Paige Reveals WWE Did Not Want To Re-Sign Her

After 11 years with the company, Paige will depart WWE when her contract expires on July 7. The two-time Divas Champion hasn't competed inside the squared circle since she retired in 2018, nor has she appeared on WWE TV at all since March 2020. 

Speaking about her impending departure on Twitch, Paige revealed it wasn't her decision to leave WWE and the company simply did not want to re-sign her.

"I knew it was coming eventually. Getting the, 'Hey, can I call you? I'm at SmackDown though.' I'm like, 'That leaves no room for negotiation. They're probably not going to renew it.' I had a feeling for a while. I'm appreciative of WWE. They helped me so much, more than just wrestling. They got me a therapist when I was having drinking and alcohol issues. They kept me, even after my neck surgery, just sitting on my ass. I really appreciate that. I feel like I had so much left to give there as someone who can cut a decent promo and do a managerial role. It is what it is. I'm not leaving because I want to, they just don't want to re-sign my contract. I completely understand. There is no hard feelings," Paige said.

"If you don't renew the contract then, I don't think there's any non-compete clause. That's not what I was told on the phone. We're having a normal conversation and it's like, 'So, we're not gonna renew your contract.' I texted Vince (McMahon), he texted back. Everyone was respectful about it. It's a bummer. They are keeping the door open, both Vince and Johnny [John Laurinaitis] said they'll keep the door open, but that's usually what companies say. I do feel if I ever went back, it would make it more special. If WWE ever asked me to do something, it would be that much more special. There's nothing I can do, I wish I could stay longer. WWE doesn't want to re-sign me. It's not my decision. I don't want anyone to think it's my decision to walk away."

The inaugural NXT Women's Champion admitted she was disappointed about her exit as she had been asking about a possible extension since November 2021.

"That's what I don't like. I was sitting around for a long time. I was texting them back in November like, 'What's the deal, do you guys want me to re-sign? I'd rather get the ball rolling than wait until the last minute.' That's the one thing that I personally didn't like, the waiting around for no reason. They weren't using me to my full potential, that's for sure. I broke my neck twice for this company, just to be let go. I still tried to fight to do something and then to not be told until the last minute left me disappointed. Again, I understand their reasoning why they didn't want to renew the contract," Paige added.

Within the statement announcing her impending departure, Paige didn't rule out an eventual in-ring return. She will also start using her real name, Saraya, again.

H/T to Fightful