WWE stars past and present have expressed their excitement at seeing Saraya make her AEW debut.
At AEW Dynamite Grand Slam Saraya shocked a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium and viewers all around the world by walking into AEW for the very first time.
Known as Paige, the star had become synonymous with WWE after appearing with the company for over a decade. During her time with the sports entertainment giant the British star became the first-ever NXT Women’s Champion as well as the youngest-ever Divas Champion. She is also widely credited with bringing a whole new attitude to the women’s division which helped pave the way for the likes of Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bayley and Sasha Banks.
Following her surprise appearance a number of Saraya’s former colleagues took to social media to get very excited about her new role.
Massive chills!! 🥹 Love you @Saraya 🤍✨🙌🏼N https://t.co/X4eUHWG6Qo
— Nikki & Brie (@BellaTwins) September 22, 2022
😍😍😍 HEY NOW
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) September 22, 2022
— The OFFICIAL Boss (@SonyaDevilleWWE) September 22, 2022
Saraya’s WWE contract expired on July 7th 2022, making her a free agent. The star hasn’t wrestled since late 2017 when she suffered a second serious neck injury. In the months after suffering the accident she was forced to retire from in-ring competition.
The former Divas Champion arrived in AEW as Britt Baker, Jamie Hayter, Rebel and Serena Deeb were putting a beating on Toni Storm and Athena. Although the star didn’t get physically involved, the heels scarpered from the ring.