The odds continue to stack up against the former Anti-Diva Paige. Is it coincidence or are the rumors true?
New broke out Monday morning that Paige was served a 60 day suspension for violating the wellness policy. This is her second suspension in a matter of months, resulting in rumors and speculation all over the Internet. Paige would then send out a tweet on what looked to be a frustration comment on the matter. It could have very well been shots fired toward Brock Lesnar, who had failed his drug test prior to his UFC 200 appearance. He was exempt from the Wellness Policy due to his part-time status. Her parents would also comment on her recent suspension.
It is well known now that Paige is dealing with a neck injury, thus why she has been out of action for quite some time. But these days she is making more headlines with her relationship with former WWE Superstar Alberto Del Rio versus on her return to the ring. The fanfare of the relationship has run wild since the couple would become public in the summer. Is the relationship hindering her career despite her injury? Or is this just unfortunate coincidence for Paige?
It is always said that there are three sides to every story: both sides and then the truth. This seems to be a situation that one would have to look at both sides of the fence to understand what exactly is going on here. WWE has a strict protocol in place for the famed Wellness Policy. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of a WWE Superstar to adhere to the policy in terms of the rules, doctor’s excuses and prescriptions. Over time, Superstars have stated they have had prescriptions that weren’t turned in or a doctor’s note was issued to excuse the product they were taking.
The controversy continues to boil over as WWE released a statement in response to Paige’s tweet. The company stated that she tested positive for an illegal substance but did not elaborate on it further. As of early Wednesday morning, Paige has not confirmed or denied the statement.
Did Paige expose a loophole in the Wellness Policy, or was her tweet a result of immature lashing out? Whatever the case may be, it doesn’t look good for Paige’s WWE career. The odds are definitely looking to be stacked against the former Anti-Diva, and it will be even longer before we see her in the ring once more. But is Paige on her way out the door for good in WWE? Paige had commented a few weeks back her intentions of staying with the company. Their relationship may be strained right now, but WWE shouldn’t pull the plug on her WWE career if the ball is in their court. Let me explain why.
3. Unique Addition to WWE
While Paige is on the shelf right now, before then she was a primary part of the Women’s Division. Paige is unlike other women who are occupying either roster right now. Her dark, gothic look stands out amongst the women of WWE. Her look portrays that she is a loner of sorts, that she’s not afraid to be different. Thus this is why girls and women alike root for her.
Also, her role on Total Divas broadens the audience, as she is the dark, British woman who has a spunky attitude. While I am on the topic of her being British, it also broadens the Raw Women’s Division. Not only is she British, but her accomplishments of the last three years sharpens her resume. Also, Paige can be both the good guy and the bad guy, and that is a dual role that is very hard to fill.
Paige debuted on the main roster with a bang, defeating AJ Lee and breaking her then historic 295 day Divas Championship reign. Paige’s WWE career was strong until this year, and her fans certainly don’t want to see her end her WWE run on a bad note. While the Raw Women’s Division is strong right now, The two-time DivasChampion is a piece of that puzzle that helped get the Women’s Division there. Paige’s history makes her an impact player.
Paige has few accolades on her resume. Photo courtesy of WWE.com
2. Being Young is Beneficial
Now I’m not excusing her behavior that attributes in her being in her early 20s. However, Paige is only twenty four and has her entire career ahead of her. If she can stay healthy after she recovers from her neck injury Paige would be in good shape in due time. Paige brings a lot to the table, as I stated before, which only means good things in WWE.
She is allowed to grow and make mistakes; she is human. Paige’s top priorities should be to get healthy and get her act together when she is able to wrestle again. Much time is passing by and Paige can only benefit the sooner she gets better before she gets lost in the equation. The last thing she needs is her personal life taking over her professional life. That is exactly what is happening right now.
Once Paige is well and stays with the company there is no more room for error. Paige’s mistakes have been well documented at this point and it is up to her to learn from them. She is bigger than her two suspensions, and she must overcome that upon her return to the ring.
1. Great Comeback Story
Everyone loves a good comeback story. WWE does comeback stories very well too. Paige’s redemption story upon returning to the ring could be a great story for her, or a great disaster depending. The British Star is an accomplished female Superstar in the number of years she has been with the company. She was an integral part of the Divas Revolution and was one of the women who have had a hand in transitioning the Women’s Division to what it is becoming today.
If the suspensions against Paige are a coincidence, then she could use it to further her quest for glory upon her return. I would love nothing more than to see Paige overcome the odds and become the performer once more the fans know her to be. She can push the envelope, and WWE is no stranger to push the envelope either.
However, if rumors prove to be true, then this just may turn into one of those stories that didn’t have a happy ending. Time will tell, and for now, Paige’s fans continue to wait for her to return to the ring.
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