Paige has admitted that, although she wrestled in AEW, she was “a WWE girl” at heart.
In July 2022, WWE opted not to renew Paige’s contract after over a decade with the promotion. That September, the star signed with AEW, joining under her real name of Saraya. She remained in the company for three years, and at the height of her run there, captured the World Women’s Championship at the inaugural All In London.
Saraya departed from AEW in March 2025, and she took a break from pro wrestling before making her return to WWE at WrestleMania 42. At the event, once again under the Paige name, she took the place of the injured Brie Bella, teaming with Nikki Bella to capture the Women’s Tag Team Championship.
On the latest edition of The Nikki and Brie Show, Paige reflected on her time in AEW, saying that while she has “nothing but love” for the company and owner Tony Khan, her heart just wasn’t in it.
“Well, I did go to AEW and, you guys, I did have a great time there, but my heart wasn’t it. I feel like you could see that in my performance when I was in the ring there and my character. It was just like, I’m a WWE girl, man, I love WWE.
“So yeah, I went there for a couple of years and we went our separate ways and it ended really, really great and I have nothing but love when it comes to AEW and Tony and stuff like that, but yeah, when it comes to WWE, that’s just where I’ve wanted to be forever.
“I’ve been there since I was 18 years old, I gave my neck for this company. I grew up here, you guys”
Paige Comments On WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Loss
Nikki Bella and Paige’s Tag Team Title reign came to an end at Saturday Night’s Main Event zt the hands of Fatal Influence. Paige broke her silence on the loss, saying simply, “Well s**t” and apologising to her fans. She went on to side with Becky Lynch, claiming that Lynch was right in her assessment of referee Jessika Carr.
