WWE Fans Call for Saraya’s Return, But Company Removes “Paige Come Home” Sign
On the October 17, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown, fans sent a message loud and clear to both the company and former superstar Saraya, previously known as Paige. During the show, a passionate audience member raised a sign reading “PAIGE COME HOME!” in what appeared to be a heartfelt tribute to one of wrestling’s most popular stars—now signed to a rival promotion[1][2][4]. The move was an unmistakable act of support for Saraya, who left WWE to join AEW in 2022.
However, the gesture did not last long. According to multiple reports, WWE moved quickly to confiscate the fan’s sign, likely due to concerns over unapproved branding and references to a competitor[2][6]. The episode was broadcast live, but eagle-eyed viewers tweeted and posted about the quickly disappearing sign moments after the camera showed it.
“We take fan engagement seriously, but it’s our policy to remove any signage referencing current competitors,” a WWE security official told Ringside News[2].
Saraya’s Cryptic Social Media Response Sparks Speculation
Following the incident, Saraya herself seemed to acknowledge the gesture—albeit in her trademark cryptic style. On her official social media accounts, she posted a deliberately ambiguous message, sparking widespread speculation among wrestling fans about her feelings toward her former employer. Though she did not directly address the sign or WWE’s response, fans interpreted her message as a veiled reaction to the controversy[1][3].
“The heart wants what it wants. Sometimes, the loudest voices are heard backstage, too,” Saraya wrote to her millions of followers[3].
Industry analysts and insiders were quick to dissect her words. “It’s classic Saraya—she doesn’t say much, but she says enough for everyone to read between the lines,” commented wrestling journalist Tom C. for WrestlingWorld Magazine.
Behind the Scenes: Could Fans Spark a WWE Return for Saraya?
The fan sign and Saraya’s response have raised one of wrestling’s most compelling questions: Is the door ever truly closed in WWE? Despite her current contract with AEW, fans’ persistent chants and signs for “Paige Come Home” demonstrate an enduring desire to see her back in a WWE ring[2][4].
According to backstage sources, WWE officials have grown increasingly aware of these calls—especially as SmackDown continues to draw ratings with a refreshed women’s division.
“There’s always talk about talent and what the fans want. But right now, with Saraya under contract elsewhere, anything more is just wishful thinking,” a WWE insider confirmed on condition of anonymity[2].
Insiders also pointed to WWE’s long-held policy of confiscating signs referencing talent signed to other companies, noting that this is standard procedure—not a personal slight against Saraya[6].
Saraya’s Legacy—And a Possible Future
When Saraya left WWE, she departed as one of the most beloved figures in the company’s modern women’s division. A trailblazer for the “women’s revolution,” she became the youngest Divas Champion and helped reshape the perception of women’s wrestling in WWE. Her abrupt retirement due to a neck injury in 2018 was a massive blow to fans, making her eventual in-ring return—first with AEW—a monumental moment in wrestling history.
Speculation about a WWE return is not new. Over the past year, rumors have swirled that Saraya, now 33, could be tempted back to WWE for a final chapter—either as a surprise entrant at a major pay-per-view, or even as a trainer and ambassador. Her social media posts often reference her time with WWE fondly, and she has maintained several friendships backstage.
“Everyone knows the fans would love to have her back. Right now, it’s more about timing and business than anything personal,” said a talent relations source close to the situation.
What This Means for WWE and the Fans
Fan-driven campaigns for former stars to return are nothing new in wrestling. However, the speed with which WWE acted to remove a sign referencing Saraya’s WWE persona, “Paige,” highlights the company’s strict branding and contract policies[2][6]. WWE is notably protective of its intellectual property and will not tacitly endorse talent under contract to a competitor, even if it means disappointing fans in the moment.
But this hasn’t dampened fan enthusiasm. On social media, the hashtag #PaigeComeHome trended for hours after SmackDown, with fans sharing clips, memories, and hopes for a future reunion[1][4]. The mix of nostalgia and hope is palpable—even if, for now, a WWE return remains a long shot.
Industry Perspectives: The Evolution of Fan Engagement
The dynamic between WWE’s policy and fan activism is a microcosm of wrestling’s evolution during the streaming and internet era. Signs, chants, and social media campaigns have never been more influential in shaping public discourse around wrestling superstars.
Wrestling historians point out that WWE has sometimes reversed course when fans make their desires loud and clear. The “Yes Movement” for Daniel Bryan and the “We Want Ryder” campaign are just two examples of WWE ultimately giving in to fan pressure.
“Fans are a real factor in booking now more than ever. WWE knows if they get loud enough, anything is possible,” said wrestling analyst Sean Ross Sapp.
Conclusion: The Ball Is in Saraya’s Court
For now, Saraya remains under contract with AEW, and the “Paige Come Home” sign is merely a symbol of what could have been. But the incident on SmackDown—and Saraya’s cryptic response—keep the conversation alive.
WWE, for its part, remains publicly silent on any overtures to Saraya, but behind the scenes, the passion of the fans has not gone unnoticed. As with all things in wrestling, never say never—especially when the audience demands it.
Whether Saraya’s journey eventually leads her back to WWE or not, her legacy in the company is untouchable. And for many fans, the hope for one more “This is My House” moment lives on—louder than ever.