
WWE wanted Paige back, but the two were unable to make a deal happen before jumping to AEW. Also, Ronda Rousey hated her Royal Rumble return.
WWE Wanted Paige Back
Tony Khan promised surprises at Grand Slam and there were several. Perhaps the biggest reaction was Paige, now going as Saraya, making her AEW debut.
According to Fightful’s paywall, WWE wanted to bring her back. Although, a deal was never reached as her contract expired.
.@Saraya is HERE at #AEWDynamite Grand Slam and we are LIVE on @TBSNetwork! pic.twitter.com/bBqrfVUvS6
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 22, 2022
There is still the big question regarding her status in the ring. WWE forced Saraya into retirement due to a neck injury.
Saraya aka Paige just pulled up to AEW. This shook the holy hell outta me #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/63ZZFEFBba
— • ❌ (@TranquiloSZN) September 22, 2022
SARAYA AEW DEBUT REACTION ( the pop was so loud my microphone broke and my voice is gone) #AEWDynamite #saraya #Paige #AEWGrandSlam @Saraya @AEW pic.twitter.com/LRpFczWI7n
— denysuave (@denysuave) September 22, 2022
@Saraya made her surprise debut in AEW last night at Grand Slam and listen to the live crowd reaction, AEW is her house now! #AEWGrandSlam pic.twitter.com/AJW7japQFG
— Balor Club Guy (@TheBalorClubGuy) September 22, 2022
All these years later and Saraya is only 30 years old. So, if she is healthy, then a long career could be ahead.
Ronda Rousey Disliked Return

After about three years, WWE was finally able to bring back Ronda Rousey. In quick fashion, she was thrusted back into the main event scene.
It all started at the Royal Rumble in January. The Women’s Royal Rumble Match saw number 28 be Rousey. In just over 10 minutes, she was able to win and earn a title match at WrestleMania 38.
While on The DC Check-In, Rousey spoke about her WWE return. She was very open, mentioning how she did not enjoy the moment.
“I was expecting boos,” said Rousey. “I came out with my guard up and I didn’t get to enjoy that moment because I was expecting what I got on the way out.”
“So when I came out and everyone popped, I just blocked them out. Didn’t let them in and just went in, did my job and got out.”
The Return™️
Ronda Rousey is BACK at the Royal Rumble.
@WWEpic.twitter.com/E0FrbHkcT0
— The Athletic MMA (@TheAthleticMMA) January 30, 2022
Rousey was unsuccessful in her title match at WrestleMania 38. Although, she would defeat Charlotte Flair at the next event.
Since Rousey regained the title, she dropped it to Liv Morgan. Those two are set to meet for the third time at Extreme Rules.
Who will #ExtremeRules favor more for the #SmackDown #WomensTitle…@YaOnlyLivvOnce or @RondaRousey? pic.twitter.com/Oge2vlApzv
— WWE (@WWE) September 18, 2022
Will @YaOnlyLivvOnce beat Ronda Rousey for the third time at Extreme Rules? pic.twitter.com/cHIRhq9jH4
— CJ ✨The Chosen One✨Fan Account (@LivForWWE) September 22, 2022
“That’s the match that people want!”
“I think that would get them excited and it would get me excited!”@BeckyLynchWWE gives @arielhelwani her reaction to Ronda Rousey winning the WWE Royal Rumble! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/xjTjcugNju
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) January 30, 2022
Everything considered, there is a good chance Rousey regains the title. I just cannot see her losing to Morgan three times in a row.