Saraya Makes Shocking Admission: “WWE Thought I Might Die”
Saraya Jade Bevis, aka Paige, spoke about the darkest period of her life. Her struggle with addiction and mental health became so severe that WWE officials were genuinely preparing for her death. This wasn’t just a case of “burnout” or a superstar partying too hard. It was a crisis of survival.
The Confession on “Wrestling With Freddie”
Saraya dropped these bombshells during an appearance on the Wrestling With Freddie podcast, hosted by actor and former WWE creative writer Freddie Prinze Jr. While discussing her upcoming memoir, Hell in Boots, she detailed a harrowing 18-month spiral fueled by drugs, alcohol, and public scandals.
Describing herself during that time as “an absolute mess,” Saraya didn’t shy away from the gritty details. But the most chilling moment came when she addressed how her condition was viewed by those in charge. According to the wrestling star, the situation had deteriorated so rapidly that her colleagues and medical staff weren’t just worried about her career—they were worried about her life.
“They thought I was going to die,” she revealed. Hearing a performer acknowledge that her employers were essentially on a “death watch” while she was still under contract is a jarring perspective. It highlights a frightening reality that usually only comes to light in tragic retrospect, rather than from a survivor telling the tale.
The Toxic Mix of Early Fame and Injury
To understand how a star with Saraya’s talent reached such a critical low, you have to look at the context of her rise. She was a prodigy born into a wrestling dynasty. Thrust into the global spotlight of the WWE at such a young age. However, that meteoric rise came with a heavy price tag.
Relentless Public Scrutiny, Especially When That Tape Leaked
Saraya lived her twenties under a microscope. Every mistake and personal stumble was amplified by social media and tabloid culture. Especially when that tape got leaked of her, Xavier Woods, and Brad Maddox doing nocturnal activities, if you get where I am going here.. That absolutely messed her up so much that not only did she have thoughts of suicide, she also had severe anorexia
The Physical Toll
Perhaps the biggest catalyst was physical pain. Saraya suffered severe neck injuries that threatened to end her career before it had truly peaked. Facing the prospect of retirement in her early twenties, she turned to self-medication to cope with both the physical agony and the emotional trauma of losing her identity as a wrestler.
Her Toxic Relationship With Alberto Del Rio
This is not even include her relationship with Alberto Del Rio. The constant TMZ scandals, Del Rio’s Periscope streams trashing WWE, and the domestic violence stuff going on as well. The whole relationship was toxic, and knowing Del Rio’s history, it’s hard to not to see this potentially getting worse when they were together. There is a reason why WWE didn’t allow Del Rio to stay in AAA when WWE bought it.
What’s Next for Saraya?
Despite the darkness of her past, the narrative has shifted toward redemption. Saraya is no longer defined by her lowest moments. She is an active competitor, a former AEW Women’s World Champion, and now, an author.
She has mentioned that the “wrestling bug” is back. She is training again and has signaled openness to returning to the ring, though the approach is different this time. Any return will be measured, mindful, and prioritized around her health. By releasing her memoir and doing these interviews, she is ensuring that her story serves as a roadmap for others in the locker room who might be struggling in silence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did WWE issue a statement about her condition?
No, WWE has not issued a formal statement confirming that they feared she would die. This information comes directly from Saraya’s personal account of her interactions with staff and management during that specific time in her career.
Is Saraya going to wrestle again?
The door is definitely open. Saraya has stated she is training again and regaining her passion for in-ring performance. However, she has emphasized that her long-term health is the priority, so any return will likely be carefully managed rather than a full-time grind.
What does her memoir cover?
Her book, Hell in Boots, covers her entire life in the wrestling business. It details growing up in a wrestling family, her rapid rise to WWE stardom, the depths of her addiction struggles, and her eventual recovery and return to national television.
The Reality Behind the Gimmick
It’s easy for fans to get lost in the storylines, the entrance music, and the championship pursuits. But real people are taking the bumps, both physical and emotional. As Saraya continues to tell her story, she is challenging the industry to be better, more accountable, and more supportive.
