Paige has no regrets about her time in AEW—but she’s admitting something fans may have already suspected.
Speaking on The Nikki & Brie Show, the former Women’s Tag Team Champion looked back on her two years with AEW and eventual departure, confessing that despite enjoying the experience, her heart was never fully invested. Looking back now, she says she believes fans could see it for themselves.
When Nikki Bella asked what it was like returning to WWE after spending time away from the company, including her run in AEW, Paige didn’t hesitate to be honest.
“Well, I did go to AEW and you guys, I did have a great time there, but my heart wasn’t in it.”
She said it wasn’t something she tried to hide either. In fact, she believes it came across every time she stepped into the ring. For Paige, the reason was actually pretty simple.
“And I feel like you could see that in my performance when I was in the ring and my character. I’m a WWE girl, man. I love WWE.”
That doesn’t mean she looks back on AEW negatively. Paige made it clear she enjoyed her time there and says the company treated her well before both sides eventually went in different directions. She also made sure there was no misunderstanding about how she feels toward AEW President Tony Khan.
“So yeah, I went there for a couple of years and, you know, we went our separate ways and it ended really, really great. I have nothing but love when it comes to AEW and Tony and stuff like that.”
But as much as she appreciated that chapter of her career, Paige says WWE has always been where she truly belonged: “But yeah, when it comes to WWE, that’s just where I’ve wanted to be forever.”
She explained that her connection to WWE goes far beyond another wrestling contract. It’s where she became a superstar, where she grew up as both a performer and a person, and where she sacrificed everything to build her career.
“I’ve been there since I was 18 years old. I gave my neck for this company. I grew up here, you guys.”
After returning to WWE at WrestleMania 42 to replace Nikki Bella and capture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Brie Bella, Paige says she’s exactly where she’s always wanted to be. And while she’ll always appreciate her time in AEW, she’s now admitting her heart never really left WWE.
What do you think of Paige admitting her heart was never fully in AEW? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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