Jason Burgos
It looks like Nikki Bella will not be cleared to compete at WrestleMania 42: Night 1. However, a new rumor reveals a replacement that long-time WWE fans will love.
Three weeks ago, on an episode of SmackDown, Bella injured her ankle late in a tag match with her sister Brie against two of their WrestleMania 42 opponents, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Following the show, it was reported that the injury was not minor, and her availability for this weekend’s event was up in the air.
Well, on Friday, PW Insider has not been cleared to take part in the Women’s Tag Team title match that also features Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, and defending champions the Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). However, while Nikki is out of the match, her sister is reportedly staying in. But will she be in the bout solo?
No, Bella will have a mystery partner. The outlet also revealed that none other than Paige, AKA Saraya in AEW, will make her grand return to WWE on Saturday night for the first time since retiring from the company due to a neck injury in 2018.
Paige to make long-awaited WWE return at WrestleMania 42
“Saraya Jade-Bevis, known as Paige during her original run for the company, has signed to return as a wrestler for World Wrestling Entertainment and is expected to return to the ring this weekend as part of Wrestlemania 42,” PW Insider’s Mike Johnson wrote.
After having to bring her wrestling career to an end at just 26 years old, Paige served as an interviewer and host for WWE until her contract expired in the summer of 2022. A few months later, she would end her retirement and return to the ring for AEW. She would go on to win their top women’s title.
Paige/Saraya officially cut ties with AEW last year after her contract with WWE’s top rival expired.
