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Saraya is undoubtedly a legend in professional wrestling. She has been a true trailblazer for women in professional wrestling. For the majority of her life, Saraya has been a professional wrestler. During her time signed to WWE, she was the first NXT Women’s Champion and simultaneously held that title and the Divas Championship. She wrestled a number of classic matches, but a neck injury forced her to retire for five years. In 2022 that all changed. Saraya made her triumphant return back to professional wrestling and active in-ring competition in AEW. For Saraya, there were a number of different factors that led to her signing with the company.
Why Did Saraya Not Make Her In-Ring Return In WWE?
Saraya had to step away from in-ring action in 2018, citing serious neck injuries. However, she continued to be signed to WWE where she continued to be present in a number of different roles. There was also a film released based on her life called Fighting with My Family. But, 2022 saw her released from WWE. There were never discussions of her making an in-ring return in WWE either. She said on her Twitch (h/t Fightful), “We never had that discussion. I never had that discussion with WWE because they let me go. I've been working years to better myself and be healthier and stronger. Me, mentally, I never brought it up because I had this mental block. I want to be as safe as possible. I know what my body can do. Me and WWE never had that discussion about having a match. I never brought it up to them about me potentially wrestling.”
RELATED: 10 Things You Forgot About Saraya’s Time In WWE As Paige
Saraya Signs With AEW In 2022
That same year Saraya ended up signing with AEW. One major reason this being that she desired more creative freedom and for her voice to be heard. She also said that AEW provides more opportunities than WWE had been giving her. One instance of this was Fighting with My Family. She said, “I love WWE, I just like the opportunities I'm getting with AEW. The one thing I don't like is, 'WWE got you that movie.' No they didn't. You know who got me that movie? The Rock. He made that happen. He asked WWE, 'You can be part of this, but I'm doing this anyway,' and WWE decided they could make money off of it and put their names on it.”
She also discussed how WWE was not doing anything with her in the latter part of the time while she was there. She said, “The only downside that made me pick AEW from WWE is I don't like sitting on my butt and not knowing what I'm doing or if I'm allowed to do certain things. I'm pro-WWE, but I love AEW and I wanted something new and I wanted freedom. That was very important.”
RELATED: Triple H Was Reportedly Shocked By Saraya's WWE Departure
Saraya's AEW Career Thus Far
Ultimately, Saraya ended up making her AEW debut at Grand Slam 2022. From there, she began a program with Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. It was Saraya’s first program in five years. It also saw her announce that she was returning to in-ring action. For Baker, it was a major deal, saying to Sports Illustrated, “I don’t take this opportunity lightly. It is a challenge I welcome. Saraya is a star. She’s one of the best wrestlers in the world. Not everyone knows Britt Baker. Having a match with a star of her caliber is the next step I need in my career.” The two wrestled against each other at Full Gear 2022, where Saraya won her first match back.
RELATED: Saraya Talks Trying To Hide Medical Issue That Affects How Often She Can Wrestle
The feud between Saraya and Baker has continued since then. While the feud began with Baker as the heel and Saraya as the face, it has flipped. Saraya has gone on to form The Outcasts with Toni Storm and Ruby Soho, who have feuded with Baker, Jamie Hayter, and a number of other stars in AEW’s women’s division. The story is far from over, with a lot yet to be told. In addition, she has also challenged for the AEW Women’s World Title.
Saraya is certainly a major asset for AEW. She is a big name within the women’s division and made an immediate impact upon her debut. With still so many potential dream matches for her to take part in, the sky's the limit for Saraya's career. The choice for Saraya was that she wanted opportunities and to be creative, something which has been realized in AEW. In this run in her career, there is a lot to explore in this new chapter for Saraya in professional wrestling.
