It’s time to say goodbye. PaigeAfter more than a decade of association with the brand, the WWE has announced that it is closing its doors.
“July 7th will be the last day with WWE,” the Total DivasShared via via alum, 29 TwitterFriday, June 10 “I’m so thankful and I appreciate the opportunities that the company has given me.”
She continued, “I will always be appreciative of the company that took in an 18-year-old British pale emo girl that didn’t look like your average diva, giving me the chance of a lifetime and making me feel like a superstar.”
Star Saraya-Jade Bevis, who is known for her dark hair and skin, was given her stage name from Rose McGowan‘s Charmed character. She made her ring debut in England at the age of 13 and signed with WWE in 2011. Before joining WWE in 2014, the Kabuki Warriors manager competed in NXT and Florida Championship Wrestling before she took to the stage with the Kabuki Warriors.
Saraya ‘Paige’ Bevis INF/INSTAR
She won the Divas Championship in her debut match, becoming the youngest ever winner at 21. Her career was cut short by neck injuries. In 2016, she had her first surgery and went on hiatus. She returned to the ring in the following year but was injured in a December 2017 match with a competitor. Sasha BanksHer in-ring career was finished. Paige officially resigned in April 2018 and became the General Manager of SmackDown. She has had a variety of roles onscreen since, outside the ring. Her life story inspired the movie. Fighting With My Family, where she is portrayed by Florence Pugh.
“I know after my neck injury took me out of in-ring status, it was pretty hard to keep me around for as long as you did, and for that, I’m thankful too,” the Twitch gamer wrote in her goodbye note on Friday. “Thank you to the WWE Universe. You guys are the most passionate group of fans I’ve ever seen. Hope you continue to stay on this journey with me.”
Paige said that her real moniker will be her main identity, which will be the most difficult part her life after WWE. “I think the toughest part weirdly enough is having to let the Paige name go! Saraya is a great name. Kudos to my mum for that one,” she added.
Paige left fans hopeful, despite her retirement from WWE and imminent departure. “FYI I’m not saying I’ll never be in the ring,” she assured followers. “That day will most certainly come again! Wherever the return maybe.”
Through Instagram, the English athlete received a flood of tributes from fellow athletes. WWE Superstar Mandy Rose wrote, “Love you @realpaigewwe thanks for everything you’ve done for this business and me personally. You’ve always looked out for me and it was such an honor to come full circle with you from tough enough to absolution. You’re amazing and will always inspire so many people out there.”
WWE Raw‘s Sonya Deville shared her own post via Instagram Story, adding, ” Truly one of the coolest things I’ve gotten to do as a WWE Superstar was Absolution. @realpaigewwe made it memorable and launched our WWE careers in such a sick manner. Ur so so talented and I can’t wait to watch what u do next, whatever it is. I know you’ll take them by storm.”
Fellow Total DivasAlum CJ Perry added in her tribute, “I love you so much. Thank you for everything that you taught me about wrestling. Thank you for breaking down barriers for women and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. ❤️ Forever. #ThankYouPaige.”
