Saraya, the first-ever NXT Women’s Champion, responded after WWE paid tribute to her legacy during last night’s NXT Homecoming special. Although no longer with the company, the former Paige acknowledged the nod on social media.
The broadcast featured a video package revisiting her 2013 victory over Emma, the match that crowned her the inaugural champion. Saraya later shared the clip on Twitter with a simple “🖤💛” post. Her name resurfaced again when Charlotte Flair, in a promo celebrating NXT’s role in the women’s revolution, referenced “Paige” directly.
— SARAYA (@Saraya) September 17, 2025
The recognition comes at a time when speculation about Saraya’s future is running high. She has recently addressed the possibility of returning to WWE, a discussion amplified by the comeback of her longtime rival and ally AJ Lee. Saraya also sent a public message of support to Lee, further stoking fan hopes of a reunion.
The tribute was one of many callbacks woven into the Homecoming theme. Main roster stars and NXT alumni appeared throughout the night, including Finn Bálor interrupting Lexis King, Sami Zayn offering encouragement to Je’Von Evans, and Tyler Breeze wrestling his first WWE match in more than four years.
While Saraya’s presence was felt only through the tribute, another former NXT Women’s Champion did appear in person. Shayna Baszler made her way back to Full Sail, adding to the night’s atmosphere of surprise returns and legacy moments.