Saraya, the artist formerly known as Paige and current queen of keep-’em-guessing career moves, has officially announced her departure from AEW, ending a two-year stint filled with high spots, mic work, and a little Outcast chaos.
The news didn’t break through a wrestling insider or Tony Khan tweetstorm—it came via Entertainment Weekly. Yes, Saraya went full Hollywood for this one. And not only did she drop the departure bombshell, but she did it on the debut episode of her brand-new podcast, “Rulebreakers With Saraya” — because if you’re going to break the internet, you may as well monetize it.
“I’m here to tell you that me and AEW’s relationship has come to an end,” Saraya said.
“I had an amazing time there. There’s no bad blood between us. I had such a magical time.”
Translation: no tables were flipped, no bridges burned—just good vibes and a suspiciously well-timed exit.
Her last televised AEW match came in October 2024, in a No. 1 Contender’s four-way dance against Willow Nightingale, Jamie Hayter, and Nyla Rose. She didn’t win. She didn’t appear again. She just faded into the background like a veteran leaving the ring for the final time… or plotting something massive.
Saraya wrestled fewer than a dozen times last year across Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision, but each appearance was met with the kind of crowd pop that reminds you why she was once the future of WWE’s women’s division.
As for her time with AEW, she had nothing but praise:
“Tony’s f**ing awesome. And anyone that goes to work there will just enjoy their time.”*
Okay, but can we talk about the timing?
Her contract reportedly expired in September, and the announcement hits right before WrestleMania season hits peak insanity. Coincidence? Please. This is wrestling. The word coincidence was banned from gorilla position in 1987.
Let’s not forget:
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CM Punk returned to WWE at Survivor Series 2023.
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Becky Lynch made her comeback at SummerSlam 2021.
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Saraya could easily pop up at WrestleMania 41 with a hoodie and a surprise DDT.
The return of “Paige”? Stranger things have happened. Like… CM Punk not talking for five minutes.
So for now, Saraya is stepping away from AEW—but stepping directly into the microphone spotlight. Whether the next chapter is audio-only or comes with an arena entrance remains to be seen.
But let’s be real:
That “This is my house!” is only ever one pop away.