AEW: “This is Really a Robbery, Very Confusing for This Decision by Saraya,” Paige Leaves the Company with Shady Circumstances Related to WWE.

On March 26, 2025, the wrestling world was shaken by the announcement that Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, has officially parted ways with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The news came directly from Saraya herself during an episode of her podcast, “Rulebreakers with Saraya,” where she confirmed that her time with Tony Khan’s promotion had come to an end. This departure has sparked intense speculation and debate among fans and analysts alike, with many labeling it as a shocking twist—some even calling it “a robbery” due to the unexpected nature of her exit and the perceived mishandling of her tenure in AEW. Adding fuel to the fire are the whispers of “shady circumstances” tied to her past with WWE, leaving the wrestling community buzzing with questions about her next move.

Saraya’s journey in AEW began with high hopes in September 2022, when she made a surprise debut at the Grand Slam episode of “AEW Dynamite.” After years away from in-ring competition due to a severe neck injury that forced her retirement from WWE in 2018, her arrival in AEW was seen as a triumphant return. Cleared to wrestle again, she quickly made an impact, defeating Britt Baker at Full Gear in November 2022 in her first match in nearly five years. The pinnacle of her AEW run came at All In 2023, where she captured the AEW Women’s World Championship in a fatal four-way match at Wembley Stadium, a moment that felt like a homecoming for the Norwich, England native. However, her reign lasted just 44 days, and her presence on AEW programming began to dwindle thereafter, leading many to question the company’s direction for her.

The phrase “this is really a robbery” has surfaced among fans on social media, reflecting their frustration with how Saraya’s potential seemed underutilized in AEW. Once a trailblazer in WWE, where she became the youngest Divas Champion in history at age 21 and the inaugural NXT Women’s Champion, Saraya brought a wealth of star power and experience to AEW. Yet, after her title loss to Hikaru Shida in October 2023, her appearances became sporadic. Her last match aired on October 8, 2024, in a losing effort alongside Jamie Hayter against Willow Nightingale, and she has been absent from television since. Critics argue that AEW failed to capitalize on her legacy, relegating her to mid-card storylines and tag team matches rather than keeping her in the spotlight she once commanded.

What makes this exit even more intriguing are the “shady circumstances” tied to WWE that have begun to surface. Saraya’s departure from WWE in July 2022 was not her choice—her contract was not renewed under Vince McMahon’s regime, a decision that surprised many given her contributions to the company. After leaving, she revealed in interviews that Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, had reached out to her with offers to return, either as a General Manager or potentially as an in-ring competitor if she was cleared. At the time, Saraya opted for AEW, citing the freedom it offered and her desire for a fresh start. However, her recent comments have reignited speculation about a WWE return. In a January 2025 interview with TMZ Sports, she expressed her love for WWE, saying, “They made me, they gave me my career,” and noted that her AEW contract was set to expire in September 2025, leaving the door open for a potential comeback.

Her announcement on “Rulebreakers with Saraya” was surprisingly amicable. She emphasized that the split was mutual, stating, “It’s mutual! But I loved my time at AEW and I had such a blast with the girls there. Tony was great, AEW was great.” This positivity stands in contrast to the speculation of behind-the-scenes tension, particularly as her brother, Zak Knight, also recently left AEW after a lackluster run. Some fans wonder if her decision was influenced by dissatisfaction with her booking or a desire to tie up loose ends with WWE, where she still has unfinished business—perhaps a dream match with Mercedes Moné, whose 2017 kick inadvertently led to Saraya’s initial retirement.

As the dust settles, the wrestling world is left to ponder what’s next for Saraya. At 32, she has hinted at nearing the end of her in-ring career, telling Sports Illustrated earlier this month, “I’m coming to the end of it and it’s very soon.” Yet, her passion for the industry remains evident, and a return to WWE could offer a fitting final chapter, allowing her to reclaim the “Paige” persona that made her a household name. Alternatively, she could explore the independent circuit or step away to focus on other ventures, such as her upcoming memoir, “Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives,” released on March 25, 2025. Whatever path she chooses, Saraya’s departure from AEW marks the end of a chapter that promised much but left many feeling it was, indeed, “very confusing” and unfinished—a sentiment that will linger as fans await her next move.