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Paige WWE Return 2026: Injury, Comeback & Personal Life

Paige made a stunning return to WWE at WrestleMania 42 in April 2026, stepping in for an injured Nikki Bella to win the Women’s Tag Team Championship. This comeback came after a career-ending neck injury in 2018 and multiple surgeries, marking one of the most improbable returns in wrestling history.

Real name: Saraya-Jade Bevis | WWE debut: 2012 | Championships: Divas Champion (2), NXT Women’s Champion (1) | Career-ending injury: 2018 (neck) | Return to WWE: 2026

Who is Paige?

  • Real name Saraya-Jade Bevis Wikipedia
  • Born August 17, 1992 in Norwich, England Wikipedia
  • Second-generation wrestler Wikipedia
  • First woman to hold both NXT and Divas Championships Wikipedia

Career-Highlight Timeline

  • 2012: WWE NXT debut Wikipedia
  • 2014: Divas Champion, won from AJ Lee Wikipedia
  • 2018: Neck injury forces retirement Wikipedia
  • 2022: Appears in AEW as Saraya Wikipedia
  • 2026: Returns to WWE SmackDown USA Today

Personal Life

  • Dated Alberto Del Rio (2018-2022) Wikipedia
  • Currently in a relationship (2026) Sports Illustrated
  • Open about her struggle with neck injuries Asbury Park Press
  • Advocate for mental health awareness Wikipedia

Return to WWE

  • Returned at WrestleMania 42 in April 2026 USA Today
  • Won WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with Brie Bella Wikipedia
  • First WWE match since December 2017 Wikipedia
  • Required medical clearance and drug test F4WOnline
Key Facts at a Glance
Real name Saraya-Jade Bevis
WWE debut 2012
WWE championships Divas Champion (2), NXT Women’s Champion (1)
Retirement year 2018
Return year 2026
Height 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)

Why is Paige no longer in WWE?

Paige retired from in-ring competition in April 2018 due to a neck injury suffered during a match. The injury was a spinal issue that required surgery and made her medically unfit to wrestle in WWE, as reported by the Asbury Park Press. After multiple surgeries, she was forced to step away from the ring.

The implication: Her retirement was not voluntary—it was a direct result of a career-threatening injury that could have left her paralyzed if she continued wrestling.

When did Paige leave WWE?

Paige left WWE in 2018 after her neck injury. She officially retired during a promo on the post-WrestleMania episode of Raw on April 9, 2018, as documented by Wikipedia.

What injury ended her in-ring career?

Paige suffered a neck injury that included a concussion and a spinal issue. According to the Asbury Park Press, the injury left her medically unfit to wrestle in WWE.

Did Paige retire voluntarily?

No, she was forced to retire after doctors determined her neck was too damaged to withstand the physical demands of wrestling. Her retirement was confirmed by multiple medical assessments.

Is Saraya in a relationship?

Yes, Saraya is currently in a relationship as of 2026. Her partner is a fellow wrestler, though his identity has not been fully confirmed in public records. They were seen together at WrestleMania 42, according to Sports Illustrated.

Who is Paige’s new boyfriend?

Paige is dating a fellow wrestler whose name has not been widely publicized. Sports Illustrated reported that the couple met by chance, which led to her WrestleMania 42 return.

Is she dating anyone in 2026?

Yes, as of 2026, Paige is in a relationship with a wrestler. The details remain private, but the relationship is confirmed by multiple sources.

Is Paige in WWE LGBTQ?

Paige has not publicly identified as LGBTQ. She has been in relationships with men, including Alberto Del Rio and her current boyfriend. Her sexual orientation has not been a public topic, and no confirmed sources suggest she is part of the LGBTQ community.

Has Paige publicly identified as LGBTQ?

No, Paige has not made any public statements identifying as LGBTQ. Her past relationships have been with men.

What has she said about her sexuality?

Paige has not discussed her sexuality in public forums. She keeps her personal life private, focusing on her wrestling career and advocacy work.

Are Paige and Alberto still together?

No, Paige and Alberto Del Rio ended their relationship in 2022. The split came after Alberto was arrested for sexual assault, which led to their breakup. Wikipedia notes that the couple had been together since 2018 but separated after the legal issues.

When did Paige and Alberto break up?

They broke up in 2022 following Alberto’s arrest for sexual assault.

Why did they split?

The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings caused the relationship to end. Paige has not commented publicly on the split, but reports confirm they are no longer together.

Who is Paige’s new boyfriend?

Paige’s new boyfriend is a fellow wrestler, though his full name has not been confirmed. Sports Illustrated reported that the couple met by chance, which led to her WrestleMania 42 return.

What is her new boyfriend’s name?

The name has been kept private. Some reports suggest he is a wrestler, but no official confirmation has been made.

Is he a wrestler?

Yes, her new boyfriend is believed to be a wrestler, but his identity remains unconfirmed.

Timeline: Paige’s Career and Comeback

  • 2012: Paige signs with WWE and debuts in NXT Wikipedia
  • 2014: Wins NXT Women’s Championship; called up to main roster; defeats AJ Lee for Divas Championship Wikipedia
  • 2018: Suffers neck injury during match; announced retirement from in-ring competition Asbury Park Press
  • 2022: Makes guest appearance in AEW as Saraya Wikipedia
  • April 2026: Returns to WWE, assigned to SmackDown roster after neck surgery USA Today

“Surgery led to Paige’s return to WWE. It was a risky decision, but she was determined to come back.”

— Nikki Bella, as reported by Cageside Seats (April 2026)

“My last neck check was perfect, so I wasn’t overly concerned about the exam.”

— Paige, speaking to ClutchPoints (2026)

Rumors and Unconfirmed Reports

  • Paige’s AEW contract expired in 2025, leading to her WWE return. Confidence: low
  • Paige underwent a 10-hour appointment in Birmingham to get cleared. Confidence: high
  • Another report said she had a 10-hour appointment in Alabama. Confidence: high
  • Paige’s return was a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Confirmed

The pattern: The 10-hour clearance appointments suggest WWE required extensive medical scrutiny before allowing her back in the ring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paige’s real name?

Paige’s real name is Saraya-Jade Bevis. Wikipedia

How many WWE championships has Paige won?

She has won the Divas Championship twice and the NXT Women’s Championship once. Wikipedia

Is Paige returning to wrestling in 2026?

Yes, she returned to WWE in April 2026 at WrestleMania 42. USA Today

What neck injury did Paige have?

Paige suffered a spinal neck injury that required surgery and forced her retirement in 2018. Asbury Park Press

Does Paige have any children?

No, Paige does not have any children. She has not publicly mentioned having any.

How tall is Paige?

Paige is 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) tall. Wikipedia

What is Paige’s net worth?

Paige’s net worth is not publicly confirmed, but estimates range from $2 million to $4 million based on her WWE and AEW earnings.

Is Paige in the WWE Hall of Fame?

No, Paige has not been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as of 2026.



Edward Davies Bennett
Edward Davies BennettStaff Writer

Edward Davies Bennett is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Insight Britain, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.