13 New Directions For WWE After SummerSlam 2026
12. A Send Off For Paige
It’s time to wrap this up and sell the house.
Unless Paige suddenly bursts into a surprise run of form, then it’s clear that her best days are behind her inside the ring. That was evident in AEW, and it’s been obvious since she returned to WWE. Nikki and/or Brie vs. Paige matches could be painful if that’s the plan. They wouldn’t make sense anyway due to Nikki’s “don’t take my spot” sneer at the cameras - she was literally the one who brought Paige in to replace her at ‘Mania once she got injured, so that line makes zero sense.
A sentimental retirement run that’s carefully handled would be the best thing for all of them, but especially Paige. She really deserves to go out on a high rather than as a tool to turn The Bellas heel and nothing more. Maybe sticking the Brit in the hunt for the Women's Intercontinental Title against a powerhouse like Raquel Rodriguez would be a plan. Or, perhaps Liv Morgan would like to add her scalp to the collection and bolster her own Women's World Title run.
Whatever the case, let's not pretend that Paige is going to enter performances akin to the heights of Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch or Rhea Ripley anytime soon. She shouldn't be the focal point of a division anyway, not at this stage in the game. WWE must draft up ways to honour Paige's past without overexposing her in scenarios that'll fizzle out.
Her house? She's barely even renting a room in it. Time to put a bow on things.