Piper Niven insists 'women's Shawn Michaels' Bayley is under-appreciated, thanks Becky Lynch for always looking out for her in WWE and praises the Chelsea Green effect ahead of Clash at the Castle in Scotland

Drew McIntyre isn't the only Scot fighting for a world title this weekend in his homeland, Piper Niven also has that honour.

Under the name of Doudrop - which Niven famously hated - she challenged Lynch for the world title at the Royal Rumble in 2022.

Two-and-a-half years later, Niven is better than ever and, more importantly, feels like herself.

She will challenge Bayley for another world title - a championship that has eluded her in WWE thus far - at Clash of the Castle: Scotland in a chance to truly establish herself in the top tier. 

MailOnline caught up with the 33-year-old ahead of her showdown at the OVO Hydro this Saturday to see what she's learned in the past two years, the difference between Vince McMahon and Triple H in addition to the Chelsea Green effect.

 Between challenging Becky and now facing Bayley, what have you learned?

'When you wrestle a Horsewomen, come prepared. Because wow, those women really bring it. I feel like I have learned quite a lot since the last time. It really does feel different. Maybe the last time I wasn't as confident in myself. 

'This time heading into it I feel a lot more confident. I'm in my home country, I'm rejuvenated, I'm ecstatic to be there and Bayley is very popular in the UK as well you know! But I'm hoping this time it'll be a little more 50/50. Having that atmosphere, having that energy... I'm feeling confident.'

Bayley is often revered as a locker room leader among ladies in WWE. Is challenging her extra special for you due to that level of respect?

'To me, Bayley will go down heralded as the Shawn Michaels of the women's division. Maybe I shouldn't be saying this walking into a match with her, but I think she's under-appreciated. I  absolutely think so. 

'I think the work she does is fantastic and it's a terrible shame I'm gonna have to pan her face in and take her belt off of her! I respect her no less. I can't wait to see the magic we can do in there.'

How much of a difference has it made having Chelsea Green by your side in recent months? 

'It turns out that delusion is catchy. If you can get past the shrillness and the complaining and the whining, you should get yourself a hype woman like Chelsea Green in your life because she just fills you with confidence. She's definitely helped me feel a bit more ready.

 Former foe Becky Lynch has recently departed the company and at this time, no one has an idea how long for. On one hand, you must be excited to try and rise into her spot. On the other, you always want superstars like Becky Lynch around, right?

'I learned a lot from Becky and she always looked out for me and I really thank her for that. I obviously do want her to come back because I feel there is so much more to learn from her. 

'But, you can see time and time again when these key figures move on or maybe take a break, it leaves space for people to move up and show what they can bring to the table. I think it's an interesting to see who can step up to the plate and you never know, you might see yours truly in that spot, hopefully with a shiny, new title.'

What do you think of Jade Cargill since her arrival in WWE? Given time, you two could burn the house down... 

'Doesn't she just look spectacular? She just has a wonderful aura about her, you just can't help but look at her. 

'But she is fairly new in her wrestling career. This is an extremely tough business. Most of us there are extremely seasoned and weathered, shall we say [laughs]. Let's see if she stands the test of time.

A lot has changed for you since you originally came up under Vince McMahon to working under Triple H now, right?

'It's funny because Vince did bring me up to main and he did put a lot of trust in me. Did have quite a lot of banger matches with Bianca [Belair] and stuff like that. 

'But with Hunter [Triple H] in charge, I've definitely had more opportunities placed in front of me and maybe some fans who weren't exactly familiar with my work before or thought 'why?' I think I've proven why because every time I've knocked it out of the park. 

Is it fair to say McMahon and Triple H had different visions for you? 

'I definitely think they had different feelings about me. 

'I've had to have a couple of re-introductions to the fans, but, I certainly think after this weekend they'll know me a lot better.'

Friday Night SmackDown airs live from the Hydro Glasgow, Friday June 14th, tune in on TNT Sports.

Clash at the Castle: Scotland airs live from the Hydro Glasgow, Saturday June 15th, tune in on the WWE Network and TNT Sports Box Office.