Saraya has found great success since her AEW debut a year ago at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam.
Despite being medically retired for years due to spinal stenosis, the former WWE star was cleared shortly after joining All Elite Wrestling.
In an interview with Metro.co.uk, Saraya revealed that she expected to turn heel eventually in AEW, as the fans would turn on her, which eventually happened.
“I always wanted to be a heel, even before [AEW] knew I was gonna be wrestling again. I always wanted to be a bad guy. Because I already knew it wasn’t going to be long until they turned on me. I knew that. I said that – having conversations before I came to AEW, I was speaking to Jon Moxley, I was speaking to [Chris] Jericho, I was speaking to Tony Khan.”
“They were all telling me, ‘You’re gonna be a babyface first because people are just gonna be happy to see you.’ It was really frustrating. What I kept doing is I kept throwing in heelish things in promos or how I acted, things like that. I wanted that slow burn anyway and then eventually I was gonna get the opportunity to turn heel – I just had to wait a little bit. It worked out!”
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Saraya’s Successful Heel Turn in AEW: A Wrestling Journey
Saraya, also known as Paige in her WWE days, has experienced great success since her debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) a year ago at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam. Despite being medically retired for years due to spinal stenosis, the former WWE star was cleared shortly after joining AEW, allowing her to continue her wrestling career.
In a recent interview with Metro.co.uk, Saraya revealed that she had always wanted to be a heel, even before joining AEW. She anticipated that the fans would eventually turn on her, and her expectation became a reality. Saraya stated, “I always wanted to be a bad guy. Because I already knew it wasn’t going to be long until they turned on me.”
Before making her debut in AEW, Saraya had conversations with notable wrestlers such as Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho, and Tony Khan. They all advised her that she would initially be portrayed as a babyface (a good guy) because fans would be thrilled to see her return to the ring. However, Saraya found this frustrating and decided to incorporate heelish elements into her promos and actions, subtly hinting at her desire to eventually turn heel.
Saraya’s patience paid off as she finally got the opportunity to turn heel, allowing her to fully embrace her desired character. She explained, “I kept throwing in heelish things in promos or how I acted, things like that. I wanted that slow burn anyway and then eventually I was gonna get the opportunity to turn heel – I just had to wait a little bit. It worked out!”
The slow burn approach to Saraya’s heel turn was a strategic move that allowed the fans to gradually develop negative feelings towards her character. This method builds anticipation and excitement among viewers, making the eventual turn even more impactful.
Saraya’s successful heel turn in AEW showcases her versatility as a performer and her ability to connect with the audience. It also demonstrates the importance of storytelling and character development in professional wrestling. By carefully planning and executing her transition from a beloved babyface to a despised heel, Saraya has proven her skills as a performer and her understanding of the wrestling industry.
As Saraya continues her journey in AEW, fans can expect to see more captivating storylines and intense matches. Her heel character adds an exciting dynamic to the promotion and keeps viewers engaged. Whether she is loved or hated, there is no denying that Saraya’s presence in AEW has made a significant impact.
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