AEW's Saraya announces departure from company

Saraya joined AEW when its women's division needed a fresh influx of talent. During her tenure with the company, Saraya won her first world championship in almost nine years at Wembley Stadium in 2023. 

Her stable, The Outcasts, was a fun watch week after week. However, as the AEW women's talent pool grew, Saraya fell down the pecking order. Toni Storm has become a star for the company. Mariah May is a significant draw. And Mercedes Mone is the perfect face. Those three round out the top end of AEW's women's division. 

Countless other talented women are fighting for recognition up and down the roster. It's (partly) for that reason that Saraya has chosen to step away from the company.

"What is there left for me to do in wrestling right now?" Saraya said on the debut episode of her "Rulebreakers" podcast. "...It’s just me thinking that I just don’t fit in right now. I feel like I might be taking someone else’s spot, someone who could be doing something really special...That’s not to say I will never come back to AEW — I absolutely love it. But I’m taking a little step back and focusing on myself for a bit...Thank you, AEW. Thank you to the AEW fans — I loved my [expletive] time there."

Saraya, formerly Paige in WWE, was a huge addition to AEW's roster back in 2022. She added some star power to the women's division and was another signing that showcased the growth of the company. However, both sides benefit from this split. 

AEW can continue pouring its energy into Storm, May, Mone and even talents such as Kris Statlander, Willow Nightingale and Julia Hart. Saraya can work on her podcast and wait for her next opportunity. 

Sometimes, partnerships run their course. That isn't to say things ended badly. Rather, both sides reaped the benefits, and now, things no longer make sense. More importantly, Saraya being open to a return in the future allows AEW to have her make surprise appearances during pay-per-views, which is a key component to how WWE continues to be successful. 

AEW fans will undoubtedly be sad to see Saraya go. However, the fact that her departure symbolizes growth within the company is something worth celebrating. The news is bittersweet. But it sure will be fun when her music next hits.