Add as a preferred source on Google Paige gave a pretty candid assessment of her run in AEW, admitting that despite the good relationship she built with Tony Khan and the rest of the roster, she never felt fully invested in her work there.
During a live taping of The Nikki & Brie Show at Fanatics Fest, the former AEW Women’s World Champion said that lack of connection showed up in her performances and in how her character developed.
“Well, I did go to AEW, and I did have a great time there, but my heart wasn’t in it. I feel like you could see that in my performance when I was in the ring and in 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 then we went our separate ways. It ended really, really great, and I have nothing but love when it comes to AEW and Tony [Khan] and stuff like that.
But 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, you know? I grew up here.”
The comments offer a more personal explanation for her exit. When she announced the end of her contract in March 2025, Saraya said she couldn’t find the right storyline and worried she was taking up a spot that could go to someone who might get a bigger opportunity. At the time, she left the door open to a return to AEW.
Saraya made her debut with the company in September 2022, returning to the ring after nearly five years away. Her biggest moment came at All In 2023, when she won the AEW Women’s World Championship at Wembley Stadium. The reign lasted 44 days.
Paige returned to WWE at WrestleMania 42 and won the Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Brie Bella. The pair dropped the titles to Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid at the July 18 Saturday Night’s Main Event, in their fifth defense.