WWE Star Recalls Trying To Keep Return To The Company A Secret: ‘People Were Starting To Guess’

WWE

Paige has explained how her WWE return at WrestleMania 42 came to be, recalling her reaction after plans were leaked.

With there being a lot of speculation about Nikki Bella’s status ahead of the April 18-19 event, PWInsider reported on April 17 that Paige had signed a new WWE contract, and had been spotted at rehearsals for the Women’s Tag Team Championship fourway set for WrestleMania 42.

Sure enough, Paige was revealed to be Nikki Bella’s replacement on April 18, with Paige and Brie Bella going on to win the Women’s Tag Team Championship.

Speaking on the Nikki & Brie Show, Paige recalled Triple H calling her to pitch this return.

Noting that she was frustrated when plans for her return leaked, Paige said:

“It was crazy because it was Triple H calling me. We were already in talks about potentially doing something maybe, but it was very last second where they were like ‘Can you come to Mania and take Nikki’s place?’ ‘Uh, sure.’

“The timing and everything was strange in the best way. It was the Monday before Mania, I’m going to be in Vegas anyway, because I’m going to be doing my podcast and signings and all that stuff, so I don’t think it’ll look too strange if I’m around.

“Everyone was kind of guessing, everyone was just like ‘Oh, Nikki’s hurt. The only person that could potentially replace her would be Paige, right?’

“People were starting to guess, and then the day of Mania, I was supposed to go do a signing, but at the last second they pulled the signing and got me to go to Mania. I was like ‘Well, that gives it away, then,’ because I had to cancel the signing.

“Also, we got so frustrated, you guys, because it leaked the day before. I was like, ‘We can’t have surprises anymore?’  It was the most frustrating thing ever.

“We were just like ‘Okay, we’ll just make the most of it. People are kind of guessing that I’m going to be there anyway.’ But the reaction was just bonkers, dude. I get chills thinking about it.”

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Paige and Brie Bella are no longer WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, with Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid of Fatal Influence winning the gold at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18.

Following the match, Henley commented on the group’s plans for future title defenses, click here to read more.

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