The 2026 Royal Rumble brought its fair share of surprises, but one name fans had been buzzing about was noticeably absent: Saraya. The former AEW Women’s World Champion had sparked speculation of a return after posting training videos online—but when the Rumble came and went, she wasn’t there. Now, Saraya has opened up about her absence and what the future might hold for her in WWE.
Saraya Addresses Her Royal Rumble Absence
Speaking on the Wrestling With Freddie podcast, Saraya shared her honest thoughts on not being part of this year’s Royal Rumble, despite the fan hype.
“A lot of people were mad that I wasn’t in the Rumble… There were thousands of videos across all platforms from just a couple of training clips,” she said.
She acknowledged how emotional it would’ve been to finally step into a Rumble match—something she had dreamed of since the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble in 2018. At that time, she was forced to step away from in-ring action due to injury and watched the match from backstage in tears, unsure if she’d ever wrestle again.
“This is what I’ve always dreamed of. This is what I wanna be a part of. I hope one day I can be a part of it again,” she recalled emotionally.
While Saraya confirmed she wanted to be in the Rumble this year, she made it clear that the decision wasn’t hers to make—it was up to WWE.
Quiet End to Her AEW Run
Saraya’s run in AEW came to a quiet close in 2024. Despite once holding the AEW Women’s World Championship, she admitted that she never felt connected to her on-screen persona in the company.
“I wasn’t in love with the character I was playing… I lost my passion for wrestling,” she said during the podcast.
After her last AEW match in October 2024, Saraya stepped out of the spotlight, choosing to focus on herself and promote her memoir Hell in Boots. Her time away from the ring appears to have helped reignite her love for the sport.
A Comeback in Progress?
Recent training videos posted by Saraya have gone viral, with fans across all platforms expressing excitement over the possibility of her return. Her renewed energy and passion for wrestling are evident—and it’s clear she’s ready to step back inside the ring if the opportunity arises.
The door to WWE may still be open. Given her popularity, history, and underdog story, a future Rumble appearance—or even a WrestleMania moment—feels more possible than ever.
Why Fans Still Root for Saraya
Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, has always had a strong connection with fans. From being the youngest Divas Champion in WWE history to breaking barriers in women’s wrestling, her journey has been full of highs and heartbreaking lows. But through it all, her resilience has stood out.
The emotional reaction to her absence from this year’s Rumble shows just how much fans still believe in her. Whether it’s a one-off appearance or a full-time return, the WWE Universe is ready to welcome her back with open arms.
