We’ve all heard the announcement that Paige will appear on this week’s Smackdown (3/13) along with Jeff Hardy, but there’s more rumors being added to this every day. The current one claims that Paige has been medically cleared and may resume her wrestling career.
There’s no denying Smackdown needs more women in the women’s division, as the draft was craptastic and the subsequent moves added some but not a lot of depth. If she can compete, even just occasionally, she’ll added much needed depth and skill to the maligned division. It’s not that the talent they have is bad, it’s just not enough.
There are a couple of reasons for this move, and a couple of them have to do with AEW (All Elite Wrestling).
AEW influence
The biggest reason(s) for this to be an option may have more to do with AEW than the WWE would like to admit.
First, when AEW became a reality, Vince McMahon and the WWE rushed to sign as many of their top stars to keep them from fleeing the company (like they did with WCW). Paige signed a multi-year deal, but what she’d do with the company remained a mystery. She made no secret of her desire for air time and to work with the women’s division.
Though her run managing the Kabuki Warriors was short lived, there’s plenty on opportunities for her, like Nia Jaz now that she’s been medically cleared to wrestle. Kelly Kelly is rumored to be coming back, and there are plenty of young talent in NXT she could work with if she chooses. It’d help WWE’s third brand as well as give her a chance to help develop new talent.
Imagine how awesome she’d be with her own stable, a type of women’s nWo or four horsemen set up.
Sticking with the AEW theme, AEW star Bea Priestly and Paige had a brief exchange on Twitter (shared by ringsidenews.com) where Priestly asked, “Can I bring you out of retirement?” and Paige answered with, “Dare me.” This followed Paige saying she wished she could wrestle because a match between them would be “incredible.”
Highly unlikely
Despite how much the WWE would love to have her come back like Edge, Paige has had several surgeries recently that involved her neck, so it’s doubtful she’ll make an in-ring return.
As much as it sucks for fans, it’s important to keep in mind her health and life would be on the line if she did this. While it’s her choice to take the risk, and the WWE’s for allowing her to, it’s selfish of us to want to expect her to do so just so we can see her in action one more.
This doesn’t mean it won’t happen in a few years. We never thought we’d see Edge in the ring again, and here he is. Even Steve Austin said he could wrestle a match, but he’s not planning on doing so.
If Paige is cleared at some point to wrestle again, I wish her the best. Until then, we’ll have to enjoy the amazing career she gave us and hopefully watch her grow young talent into superstars of tomorrow.
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