A major surprise could be on the way at WrestleMania 42 as Paige is reportedly set to return to WWE. The former champion is expected to step back into the ring this weekend in Las Vegas, marking one of the most emotional comebacks in recent years.
Her return comes after Nikki Bella was ruled out of the event due to an ankle injury, creating a last-minute change in the Women’s Tag Team Championship match.
Nikki Bella Injury Opens the Door for Big Change
Nikki Bella was originally scheduled to compete alongside Brie Bella in the Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way match. However, her plans were disrupted after she suffered an ankle injury during a recent episode of SmackDown.
Despite some hope that she might recover in time, the latest update suggests she has not been medically cleared to compete at WrestleMania 42.
| Situation | Update |
|---|---|
| Nikki Bella Status | Not medically cleared |
| Injury | Ankle injury (SmackDown) |
| Match Impact | Out of WrestleMania 42 match |
| Replacement | Paige expected |
This unexpected change has led WWE to bring in a major name to fill her spot.
Paige’s Return: A Career Revival Moment
Paige, whose real name is Saraya Jade-Bevis, is now expected to replace Nikki Bella in the high-profile match. Reports suggest she has already signed with WWE again and has been seen preparing for the match in Las Vegas.
Her return is especially significant because she was medically disqualified from in-ring competition back in 2018 after a serious neck injury. At that time, she was only 25 years old, and her wrestling career appeared to be over.
| Career Timeline | Key Moments |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Last WWE match before injury |
| 2018 | Forced retirement due to neck injury |
| 2022 | Returned to wrestling outside WWE |
| 2025 | Left AEW |
| 2026 | Set for WWE comeback |
Now at 33, Paige is ready to step back onto WWE’s biggest stage after years of uncertainty.
From Retirement to WrestleMania Comeback
After her WWE exit in 2022, Paige continued her career elsewhere and even won a major women’s championship during that period. She remained active until early 2025 before stepping away again.
Her journey has been filled with ups and downs, including injuries and personal challenges. Despite that, she stayed connected to the wrestling world and remained a popular figure among fans.
Her expected return at WrestleMania 42 could mark her first WWE match in nearly seven years.
Also see: Jade Cargill Says WWE Rejected Her ‘Baddy Section’ Idea to Bring New Fans
Match Impact and WrestleMania 42 Plans
If the reports hold true, Paige will join Brie Bella in the Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way match. This change could reshape the entire match dynamic, as Paige brings a different style and experience to the contest.
WWE has reportedly kept her return under wraps, even bringing her into Las Vegas quietly before the event. She has already taken part in practice sessions for the match, indicating that plans are in place for her appearance.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | WrestleMania 42 |
| Dates | April 18–19, 2026 |
| Location | Las Vegas |
| Match Type | Women’s Tag Team Fatal Four-Way |
| Key Change | Paige replacing Nikki Bella |
A Big Moment for WWE Fans
Paige’s return is not just a storyline twist but a major moment in wrestling. After being told her career was over, stepping back into a WWE ring at WrestleMania is a powerful comeback story.
Fans have followed her journey for years, and this return could become one of the most memorable highlights of WrestleMania 42.
Also see: WWE May Call Up Several NXT Stars After WrestleMania 42
With the event just around the corner, all eyes will now be on whether Paige officially makes her return and how she performs on the grand stage.







