With Saraya’s recent exit from AEW and ongoing plans to refine her in-ring skills, WWE star Natalya has expressed strong interest in a high-profile, “generational” WWE match against the former WWE and AEW standout. This prospective bout could mark a defining moment for both superstars, blending wrestling legacies and contemporary storytelling.
Saraya’s Journey from AEW Exit to WWE Training Aspirations
Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, left AEW in March 2025 on amicable terms, parting ways with gratitude towards AEW’s Tony Khan but also confusion about her future path[1][5]. Having last wrestled in October 2024, Saraya took a hiatus to focus on personal projects and find herself anew outside the ring. She recently revealed her intent to train intensively in 2025, aiming to sharpen her skill set and possibly return to active wrestling[1][5].
An intriguing revelation is Saraya’s aspiration to train at WWE’s famed “Dungeon,” under Natalya’s tutelage, reflecting her respect for Natalya’s technical prowess and legacy:
“I want to do the training side of things… go to Nattie’s training school and get in the ring with her. That’s my focus this year,” Saraya told TV Insider[1].
This mutual respect sets the stage for a future showdown between two wrestling eras—Saraya representing the wave of new-age wrestling and Natalya, the Queen of Harts, carrying forward the storied Hart family lineage.
Natalya’s Vision for a “Generational” WWE Match
Natalya, WWE’s veteran female talent known for her technical skill and deep wrestling heritage, has publicly voiced her desire to face Saraya in WWE. The kind of match Natalya envisions would bridge the gap between past, present, and future female wrestling stars, something inside sources describe as “a generational clash fans have been longing for.”
According to a WWE insider:
“Natalya sees this not just as another match but as a historic encounter—a true passing of the torch moment if Saraya commits. Both are pioneers in women’s wrestling, and WWE believes this bout could captivate audiences worldwide.”
This ambition aligns with WWE’s ongoing efforts to blend legacy and innovation in their women’s division, boosting storytelling through high-stakes, emotionally charged rivalries.
The WWE Landscape and Creative Plans for Natalya in 2025
Natalya’s creative journey in WWE continues to evolve in 2025. Reports suggest WWE is positioning her for a fresh tag-team storyline, teaming with Maxxine Dupri under the name “Dungeon Dolls,” a nod to the legendary Hart Family Dungeon training tradition where Natalya herself was schooled[4].
This pairing could serve as a narrative springboard, possibly leading to solo storylines or cross-generational matches like the one Natalya envisions with Saraya. Additionally, Natalya remains active beyond WWE’s main roster, including competing on the Evolve show, indicating her readiness for diverse challenges[4].
Saraya’s WWE Return: Rumors and Reality
Despite speculation about Saraya’s WWE return, particularly around high-profile events like WWE Evolution II in July 2025, no concrete plans for her signing or official comeback have been confirmed by WWE[2][3]. While fans and media expected Saraya to make a dramatic WWE return to “her house,” WWE insiders clarify there are no active negotiations for her immediate return as a wrestler[3].
Saraya herself adopts a cautious “never say never” stance towards returning to WWE in-ring action, but her current focus remains training and self-improvement[1][5]. Saraya’s quest to achieve career milestones missed earlier—like competing in the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber—also underscores her long-term commitment to wrestling if opportunities arise[1].
Why This Match Could Be a Defining Chapter for Women’s Wrestling
A possible Natalya vs. Saraya WWE match holds rich storytelling potential. It symbolizes a bridging of generations—from Natalya’s Hart family heritage and technical mastery to Saraya’s youthful resilience and dual success in WWE and AEW. This could resonate powerfully with both older fans familiar with the Divas era and newer fans drawn to the current women’s wrestling revolution.
Furthermore, Saraya’s autobiography, Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives, recounts her personal and professional battles, which adds emotional layers that could enhance a storyline with Natalya’s unwavering toughness and wrestling acumen[1].
What’s Next? Wrestling Fans’ Hopes and WWE’s Moves
Though the match remains speculative, WWE watchers are excited about the possibility. As Saraya trains with Natalya, many see a natural evolution towards a major storyline between these two stars in the coming months or years. WWE’s recent push of Natalya in tag team dynamics could dovetail with a future singles program against Saraya.
According to a source close to WWE creative:
“WWE understands the star power and history behind a Natalya-Saraya clash. When the timing is right, and both are physically ready, expect WWE to pull the trigger on a storyline that celebrates women’s wrestling across generations.”
Final Thoughts
The prospect of Natalya and Saraya facing off in WWE embodies more than a wrestling match—it reflects the sport’s evolving history and its bright future for women. As Saraya trains and contemplates her next chapter, Natalya stands ready to showcase why the Queen of Harts remains a foundational figure in WWE.
Wrestling fans should stay tuned as 2025 unfolds—this “generational” WWE match might soon become a reality, fulfilling a dream matchup that merges legacy, talent, and passion inside the squared circle.