In the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer noted the “Paigegate” situation was talked about a lot at Titan Towers over the weekend. This is why they decided to use The New Day in a backstage segment.
When Kofi and Big E asked Xavier if there was anything he wanted to talk about, they started hyping WrestleMania which gives the impression the company is working past this and carrying on with business as usual.
Paige has been portrayed as an uncontrollable rebel on Total Divas and her relationship with Alberto El Patron also reflects that. She’s also been through two suspensions due to violating the wellness policy, so that should only add to her already rebellious character.
It was noted that the fact WWE Studios and Seven Bucks Productions are making a movie about her life coupled with the fact she’s currently recovering from a neck surgery means WWE is even more hesitant to do anything in regards to admonishing or even firing her. If WWE were to single Paige out without punishing Xavier Woods would be seen as a terrible double-standard.
On a similar note, Seth Rollins had a couple nude pictures leaked when he was in a top spot with the company in 2015. WWE decided Rollins had nothing to do with the leak, therefore they took no action on him. So the precedent might have been set in that situation and WWE doesn’t want to alter it.
The difference in the entire deal is of course how the company dealt with Hulk Hogan’s situation. But, WWE didn’t fire Hogan because of the sex tape leak, they fired him because the audio which was leaked from the video caught the Hulkster using racial slurs several times. The audio was a nightmare for public relations, let alone sponsorship, therefore Hogan was let go and apparently, the two sides have yet to realign.
