Paige made a stunning comeback at WrestleMania 42, stepping in for Nikki Bella in the Women’s Tag Team Championship match and securing victory in her first WWE bout in eight years. The 33-year-old pinned Alexa Bliss with her signature RamPaige move to claim the titles alongside Brie Bella.
Match Setup and Nikki Bella’s Injury
Nikki Bella, a WWE Hall of Famer, appeared at the top of the ramp in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to announce she was medically unfit to compete due to a severe ankle injury sustained on RAW. She revealed she had enlisted her longtime friend Paige to ensure her sister Brie could still make her WrestleMania return. The crowd erupted as Paige entered the arena.
Paige’s Remarkable Career Journey
The Norwich native holds the distinction of being WWE’s youngest female champion and the first NXT Women’s Champion. Forced to retire from in-ring competition in late 2017 after a serious neck injury, she transitioned to on-screen roles, including as SmackDown General Manager. In 2017, she also faced the setback of explicit personal videos leaking online, one of the earliest such incidents involving a pro wrestler.
Paige departed WWE when her contract ended in 2022. She then competed in 27 matches with AEW and spent three years with NXT, capturing their world title at All In in Wembley Stadium in 2023.
Future Impact in WWE
At just 33, Paige brings a hard-hitting style that aligns perfectly with WWE’s current roster of talented women. Her return signals exciting possibilities for high-stakes storylines and matches ahead.
