10 Times The Independent Scene Met The WWE Machine
7. Paige Vs. Nikki Bella Vs. AJ Lee - Night Of Champions 2014
Talking about a revolution in women's wrestling in WWE has begun to get a little bit old, but if we're going to continue flogging this ailing horse then the current status of Paige must be discussed. Most are in agreement that the current improvement in the state of women's wrestling in WWE found its roots in NXT, and Paige was at the forefront of its beginnings.
Paige has been somewhat different ever since signing with WWE in 2011, a headliner in the new breed of performers signed by WWE because they could wrestle just as good as they looked. Paige was only 19 when she signed, but had been performing outside of WWE for a remarkable six years prior to that.
AJ Lee was no stranger to wrestling outside of WWE either, wrestling for a couple of years in her native New Jersey, but her reputation was built in WWE. Nikki Bella? Well, she's as WWE Diva as it gets. Her wrestling ability has improved no end, but she was signed purely because of her looks, not her ability to work 20-minute-plus bouts.
The three went at it in a triple threat match for the then-Diva's Championship at Night of Champions in 2014. AJ Lee picked up the win in the end, and Paige has arguably not been the same since her revolution passed her by.