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Saraya-Jade Bevis: A Journey from Struggle to Empowerment
Saraya-Jade Bevis, known to many as Paige, has faced significant challenges throughout her life, from substance abuse to leaked intimate footage and an almost catastrophic neck injury. Instead of becoming just another cautionary tale in the world of fame, the former WWE star has transformed her struggles into a source of strength. Her memoir, Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives, reveals her tumultuous journey and aims to inspire others who have faced similar adversities.
Released in March, the book coincided with a pivotal moment in Saraya’s career as she concluded her time with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). In 2023, she captured the Women’s Championship at Wembley Stadium in front of a record-setting crowd, further solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s wrestling. Saraya made history as both the first NXT Women’s Champion and the youngest WWE titleholder, achieving the Divas Championship at the age of 21.
Her rise to fame is not just a story of triumph; it was documented as well in the acclaimed film Fighting with My Family, produced with the support of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, featuring Florence Pugh in the lead role. Since the film’s release, Saraya’s life has been marked by both success and hardship, including personal crises like the 2017 leak of private videos involving her and former partners which sparked public scrutiny and personal anguish.
Despite these setbacks, Saraya’s determination to overcome her past experiences shines through in her writing. In an exclusive conversation, she discussed the therapeutic nature of penning her memoir and how it has played a role in her evolving sense of self.
Finding Healing Through Writing
Saraya-Jade Bevis: “It was definitely therapeutic in a way. Writing everything down was both tedious and exhausting, but I felt it was necessary. I’m not one to openly discuss my feelings or past events, so writing this book allowed me to share my story in a way I hadn’t done before.” She described the process as intense and vulnerable, likening it to sharing her diary with the world.
Support from Fellow Wrestlers
Receiving positive feedback from industry peers is invaluable. “I feel grateful to have strong relationships with the women I’ve worked with, particularly AJ Lee. She’s been a supportive figure in my life and career,” Saraya expressed, highlighting the importance of camaraderie among female wrestlers.
Navigating Change and New Endeavors
Saraya’s recent exit from AEW coincided with her book’s release and the announcement of her new podcast. “It was a lot to handle all at once—overwhelming even,” she admitted. “My exit was mutual because there wasn’t much left for me to do there, and I want to explore interests outside of wrestling without stepping on anyone’s toes.” This pivot demonstrates her desire for personal growth and new opportunities.
Having faced immense public scrutiny after the leak of her private videos, Saraya has reflected on her past with a sense of resilience. “People still talk about that incident years later, but I no longer let it affect me emotionally,” she stated, emphasizing her approach to healing and self-acceptance. “It happened, and there’s nothing I can do to change that.” This perspective illustrates her growth and the importance she places on moving forward.
The Evolution of Women’s Wrestling
Saraya expressed pride in the advancements female wrestlers are making today compared to her early career. “Women are now participating in matches that were once unavailable to us,” she noted, crediting the collective effort of women in the industry to push boundaries. She remains hopeful for more women’s events, reminiscing about the successful Evolution pay-per-view. “There’s great potential for women to have an event akin to WrestleMania,” she believes, showcasing her continued passion for the sport.
Aspirations for the Future
As she looks ahead, Saraya is focused on returning to the ring and enhancing her skills. “This year, I want to train properly and find myself again,” she stated, referencing her desire to engage in more intense training sessions. “There are still milestones like participating in a Royal Rumble that I have yet to accomplish.” Her aspirations serve as a motivating reminder of her dedication to wrestling.
Exploring New Mediums
With her new podcast, “Rulebreakers,” Saraya is branching out into the world of storytelling and interviews, eager to engage with a variety of guests. “It’s not just wrestling-focused; I want to cover all sorts of topics,” she shared, reflecting her desire to explore different narratives and experiences.
As Saraya-Jade Bevis continues to navigate the complexities of life and career, she does so with a renewed sense of purpose. Her memoir not only acts as a testament to her resilience but also serves as an inspiration to others. Each chapter of her journey reinforces the message that after enduring hardship, there is indeed a path to healing and fulfillment—one that she now walks with confidence and pride.
Source
www.tvinsider.com