Why Saraya Left AEW Months Before Contract Expiry

Saraya shocked the world of professional wrestling when she announced that she would be parting ways with AEW after more than two years with the company. Fans wondered why she decided to leave the company, and she has now explained the reason behind her departure.

While speaking on Busted Open Radio, Saraya explained that her goal in AEW was never to be the top star but to help build up other women in the division. She felt she had done all she could and didn’t see a place for herself in the company anymore. While she considered a possible storyline with Mercedes Moné, other plans were already in motion.

Saraya confirmed she had no plans to renew her contract as it was going to expire in September and wanted to step away from wrestling for a while to explore other opportunities. She praised Tony Khan for being supportive and understanding of her decision.

While Saraya admits it’s a bit scary, she is definitely excited about what comes next, and the door remains open for a return in the future.

“When I came into AEW, the thing I wanted to do was to help build stuff. I didn’t want to be the top dog or the face, that’s not what I wanted. I wanted to put girls over if that helped them in any way. That’s all I wanted to do. I feel like I was coming to the end with that and there was really not much left that I could do. I don’t think there was a place for me anymore in there. There was probably one more thing with Mercedes that I could have done, and she was completely up for it, but she already has these storylines.

My contract was coming to an end and I wasn’t going to re-sign after September. I was not going to do it. I wanted to take a step outside of wrestling for a little bit. I wanted to get my feet wet outside of wrestling for a little bit. Tony [Khan] was so amazing with it. It was mutual. He was so supportive of it and has been supportive since I asked for time off in November. ‘There’s really no place for me anymore.’ We came to that decision, I’m happy about it, he wished me luck with everything. The door is always open. It’s scary, but I’m exploring everything outside of wrestling right now.”

Saraya has confirmed that she will be stepping away from professional wrestling this year to focus on other projects. With her departure from AEW, fans will have to wait and see what’s next for her, as a return to WWE is now a possibility.

Saraya’s exit from AEW closes a major chapter in her career while creating new possibilities for the future. Whether she returns to wrestling, explores entertainment, or pursues something entirely different, fans will be watching closely to see what’s next.

Were you surprised by Saraya’s decision to leave AEW? Do you think she will eventually return to wrestling, or is she done for good? Share your thoughts in the comments below!