Latest news with #Women'sEvolution


Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Saraya admits to using cocaine during WWE run and lying about failed drug test
Saraya (Image Source: Getty) In a surprising and honest confession, AEW star Saraya (formerly known as Paige in WWE) disclosed during a conversation with Denise Salcedo that she had been doing cocaine while still in WWE and that when she failed a drug test, she and a friend lied to WWE officials about it. The admission stemmed from a casual yet revealing session of "Never Have I Ever" in which Saraya was asked about one of the more infamous segments of her wrestling career with her interviewer, Denise Salcedo. The British-born wrestler, now a trailblazer of WWE's women's division, then revealed how she tried to hide the earlier drug use and address her negative image. It's one of the very few occasions Saraya has addressed this incident in such straightforward terms, but it puts a new perspective on her issues while she was in WWE. Saraya opens up in raw and unfiltered moment Saraya had a very blunt and to the point explanation about it when talking to Salcedo in the light-hearted game. When the test results came back, she remembered being in a tough spot and tried to make up an excuse to not have to face the music. 'Yeah, I did it publicly… talking about my drugs and stuff like that, remember that? Yeah, I got fing— I got publicly outed for popping another drug test and I was like, uh… it was a dental surgery… and it wasn't… I did cocaine, but… yeah, I f***ed up, I lied, but it's okay.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo You can hear the regret in her words, but also a sense of acceptance and perhaps even realization that this period of her life is behind her. The mention of 'dental surgery' relates to a pretense she had previously offered publicly to explain the failed test, now just a cover story that she admits had been made up. From controversy to comeback There had been peaks and valleys in Saraya's career. At the age of 21, she was the youngest Divas Champion in WWE history and a key player in the 'Women's Evolution' era of the company. But a slew of injuries, personal life controversies, and addiction struggles would overshadow her run with the brand. With the termination of her WWE contract, she can return to wrestling with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), reviving her name and fan base after all these years. That admission is the first time she has acknowledged doing something wrong. After her statement, it is as if a line has been drawn in the sand, and it is a big deal for her to own up to any fault. Also Read: Is Saraya planning to make a comeback at the upcoming WWE Evolution 2? Saraya joins a long and ever-growing list of professed wrestling personalities who have shared their demons to encourage others and come clean with their truth. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.


Newsweek
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Roxanne Perez Pushes For Popular WWE Legend To Wrestle One More Match
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE Raw superstar Roxanne Perez has called for former WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee to make an in-ring comeback. She has gone as far as stating Lee is her ultimate dream opponent. Lee, a pivotal figure in WWE's women's division, has not competed since her retirement in 2015. However, WWE fans have long hoped for her return. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Perez did not hold back her admiration. When asked if a match against AJ Lee would be a dream scenario, Perez emphatically stated, "Absolutely. Absolutely." She continued, "AJ Lee is my—that could be my retirement match, to be honest. She is definitely my dream match and I have a feeling that that could happen if she comes back. Please come back." Lee was a three-time Divas Champion and known for her unique persona and strong mic skills, leaving a significant mark before the full swing of the Women's Evolution. Her departure in April 2015 left many WWE fans wanting more. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Perez's comments come after a report from WrestleVotes suggested that WWE is very open to the idea of an AJ Lee return. WrestleVotes previously stated, "It is a question I get quite a bit. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Roxanne Perez surprises Bayley from the stands during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Roxanne Perez surprises Bayley from the stands during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. As far as I know, WWE is totally on board for it. They would welcome it." The report continued, "She picks up the phone and she says, 'I'm in.' They're going to say, 'Yes. What took so long?'" However, WrestleVotes also noted the personal nature of such a decision: "I would say the only two people that probably know that answer are AJ Lee and CM Punk, and whatever that answer may be is up to them. So we'll see." Perez, herself a former NXT Women's Champion and one of WWE Raw's rising stars, clearly represents a new generation inspired by talents like Lee. Her public plea adds another voice to the chorus hoping to see Lee lace up her boots once more. While any return is purely speculative and up to Lee, the enthusiasm of current talent and WWE's reported openness keep that dream alive for many fans. It will be interesting to see if Lee comes back ever, considering it's been a decade. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ash By Elegance: WWE Gave Me An Amazing Platform, But It Was Like A Toxic Relationship
Ash By Elegance revealed that her time in the WWE was like a toxic relationship, although she is grateful for what she achieved there. The former Dana Brooke recently appeared in a Q&A with Monopoly Events, where she spoke about her run in WWE from 2013 and 2023. Ash By Elegance likened it to a 'toxic relationship', but was thankful that it allowed her to form a bond with her fans that has followed her to TNA. She also spoke about being a part of the Women's Revolution, alongside big stars like Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks and Bayley. 'Okay, so I will be completely open and honest—it was like a toxic relationship. It was definitely a roller coaster ride, but I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for WWE. WWE gave me an amazing platform to interact with all my fans and to get to know one another,' Ash explained. 'I'm real—my fans know that I try to reach out and be super motivating and inspiring. If it wasn't for WWE, I wouldn't have the fans or the ability to interact the way I do.' 'With that being said, it really was an eye-opening experience. I was there during what I like to call the Women's Evolution. Charlotte Flair, myself, Sasha Banks, Bayley—everyone in that era of NXT—it was truly amazing. I was Asuka's first opponent when she came to the States. I was on the first-ever NXT TakeOver, the first Women's Evolution pay-per-view, and the first Women's Royal Rumble. It's been an amazing journey,' Ash By Elegance added. The post Ash By Elegance: WWE Gave Me An Amazing Platform, But It Was Like A Toxic Relationship appeared first on Wrestlezone.