:
“It just makes it all easier, makes it make so much more sense...you don’t have to think as hard. All you have to do is go out there and be you.” (50:29)
- Bayley on handling criticism:
“I’ve seen it happen...I’ve had to stay off Twitter before because that can definitely mess with your head.” (63:20)
- Steve Austin on the importance of self-leadership in the ring:
“I like to call a match because I don’t hear stuff very well...But when I’m out there...I can feel every single person that’s in that damn building.” (62:17)
Important Timestamps
- 16:00 — Bayley arrives, banter about the recording setting and Clutch chair.
- 17:15–18:05 — Bayley on coming to L.A., searching for Broken Skull IPA, trip schedule, first Japan tour.
- 21:08–22:15 — Discussion of Japanese wrestling, Asuka, and giving "receipts."
- 24:36–29:00 — From indies to NXT: tryout stories, nerves, and learning the ropes.
- 30:57–33:10 — Bayley’s athletic background and CrossFit training.
- 37:10–39:50 — Traveling partners, lifestyle on the road, and how the “Wild West” has changed.
- 46:34–48:16 — Development of Bayley’s WWE persona.
- 51:29–54:00 — How Bayley reviews her own matches and works with commentators.
- 58:17–62:17 — Fan reactions, managing nerves, handling negative chants, staying tuned with the crowd.
- 64:43 — Bayley discusses being in a “weird spot” in her career, tees up for next episode.
Tone & Atmosphere
The episode is warm, honest, detailed, and full of mutual respect, with Steve’s trademark laid-back, direct style, and Bayley’s humility and charm providing a genuine behind-the-scenes feel. Both reminisce about wrestling’s past and reflect on the industry's present, offering invaluable advice and relatable anecdotes.
Next Week:
Part Two continues with Bayley’s reflections on her current career position, her Extreme Rules match with Alexa Bliss, dealing with Vince McMahon, and a detailed discussion about her classic NXT match with Sasha Banks.