Saraya’s signing is yet another test for booking AEW women’s division

The big criticism about All Elite Wrestling remains the promotion’s women’s division. Regardless of the numerous positive things the company has done so far, there’s a massive gap in how the company has leveraged its women’s division. As excuses abound, there are several talented women wrestlers on the roster and at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam the company added perhaps the biggest star to date in Saraya. The artist formerly known as Paige is a massive name in women’s wrestling and perhaps the company’s last chance to show it is serious about its presentation of women’s wrestling.

Saraya’s emergence through the AEW tunnel sent shockwaves through the industry. Even though Fightful Select reported that she’d been in talks with the company, it was still quite a moment to see her in an AEW ring.

At just 30 years of age, Saraya’s accomplishments are among some of the best in the profession. It’s been eight years since her last run as a champion in the WWE and five since her last match, yet she remains a name that immediately catches the attention of fans. In many ways, Saraya is (or was) the complete package of an individual who can perform in the ring and bring a character to fans that they care about, pushing their desire to want to see more of her. That is what made her a star at such a young age.

But will that translate to AEW? The biggest question is whether she will be able to compete. A serious neck injury forced her to the sideline, as WWE would not clear her to medically perform. Things have changed for individuals like Edge and Bryan Danielson, as they have returned to the ring after years away. If Saraya can return to in-ring action, she is a name that can help swing the perception of women’s wrestling in AEW.

But again, the question is will the company leverage her and the rest of the roster in such a way? A potential in-ring return could be a main-event-worthy moment or even carry the opening of a show if properly promoted. There are several individuals that could stand across from her to carry said moment as well. The opportunity is there.

Saraya could even be a major voice behind the scenes. Bringing Madison Rayne in was a step that shows the company is taking some steps toward building the women’s division, but there’s still a need for a behind-the-scenes leader that can help drive booking conversations with Tony Khan. Maria Kanellis-Bennett is another name that has come up for such a role. Saraya would be another valuable voice in that position.

Bringing in Saraya cannot be another example of AEW signing a major name in women’s wrestling and not doing more with the division. Fans have waited long enough and “give them time” isn’t the right answer. Now is the time.