Paige’s Dramatic WWE Comeback
Paige made a stunning return to WWE at WrestleMania 42, stepping in for Nikki Bella in the Women’s Tag Team Championship match. In her first bout back, the 33-year-old secured the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles by delivering her signature RamPaige to Alexa Bliss for the decisive pinfall.
The Injury Substitution
Nikki Bella, a WWE Hall of Famer, appeared at the top of the ramp to inform the crowd that a recent ankle injury from RAW prevented her from competing. Determined to ensure her sister Brie Bella enjoyed her WrestleMania moment, Nikki called upon her longtime friend Paige. The Norwich native received a massive ovation as she entered Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
From Retirement to Champion
Paige holds the distinction of being WWE’s youngest female champion and the first NXT Women’s Champion. She retired from in-ring competition in late 2017 following a severe neck injury. That same year, explicit videos featuring the British star leaked online, marking an early high-profile incident in wrestling.
Post-retirement, Paige took on prominent non-wrestling roles, including SmackDown General Manager. Her passion for competing prompted her departure from WWE when her contract ended in 2022. She then wrestled 27 matches in AEW and spent three years in NXT, capturing their world title at All In in Wembley Stadium in 2023.
This marked Paige’s first WWE match in eight years, showcasing her enduring hard-hitting style amid a new generation of competitors. At just 33, she brings fresh energy and experience to the roster.
