Saraya Leaves AEW: A Bold Exit and a New Beginning Beyond the Ring

1. Wrestling Royalty Reclaims Her Voice: The Official Departure of Saraya from AEW

In a heartfelt and candid announcement on March 26, 2025, Saraya—formerly known to WWE fans as Paige—officially confirmed her departure from All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The revelation came during the debut episode of her brand-new podcast, Rulebreakers with Saraya, where the British wrestling icon opened up about her decision, her career trajectory, and her future aspirations.

The announcement didn’t come as a shock to some close observers of the wrestling scene, who had speculated about her reduced presence in AEW storylines. However, hearing Saraya herself explain the departure gave fans a personal and authentic perspective on her choice. She spoke not with bitterness or regret, but with clarity and gratitude. In her own words, it was “time to step away.”

Saraya’s journey from WWE stardom to AEW’s women’s division was nothing short of monumental. After years on the sidelines due to a career-threatening neck injury, she made a triumphant return to the ring under AEW’s banner in late 2022. Her comeback symbolized not just personal resilience, but also a powerful evolution in women’s professional wrestling. AEW provided her a space to rediscover her wrestling identity and reestablish herself as a game-changer in the ring.

Still, despite the highs of her comeback, Saraya found herself at a crossroads. During the holiday season, with time to reflect and reassess, she began contemplating her next move. The result was a deeply personal and thoughtful decision to walk away—not because she was pushed out, but because she no longer saw herself fitting into the current creative framework of AEW’s programming.

Throughout her explanation, Saraya emphasized the absence of conflict with AEW’s president Tony Khan, praising him for his kindness and professionalism. Her departure wasn’t about politics or dissatisfaction, but about purpose and evolution. She didn’t want to take up a spot on the roster that could be used by a rising star with momentum and storylines tailored for them. Her choice exemplified humility, maturity, and a true love for the business.

2. The AEW Chapter: A Comeback Story That Redefined Saraya’s Legacy

Saraya’s stint in AEW was more than just a comeback—it was a transformation. After her departure from WWE in 2022, where she had been a trailblazing figure in the women’s division, many fans assumed she was done with wrestling. Her body had taken a beating, her health had been compromised, and for a while, she remained behind the scenes. Yet, her passion for wrestling never waned.

When AEW welcomed her into the fold, the buzz was electric. She returned to in-ring competition with a victory that was both emotional and symbolic. Fans around the world watched as Saraya stood tall once again—this time on a new stage, but with the same fiery spirit. Her entrance music, swagger, and charisma reminded everyone why she had once been dubbed the “Anti-Diva” of WWE.

Her presence in AEW brought added credibility to the women’s division and helped elevate the platform for other female talent. Whether teaming up with allies or engaging in rivalries, Saraya remained a central figure—known not just for her name recognition, but for her authenticity and storytelling. Her matches weren’t just athletic contests—they were narratives, carrying emotional weight and character development.

While her AEW tenure didn’t mirror the headline runs of some of her male counterparts, Saraya made her moments count. She used her voice to advocate for more creative freedom for women, promoted wellness and recovery within the wrestling community, and connected deeply with fans—many of whom admired her resilience and honesty.

But as 2024 turned into 2025, Saraya felt a shift. She acknowledged that the current AEW storylines no longer aligned with her vision. Wrestling, at its core, is about timing, and for Saraya, the time to step back had arrived. Rather than forcing a return or waiting idly, she chose to exit on her own terms—once again showing that she was more than just a wrestler. She was a woman who understood her worth and her voice.

3. The Birth of Rulebreakers: A Platform for Truth, Grit, and Real Stories

As one door closes, another opens—and for Saraya, that door is her new podcast: Rulebreakers with Saraya. This isn’t just a vanity project or a short-term distraction. It’s a carefully curated platform where Saraya gets to channel her energy, experience, and unfiltered voice into conversations that matter.

From the very first episode, the tone of Rulebreakers is raw, empowering, and unapologetically real. The show isn’t designed to cater to mainstream fluff or carefully polished PR responses. Instead, Saraya promises a “no B.S.” approach—offering listeners an inside look into the lives of rebels, misfits, and trailblazers across industries.

Her first guest? Fellow AEW wrestler Harley Cameron, who discussed everything from creative risks in wrestling to personal struggles off-camera. The discussion wasn’t limited to the wrestling ring—it spanned identity, resilience, and breaking societal molds. This holistic approach to storytelling is what Saraya aims to champion in every episode.

In future episodes, she’ll explore themes such as addiction, veganism, incarceration, and what it means to live authentically in a world of expectations. She plans to feature musicians, actors, artists, and other public figures who’ve defied odds and carved out their own paths.

Saraya’s own experience—growing up in a wrestling family, rising to global stardom, facing debilitating injuries, and overcoming personal demons—makes her an ideal host for these raw discussions. She understands pain and pressure. She knows what it means to be in the spotlight, and she’s determined to use her platform to highlight others who’ve faced the same.

For fans looking to connect with the “real” Saraya, Rulebreakers offers a front-row seat. No gimmicks. No scripts. Just a woman telling stories that matter—with grit, heart, and courage.

4. Wrestling’s Evolving Landscape: Why Saraya’s Exit Is a Wake-Up Call

Saraya’s decision to step away from AEW isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a broader commentary on the state of professional wrestling today. As the industry grows increasingly competitive, nuanced, and complex, many wrestlers are finding it harder to align personal fulfillment with career obligations.

AEW, while a beacon of creativity and rebellion against the WWE norm, still faces the challenge of managing a large, diverse roster. With so many stars vying for limited screen time, some inevitably feel underutilized or sidelined. Saraya acknowledged this dynamic openly. Her awareness that she didn’t currently “fit into the storylines” is a telling insight into how creative direction can impact personal satisfaction.

Moreover, her departure spotlights a growing desire among wrestlers to control their narratives. Gone are the days when performers stayed with promotions out of blind loyalty. Today’s stars are thinkers, creators, and entrepreneurs. They want their work to matter, and when it doesn’t, they’re not afraid to step away.

Saraya’s transparency also highlights the importance of mental clarity and professional maturity. Rather than chasing the spotlight, she chose peace and purpose. Rather than competing for a spot, she offered it to someone else. That kind of self-awareness is rare in any industry, let alone one as ego-driven as pro wrestling.

For AEW, Saraya’s departure might serve as a wake-up call—a reminder that even the most beloved names need narrative relevance and creative support. And for WWE and other promotions, her journey is a case study in how talent can reemerge, evolve, and exit with grace.

5. What Comes Next? Reinvention, Resilience, and the Return of Saraya

So where does Saraya go from here?

First and foremost, she’s diving headfirst into podcasting. But beyond Rulebreakers, Saraya has hinted at future ventures—both in and out of wrestling. She’s passionate about media, mental health advocacy, veganism, and storytelling. Her time away from the ring may offer her the freedom to pursue film projects, launch wellness initiatives, or even write a memoir.

Yet, despite her departure, Saraya hasn’t closed the door on professional wrestling. In fact, she’s left it slightly ajar. During her podcast, she emphasized that she didn’t leave AEW with any animosity. If the right opportunity comes up—if a story speaks to her, if a creative door opens—she’s open to stepping back into the ring.

That possibility alone is enough to keep fans hopeful. Saraya is a symbol of perseverance and transformation. From her days as Paige in WWE to her recent run in AEW, she has consistently defied expectations. Her exit isn’t an end—it’s an evolution.

And in many ways, that’s what her entire career has been about: evolving, overcoming, and emerging stronger.

Whether behind a microphone or inside the squared circle, Saraya’s journey is far from over. Her next chapter is already being written—one honest word, one daring interview, and one fearless choice at a time.

From: Btgiftnest