Saraya leaves AEW early. She and Tony Khan agree to part ways. Saraya seeks new experiences. Her book “Hell In Boots” is released.
WWE competitor All Elite Wrestling loses the next well-known face: Saraya, formerly Paige, has agreed with AEW to end their collaboration early.
The 32-year-old had signed with AEW in 2022 and returned to the ring after her injury-related retirement in early 2018. Now, the Brit says she plans to end her career “very soon” and wants to focus on other projects. She has a new podcast, has published a book and is also toying with acting.
Saraya leaves AEW: “No bad blood”
“When I joined AEW, I wanted to help build things. I didn’t want to be the top star or the face of the league, that wasn’t my goal. I wanted to support the other wrestlers and help them when I could,” Saraya said in an interview on Busted Open Radio. ”I feel like I’ve ended up and there’s not much more for me to do. I don’t think there’s a place for me there anymore.”
Saraya’s contract would not have expired until September, but she says she agreed with boss Tony Khan to end the deal early. There is “no bad blood,” and she did not rule out a return to AEW or a comeback at WWE – where the “anti-diva” was once one of the most popular stars in the division, but was repeatedly set back by injuries and other problems.
The highlight of Saraya’s time with AEW was undoubtedly her surprise Women’s Title win at All In 2023 in front of over 80,000 fans at her home venue in London’s Wembley Stadium. Last year, her role was smaller before she stopped appearing in the ring altogether in October.
In recent months, AEW has seen a number of departures and releases of stars willing to change. Penta and Ricky Saints (Starks) are already with WWE, Penta’s brother Rey Fenix, Malakai / Aleister Black and Miro / Rusev are also expected there sooner or later.
