Paige recently announced to the wrestling world that she will not be signing a new contract with WWE when her current contract expires on July 7th. The former Divas Champion opened up about her WWE departure during a Twitch stream and she noted that she’s not leaving the company because she wants to, but there are no hard feelings.
“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 awhile. 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.”
“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,” she said. “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.”
While talking about a possible in-ring return Paige noted that she’s not cleared yet. However, she added that her neck is “so healthy” and she feels like she can compete again. Paige also said that she would go to AEW if the money is right, but joked that Twitch is now her full-time job.
Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
H/T Fightful
[…] from in-ring competition for years now after an injury forced her to hang up the boots. Recently during a Twitch stream she noted that she hasn’t been cleared for in-ring competition, but feels healthy enough to […]