Saraya has addressed the speculation surrounding her potential participation in the 2026 Royal Rumble, confirming that the decision regarding her return ultimately lies with WWE. The former AEW Women’s World Champion and WWE Divas Champion (formerly known as Paige) recently sparked rumors of an in-ring comeback after posting videos of herself training in a wrestling ring, leading many fans to believe she would be a surprise entrant in the match.
Speaking on Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Wrestling with Freddie podcast, Saraya opened up about the public outcry following her absence from the event. She admitted that she was surprised by the level of support she received, given her past controversies.
“A lot of people were mad that I wasn’t in the (Royal) Rumble, and a lot of people thought I was gonna be number 30 too… I’ve had that much support before but I thought I had lost all that support, because of all my controversy,” Saraya said. “But it was just absolutely bonkers. There was thousands of videos across all platforms on just a couple of training videos. It was at 13 million a couple of days ago and now it’s like 18 million. It is just absolutely insane. I cried one day because of it, because I’m just like, ‘I can’t believe people still love me. This is crazy.’”
‘WWE Has To Make That Decision’
Saraya wanted to be part of the Royal Rumble, noting the emotional history attached to the event. She referenced a viral video from the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble, which occurred the same year she was forced to retire due to a neck injury.
“I wish I could be in the Rumble and there was a viral video circulating of the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble, and it was the same year I got told I couldn’t wrestle again and no one knew it at the time… They have images of me backstage just crying, just being like, ‘This is what I’ve always dreamed of. This is what I wanna be a part of. I hope one day I can be a part of it again…’” Saraya recalled.
Despite the fan demand and her own wishes, Saraya clarified that she cannot simply insert herself into the match. While Fightful Select reported that she was not approached for an appearance, Saraya emphasized that the ball is in WWE’s court.
“It was viral as well, and everyone’s just like hoping that I was gonna be in this Rumble, that I finally get to be a part of that, that I’ve always dreamed of being a part of. So yeah, it was incredible. I wish I was part of it, but it’s more to it. WWE has to make that decision. Not me… Everyone obviously wants me to go back.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Wrestling with Freddie with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
