Posts Tagged ‘Saraya’

Saraya Medically Cleared, Details on Her AEW Contract

Saraya, formerly known as WWE Superstar Paige, is going to be All Elite for quite some time. She made her promotional debut at the Dynamite: Grand Slam from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY.

Due to spinal stenosis, Saraya hasn’t wrestled since 2017. WWE didn’t sign her to a new deal a few months ago, and she went on the free agent market in early July. AEW made contact with her shortly after she was a free agent, according to Fightful.

Contract Details

Saraya has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with AEW. Interestingly, AEW’s level of ‘financial commitment to the 30-year-old star “largely implies that she’ll be wrestling in some capacity.”

We’re still unclear whether or not Saraya has been medically cleared to compete. She’s scheduled to speak on tonight’s edition of AEW Dynamite tonight. AEW talent did go to bat for her and put in a good word, although one AEW source said: “she didn’t need it, since there was interest when she became available.”

The roster seemed excited about her joining the company and rightfully so. She brings a mega dose of star power to the AEW women’s division. If she does get cleared to wrestle, there are a number of marquee matches lined up with the likes of Britt Baker, Toni Storm, Jade Cargill, Thunder Rosa and others.

Medically Cleared

Ever since Saraya arrived in AEW, the big question is whether or not she’s cleared to wrestle. Dave Meltzer reported that she was not medically cleared in the days leading up to her debut, which prompted a tweet by Saraya telling fans not to believe everything you read.

In the October 10th Observer, Meltzer followed up with a note that AEW’s Dr. Michael Sampson has finally cleared Saraya to wrestle. She got physical on this week’s AEW Dynamite and the company is setting her up to feud with Britt Baker.

Saraya in AEW

Saraya Gets Physical on AEW Dynamite

Saraya got physical for the first time since signing with AEW. After the women’s Trios match, Saraya went after Britt Baker, D.M.D. The two exchanged blows with the other women getting involved as well.

Prior to the women’s match, Baker cut a pre-taped backstage promo in which she declared she was the “Face of the AEW Women’s Division”. The former champion said “as a role model, I am morally obligated to answer the question that everybody’s been asking. The answer is ‘no’, Saraya will not be wrestling in AEW. The doctor’s have not medically cleared her to compete. So let’s ship her off in some bubble wrap and send her away. But I guess that officially makes it my house now, right?”

Saraya and Britt could be AEW’s biggest women’s feud

Britt Baker
(via AEW)

On last week’s Dynamite, Saraya and Baker exchanged words in a segment that was not very good. The segment made Saraya look rusty and not like the star she is. It was smart to let Saraya respond to Baker with her fists instead of throwing her right back on the mic.

Baker is still one of AEW’s most popular women. Saraya is one of the biggest wrestlers that the company has signed. While it may take some time for Saraya to get her feet back under her, on paper this is a big feud. It’s probably the biggest feud the women’s division has had.

With Saraya getting physical, it seems like there has been some sort of clearance from her doctors. If that’s the case, we could be getting a match next month at Full Gear.

Saraya Takes Dig at WWE with First AEW Dynamite Promo

Saraya had a subtle dig at WWE during her first promo for AEW during last night’s edition of Dynamite.

The two-time former WWE Divas Champion debuted for AEW during last week’s Grand Slam edition of Dynamite, after parting ways from WWE in July.

Saraya left WWE on July 7, when her contract expired and was not renewed by the company, and she has since made it clear it was not her decision to leave.

The Promo

Appearing on this week’s AEW Dynamite, Saraya spoke about the promotion being “my house” and was joined in the ring by AEW’s female babyfaces, led by Interim Women’s World Champion Toni Storm.

When Britt Baker interrupted the segment, entering alongside Jamie Hayter, Rebel, and Penelope Ford, Saraya announced a lumberjack match between Storm and Serena Deeb.

Saraya also took aim at WWE’s former CEO Vince McMahon, saying:

I talked to Tony [Khan] backstage… It’s so good to have a boss that finally listens to me!

Saraya.

Storm would retain the Interim AEW Women’s World Championship against Deeb later in the show.

Will She Wrestle?

Saraya has not competed so far in AEW, but there is a belief that she will wrestle for the promotion.

According to a recent report, the amount Saraya is being paid implies that she will be wrestlingin some capacity.

Saraya did not get physical during her debut or this week’s AEW Dynamite but teased a potential program with Britt Baker.

The former AEW Women’s World Champion took shots at Saray’s December 2017 injury, which resulted in her retiring in April 2018.

Jim Cornette On Saraya Signing With AEW: “How Did WWE Let Her Get Away?”

WWE legend Jim Cornette recently praised Saraya on his podcast following her debut in All Elite Wrestling.

Saraya made her debut last Wednesday at Dynamite: Grand Slam. Toni Storm defended the Interim AEW Women’s Championship in a 4-Way against Serena Deeb, Athena, and Britt Baker. Toni escaped with a victory but the heels attacked her after the match. Saraya made her debut and Britt Baker, Serena Deeb, and Jamie Hayter retreated upon her arrival.

Cornette is one of the most vocal critics of All Elite Wrestling but praised the former WWE star on The Jim Cornette Experience. He noted the impressive reaction she got from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“As soon as the word Saraya came up on the screen, the place went ballistic. I don’t even know if they would have cheered if that had happened in a WWE building because none of the WWE fans would have known probably what Paige’s real name was, well maybe the most devoted.

But these fans, they are the smart ones and they knew it was Paige, and boy, the place comes apart and the heels bail out of the ring, and the fans go crazy. Paige walks into the ring, smiles at the people, and that was it.”

Jim then wondered why WWE would let her get away if she has been cleared to wrestle.

“If she has been cleared to wrestle, then why did the WWE let her get away? She’s not with Alberto Del Maniac anymore… She’s not having public meltdowns. So if she was cleared to wrestle, and could wrestle, how did the WWE let her get away?

Cornette added if she hasn’t been cleared to wrestle, then Tony Khan would have to be a complete lunatic to sign her given the circumstances.

“You would have to be a complete lunatic to sign a wrestler under those circumstances without having them check to see if they can wrestle. So what’s going on here? I’ll tell you another thing, if Paige was paying close attention to that match, she’s gotta be thinking ‘holy f***, this is worse than a shoot. I don’t want to get involved with these people.”

Please credit The Jim Cornette Experience & give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.

3 Things Saraya Brings to AEW’s Women’s Division

Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, made her debut for All Elite Wrestling last Wednesday at Dynamite: Grand Slam.

The special edition of Dynamite aired live From Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Toni Storm defended the AEW Interim Women’s Championship against Britt Baker, Serena Deeb, and Athena. Toni won the match to retain the title was attacked from behind by Britt and Serena. Jamie Hayter made her way to the ring but it was revealed that she is still aligned with Britt Baker.

The heels beat Toni Storm and Athena down until Falling in Reverse’s “Zombified” blared through the speakers. Saraya made her debut and came down to the ring to a tremendous reaction. Britt, Serena, Rebel, and Jamie all retreated as Saraya stood tall with Toni and Athena in the ring.

Star Power

Saraya instantly brings star power to the women’s division as evident by the reaction she received during her debut. She was The Anti-Diva in because she didn’t look like other female WWE Superstars and many fans connected to her.

People around the world also found out about Saraya (Paige) on the hit reality show Total Divas. Her debut at Dynamite: Grand Slam has already garnered close to 1.5 million views in five days. She also has 2.7 million followers on Twitter, 9 times the amount of MJF and Britt Baker, and over double the total of followers former AEW EVP Cody Rhodes currently has.

Experience

Saraya performed in WWE as Paige from 2011 – 2022. Her final match for the company happened at a house show in 2017. Sasha Banks connected with a kick to the back of her neck and it marked the end of her in-ring career for WWE.

She became the inaugural NXT Women’s Champion and held the title for 301 days. Her reign only came to an end because she defeated AJ Lee to become the Divas Champion on the RAW after WrestleMania 30. She would team with AJ Lee to defeat The Bella Twins a year later at WrestleMania 31, in what would be AJ’s final match.

After becoming the youngest Divas Champion in company history at the age of 21, she shared the ring with some of the best female wrestlers on the planet for years in WWE.

Following her in-ring career, Paige served as the SmackDown GM for a bit before becoming a manager for former WWE Superstar Kairi Sane and Asuka’s tag team known as The Kabuki Warriors. Asuka and Kairi eventually turned on Paige by spitting green mist in her face.

She also was a co-host of the talk show WWE Backstage on Fox from 2019-2020. Saraya has been a full-time wrestler, a GM, a manager, and a media pundit all before the age of thirty. WWE opted not to resign Paige and her contract expired earlier this year in June.

Leadership

In addition to accomplishing so much in her career that there has already been a movie made about her, Saraya has also experienced the downfalls of being a public figure.

She has been subjected to personal leaks, a dysfunctional relationship that played out in the public eye, suspensions, injuries, you name it, she has dealt with it.

Saraya has been through everything there is to go through when it comes to being a popular professional wrestler. AEW appears to have an abundance of backstage issues as of late, including the AEW Women’s Champion bowing out of her title match a few days before All Out.

It remains unclear if Saraya is cleared to return to the ring or has signed with All Elite Wrestling for another role. As proven throughout her career, Saraya can do just about anything in the wrestling business. Saraya will address the crowd tomorrow night on Dynamite in her first promo in AEW.

Are you excited about Saraya’s arrival in AEW? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

WWE Hall of Famer Praises Saraya (Paige) After Her Debut In AEW: “Always Been One Of My Favorites”

Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, made her shocking debut for All Elite Wrestling at Dynamite: Grand Slam.

The 30-year-old arrived in AEW following the 4-Way match for the AEW Interim Women’s Championship. Toni Storm successfully defended the title against Britt Baker, Serena Deeb, and Athena. After the match, Britt, Jamie Hayter, and Serena Deeb attacked Toni and Athena in the ring.

Saraya then made her way to the ring to an enormous pop from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. AEW has announced that she will be addressing the crowd this Wednesday on Dynamite.

Booker T Praises Saraya After Her Debut In All Elite Wrestling

Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T spoke about Saraya’s debut in AEW on his Hall of Fame podcast and noted that he predicted that she would return to the ring after WWE opted not to re-sign her.

“Arthur Ashe Stadium, nice crowd, big pop. You could tell she was happy, you know, that smile was just radiating through the arena. So yeah man, I’m glad to see her back. Me personally, Paige has always been one of my favorites. She’s always been that chick, so I’m just glad to see her back seriously.

The 57-year-old also discussed the time he got her in trouble for a joke on WWE Backstage and said he enjoyed working with her on the now-canceled talk show.

“It was like a night off working with Paige. I remember getting her in trouble one night because I told her to introduce me as ‘The OG mother from the hood’. She got so much heat on social media man, people were blowing her up.I had to actually go out and defend her to say ‘come on I told her to say that’. That was all me. She wouldn’t have thought of anything like that.” [17:58 – 19:01]

You can check out Booker’s comments and the entire podcast below.

H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

Thunder Rosa On Saraya Arriving In AEW: “She’s A Star, She Has What I Want”

AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa was supposed to defend her title against Toni Storm at All Out but had to pull out of the match due to injury. She has not appeared on AEW TV since the Dynamite before the PPV on September 4th. Toni Storm is currently the Interim AEW Women’s Champion.

On Dynamite Grand Slam, Toni defended the title against Britt Baker, Athena, and Serena Deeb in a 4-Way match. Toni emerged victorious but Britt Baker attacked after the match. Jamie Hayter and Serena Deeb joined the D.M.D. in the attack before Falling in Reverse’s Zombified echoed throughout Arthur Ashe stadium.

Britt stood in the ring confused as the blood poured down her face from another busted nose incident. The name “Saraya” flashed on the screen and the crowd popped. Saraya (FKA as Paige in WWE) made her way to the ring to an incredible reaction from AEW fans as the heels retreated. Saraya then hugged Athena and Toni Storm in the ring to end the segment.

Thunder Rosa Praises Saraya After Her Debut

The AEW Women’s Champion was interviewed by Dave LeGreca on Busted Open Radio today and had some kind words to say about Saraya following her debut at Dynamite Grand Slam. She said that she is one of the stars that AEW helped create and she’s excited to have someone the caliber of Saraya to work with.

“I hope she is completely cleared to wrestle. She is going to teach a lot of the girls a lot of cool stuff that otherwise they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do. Wrestling was her bread and butter for a long time and she knows the grind.

Before she got signed, she was in the indies struggling just like everybody else. One of the things that Saraya has is that she has not changed her core. She continues to be the same person that she was before. I’m really interested to get to know her on another level.

I know that fans are very excited to see her because they haven’t seen her wrestle in a while and they are very eager for that. Company-wise and ratings-wise, this is going to be great for ratings and going to be great for the women’s division. You cannot deny that.

I want to come back a way that you guys have never seen me before and having Saraya there, I’m like ‘alright yeah’ there’s even more competition. Yes I’m on top, but when you have bigger sharks in the tank you better start eating because you have to get bigger than the shark that wants to take what you have.

So, it is going to be very interesting. She brings a lot to the women’s division. She brings a brand, something that is needed in the division too. That you cannot deny. I know Tony does a lot of stuff because he wants ratings. We want to be number one. If you start something and you don’t want to be number one, don’t start it.”

But for me as an athlete, for me as a champion, that is top competition right there, on every single aspect. Experience, persona, character, how well-known she is, she’s a star. She has what I want and I’m striving for.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Busted Open Radio with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

Saraya (Paige) Reacts to Report That Says she’s Not Medically Cleared to Wrestle Yet

Saraya has responded to a recent report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that she is not cleared to wrestle despite making her AEW debut this past Wednesday on Dynamite. 

The former Paige made her AEW arrival following the fatal four-way match in which Toni Storm defeated Britt Baker, Serena Deeb, and Athena to retain her Interim AEW Women’s Title while saving Storm and Athena from being attacked by Baker, Jamie Hayter, and Rebel.

Saraya is one of Baker’s dream opponents, something the former AEW Women’s Champion has said in a number of previous interviews. It appeared that AEW started a feud between Saraya and Baker once this angle occurred.

Saraya Responds

Saraya
(AEW)

Meltzer reported that “she had not been cleared as of very recently, which would explain not touching anyone, but [she] would like to be cleared.”

Saraya did not confirm or deny what was reported by Meltzer but did tweet the following: “Ignore the dirt sheet clickbait. See ya Wednesday. #AEWDynamite.”

AEW President Tony Khan also retweeted what Saraya had to say. 

Due to spinal stenosis, Saraya hasn’t wrestled since 2017, which is the reason she hasn’t been given the all-clear. Although they were also informed they couldn’t wrestle because of spinal stenosis, wrestlers like Edge and Sting were able to receive medical clearance years later after retiring. 

Latest on Saraya’s Medical Status After AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam Debut

Saraya’s future in the ring within AEW remains unclear following her shock appearance at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam. 

The former WWE Divas Champion parted ways with the company in July, when WWE opted not to renew her contract.

Saraya has since made it clear that the decision to leave was not her decision.

Career-Ending Injury

Saraya hasn’t competed in any ring since a Boxing Day 2017 WWE Live event where she suffered an injury during a tag-team match.

The match saw Paige, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose defeat Mickie James, Sasha Banks and Bayley, in a repeat of the previous day’s Raw taping.

In April 2018, Paige confirmed her retirement from in-ring competition and was promoted to SmackDown General Manager shortly after

Medical Update

WWE was hesitant to clear Saraya again due to her neck issues, and that may also be the case.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that it is unclear if Saraya will wrestle in AEW. 

It was pointed out how nobody touched Saraya during her appearance, which implies that she is still not medically cleared. 

It was also reported that while in WWE, not only could the then-Paige not wrestle, but she was also not allowed to be touched or get physical in any capacity.

Saraya was not cleared to wrestle in a very recent evaluation of her, though her condition may have improved since then. 

Outside of AEW

It remains to be seen if Saraya will get physical in AEW, but the former Superstar is getting back in the ring in her native England. 

It has been confirmed that the first-ever NXT Women’s Champion will be a special guest referee at the upcoming Frightmare event for World Association of Wrestling.

Saraya will officiate the match between her brothers Roy Knight and Zak Zodiac on October 15.

World Association of Wrestling is based in Norwich, England, and run by Saraya’s family the Knights.

AEW & WWE Stars React To Saraya’s Debut At Dynamite Grand Slam

Saraya made her stunning debut at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam tonight in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

She arrived after Toni Storm retained the AEW Interim Women’s Championship by rolling up Britt Baker in a Fatal 4-Way match. After the match, Britt Baker, Rebel, Serena Deeb, and Jamie Hayter attacked the champion and Athena.

Falling in Reverse’s “Zombified” blasted through the speakers and Saraya’s name flashed on the screen. The crowd erupted as the inaugural NXT Women’s Champion made her way to the ring.

Saraya Breaks Silence, WWE & AEW Stars React To Her Debut At Grand Slam

Shortly after AEW Dynamite Grand Slam went off the air, Saraya simply posted “hi” on Twitter and it has already garnered thousands of likes.

Former WWE personality Renee Paquette (Renee Young) reacted to Saraya’s debut and wondered if we can all just take a moment.

Sonya Deville and Bayley, Mickie James and CJ Perry (FKA as Lana in WWE) also reacted to the 30-year-old’s return to wrestling.

AEW star Kip Sabian also reacted on Twitter and welcomed Saraya with kind words.

“14 years later. Welcome @Saraya, my friend.”

Paige Exits WWE

WWE opted not to re-sign Paige on earlier this summer and her contract expired on July 7th. The Anti-Diva had not competed in the ring as an active competitor since a neck injury at house show in 2017. She teamed with Absolution (Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose) against Bayley, Mickie James, and Sasha Banks.

She spoke about WWE’s decision to not renew her contract on a Twitch stream in June and said the following:

“I’m appreciative of WWE,” she said. “I really am. They helped me so much they got me a therapist when I had drinking and alcohol issues. They kept me a long time even after my neck surgery, sitting on my ass. I felt like I had so much left to give there as someone who can cut a decent promo and do a managerial role. It is what it is.” H/T F4WOnline

“Massive Chills! Love You” – WWE Hall of Famers React To Saraya (Paige) Debut At AEW Dynamite Grand Slam

Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, made her shocking debut tonight for All Elite Wrestling.

Toni Storm put the AEW Interim Women’s Championship on the line against Britt Baker, Athena, and Serena Deeb. Britt Baker somehow got nose busted open again during the match but appeared to have the match won. The D.M.D. set up for for the Lockjaw but Storm countered into a roll-up to retain the AEW Interim Women’s Championship.

After the match, Britt Baker attacked Toni from behind. Serena Deeb joined in on the attack as well as Athena went for the same. Jamie Hayter made her way to the ring and argued with Britt before revealing that their alliance was still strong. Hayter, Deeb, and Britt all attacked Athena and Toni as the crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium booed.

Saraya then arrived and the crowd went crazy. She came down to the ring and the heels retreated. Saraya, Toni Storm, and Athena stood tall in the ring to end the segment.

The Bella Twins React To Saraya’s AEW Debut

WWE Hall of Famers Nikki and Brie Bella took to Twitter to react to Saraya’s shocking debut in All Elite Wrestling. The Bella Twins were cast-mates with Paige on the Total Divas reality show on the E! Network.

Paige also battled Nikki & Brie in WWE during her career, once spraying The Anti-Diva with tanning spray like the nWo. The Bella Twins posted that they got “massive chills” when Saraya arrived in AEW.

“Massive Chills! Love you @Saraya”

Saraya (Paige) Debuts at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam

Saraya (Paige) is All Elite as the former WWE star made AEW debut on Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite following the fatal 4-way match that saw Interim Women’s Champion Toni Storm retain her title over Britt Bake, Serena Deeb, and Athena. 

Following the match, Baker was going to attack Storm. Jamie Hayter came out to join in on the beatdown along with Deeb on Storm and Athena. This is when Saraya made the save by walking out, and the heels got out of the ring. She got an insane pop and told the crowd this was her house.

Tony Khan officially welcomed Saraya to AEW with the official All Elite graphic.

The wrestling world had a lot to say about Saraya’s AEW debut. Renee Paquette, Mickie James, Bayley and Sonya Deville are just some of the WWE and AEW stars who reacted to the historic moment.

Saraya wrote the following on Twitter about her AEW debut and thanked her boyfriend Ronnie Radke for letting her use his song Zombified a her AEW entrance music.

She also posted a photo of herself backstage at Grand Slam before her big appearance.

Paige has not wrestled since December 2017 due to her having spinal stenosis. Her in-ring career ended after she took a bad bump on the back of her neck during a six-woman tag team match. She officially retired from wrestling in April 2018 due to a neck injury.

This past July, Paige announced that the decision to not renew her WWE contract was made by WWE and she wanted to stay with the company. 

Saraya (Paige) Addresses Potential WWE Hall Of Fame Induction

Former WWE Superstar Saraya (Paige) would be honored to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame one day.

Saraya has been out of action since 2017 after suffering a severe neck injury that put a halt on her career, one that forced the multi-time women’s champion to retire from in-ring action. Despite not wrestling in five years, her impact on women’s wrestling is still felt today and will probably earn her a spot in the Hall of Fame one day.

In fact the 29-year old Brit spoke about that very subject during her latest interview on The Bellas podcast. When Nikki and Brie asked Saraya her thoughts on potentially being in the running for a 2023 inductee spot she responded with the following statement:

“Oh my God, that would be amazing,’ but then I looked at it and I was like, I wouldn’t get my hopes up for a long time. I’m only just going to be 30.”

– Saraya on a WWE Hall of Fame Induction

Even though Saraya thinks it would be too early for a spot in the Hall of Fame that doesn’t mean it’s not one of her ultimate goals. In fact the current free agent admits that it was a goal she set for herself from the very beginning.

“I set goals for myself when I got to WWE and I’ve done pretty much everything I’ve wanted to do, but I wanted to be in the Hall of Fame so bad. That was my end goal, to be in the Hall of Fame, that would be such a big deal because not everyone gets to be in it.”

Saraya may be retired now but the thought of wrestling another match is also still on her mind, especially if it occurs on a big stage like WrestleMania.

“I could see myself in the ring one day, but it would have to be something really special and a big moment. Even if it was a WrestleMania thing, if they ever want to do something, it would be like a WrestleMania moment, something like that.”

You can listen to her full interview here.

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

Saraya (Paige) Believes Sasha Banks & Naomi Will Return To WWE

Saraya, whose formerly known as Paige, believes that Sasha Banks and Naomi will return to WWE now that Triple H is in charge.

Saraya officially left WWE on July 7 when her contract expired and the company decided not to re-sign her.

Sasha Banks & Naomi To Return To WWE?

During Saraya’s StarrCast V Media Scrum, Saraya commented on the suspensions and rumored departures of the tag team of Sasha Banks and Naomi.

The former Divas Champion said, “I mean, everyone love Sasha Banks, right? So the four horsewomen in general is such a big and critical part of the women’s revolutions. So, I think she’ll be back. I think now with Hunter in charge, and kind of like taking the reigns and everything anything. 

Just SummerSlam in general, just showed how much WWE has changed overnight. I mean, I don’t think anyone’s really been 100% happy with the pay-per-view in a long time and people are walking away from SummerSlam feeling like this is a turning point. 

So, I feel like eventually you know Sasha and Naomi hopefully in my opinion will come back.”

SummerSlam Shakes Up The Women’s Division

Last night, at SummerSlam, Becky Lynch challenged for Bianca Belair’s Raw Women’s Title in the opening match. Belair picked up the win after 15 minutes of back and forth action.

Following Bianca’s win, Lynch hugged Belair, before the duo were confronted by Bayley, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky (Io Shirai).

Sasha Banks & Naomi Outside Of WWE

Naomi is set to make her first public appearance as she has been booked for C2E2 2022, which takes place from August 5 – 7, 2022, at McCormick Place. 

She is going by her real name, Trinity Fatu, and will be doing a signing with fans at the gathering. This is the same first public appearance for Sasha Banks, who is also going by her real name, Mercedes Varnado, and is hyped as “Sasha Banks” and from The Mandalorian, since they walked out of WWE

Watch Saraya’s Starrcast V Media Scrum here:

If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to SEScoops for the transcription.

Saraya (Paige) Says She Loves AEW But Won’t Be There Anytime Soon

Following Saraya’s (fka Paige) departure from WWE, she has now publicly commented on the possibility of her popping up in AEW.

Saraya officially left WWE on July 7 when her contract expired and the company decided not to re-sign her.

As with most people who leave WWE, fans immediately started to wonder when she would end up in AEW. Saraya was forced to retire in December 2017 due to a neck injury and after serving as General Manager of SmackDown and in a managerial role for Asuka & Kairi Sane, she had been off television since March 2020.

Saraya Won’t Be In AEW Anytime Soon

During her live podcast ‘Saraya: Turning The Page’ at Starrcast V, Saraya commented on her future following her WWE departure.

Saraya said, “I’m in the middle of writing a book right now, which I’m really excited about. We got a book, it’s going to be another year before it officially comes out. We’re in the middle of writing that. We’re doing other things, but I’m not allowed to say anything right now. It’s non-wrestling related, sorry guys. 

I’m not going to be going to AEW anytime soon. AEW seems great. I love AEW. I would love to face Britt Baker one day if the time is right, that would be awesome. All my friends are there now.”

The former AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker recently named Saraya as one of her dream opponents.

Former Paige Reflects On Career-Ending Injury

Saraya last wrestled at a live event on December 27, 2017, teaming with Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville in a six-woman tag against Bayley, Mickie James & Sasha Banks. During the bout, Banks kicked Saraya in the upper back/neck area, leading to injury.

Saraya was how her neck is doing and if she would like to get back in the ring.

Saraya responded:

“I would love to, for sure. Having your career taken away from you without you wanting it to, having to retire on not my terms, it was really disappointing. 

I already knew once my neck got kicked in the middle of the live event match. Once I went down, I was like, ‘This is it, this is the end of my career.’ I couldn’t feel my body. I lost control of my arms, my leg. Then, I’m just laying there and looking up at the referee like, ‘I can’t feel my body, I’m paralyzed right now.’ 

He threw up the X and I look at poor Sasha in the corner and she’s like, ‘I’m so sorry.’ If it wasn’t you, it would have been someone else.”

Saraya reiterated that she holds no ill will towards Banks. Saraya says that it was her mistake of thinking she could do the same stuff and take the same moves as she did after returning from her first neck surgery.

H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription