According to Mike Johnson at PWinsider.com, former NXT Women’s Champion and two-time WWE Diva’s Champion, Paige, age 25, suffered a career-ending injury and has been told by WWE that she will not be cleared to compete in a WWE ring.
This news comes after an injury suffered on December 28th, 2017 at a WWE house show in Detroit, Michigan. The injury came after Paige was mule kicked in the back by Sasha Banks. In video and photos of the incident, it looks as though, Paige was not ready for the kick and may have been the cause of the injury. Immediately following the injury, Paige was checked by the ringside doctor.As for Paige’s future, she was scheduled to compete in the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble but after today’s news, this won’t be happening. Upon Paige’s return to the WWE on November 20th, 2017, Paige was introduced as the leader of the all-female faction, Absolution. With the breaking news today, it will be interesting to see what the WWE does with the newly formed group. Perhaps Paige will be willing to take on a manager role for the group.Paige, who won the Diva’s Championship from AJ Lee in her debut on the main roster, joins the likes of Daniel Bryan and Adam Copeland (Edge) who both have had to retire from injuries in recent years. Bryan of neck injuries and Copeland of spinal and neck problems which is reportedly the same injury that Paige has endured.
As the first-ever NXT Women’s Champion, Paige also pioneered the women’s revolution, which saw the WWE’s women’s division go from “Divas”, who were mostly models valued largely on looks into women with plenty of legitimate skill and in-ring ability.
As far as her options go, Paige has a few. She could leave WWE and go to Ring of Honor, Impact!, or any other promotion where she may be cleared by a non-WWE doctor. She could stay with WWE in a non-wrestling capacity, not unlike Daniel Bryan and become a manager, an authority figure or even a color commentator.
Whatever way it turns out for Paige, I hope she does whats best for her career and her well-being. I will be keeping an eye out for her, wherever she may end up. It is never enjoyable to see a wrestler with a passion and love for the business to have it stripped away like this. Here at Sports Al Dente, we wish her the best of luck. allow us to start the bittersweet chant. Thank you, Paige! Thank you, Paige! Thank you, Paige!