Although Saraya is now All Elite, it is believed that WWE also held and interest in re-signing their former star.
On September 21st 2022 Saraya shocked fans by walking through the curtain at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam. The star entered New York’s Arthur Ashe stadium to a monster ovation as she came to the aid of Toni Storm and Athena.
The former Women’s Champion had been a free agent since July 7th when her WWE contract expired. The first-ever NXT Women’s Champion hasn’t wrestled since December 2017 where she suffered a serious neck injury during a match at a live event. In the months after the incident, the star, known as Paige at the time was forced to retire from in-ring competition.
Interestingly, a report from Fightful Select before Grand Slam noted that AEW had at least held conversations with Saraya during the summer. The AEW source also revealed that they believed WWE were interested in re-signing her now that there was a new management team in place.
At AEW Dynamite Grand Slam Toni Storm successfully defended her Interim AEW Women’s World Championship against Britt Baker, Serena Deeb and Athena. After the match Jamie Hayter ran to the ring and joined Baker and Serena Deeb in beating down Athena and Storm. At this Saraya’s music hit as everyone left the ring following a brief stare down with Britt Baker.
The former WWE Superstar wasn’t involved in any physical confrontation, instead declaring that AEW is now “her house” as she stood tall in the middle of the ring.