Saraya opens up about WWE control under Vince McMahon

Wrestling World has gone through a lot of changes, especially in WWE. One voice that has stood since the beginning is former WWE Superstar Saraya. She recently spoke about her time in the company and how different things were when Vince McMahon was in charge. Her story gives a real look at how much has changed now that Triple H is running things.

Fans knew her as Paige during her WWE run, where she made a big name for herself between 2012 and 2022. She was the first NXT Women’s Champion and one of the most popular stars of her time. But while things looked great on screen, Saraya says life behind the scenes was not always easy.

Saraya explains WWE’s strict rules under Vince McMahon

Speaking on her Rulebreakers podcast, Saraya explained how the company used to have a say in many aspects of her life, far beyond what she did in the ring.

"I did a lot of things that WWE did not like. Like I got sh*t tattooed on my hand and they were not happy on it. [...] WWE does have a say like they... so if I wanted to get a tattoo back then, I think things are different now. This was like when I first signed with WWE it was like 2011, so it was a long time ago."
Saraya further revealed how she had to take permission during the Vince McMahon regime:

"Things are different now, people can go get a tattoo and it's fine as long as it's not so crazy different and even then they're pretty open about it. But I was under like the Vince (McMahon) regime kind of thing you know. So if I wanted to get tattoo, if I wanted to get my b**bs, if I wanted to get whatever it was I would have to go ask permission to do it. If I wanted to cut my hair, when I cut my hair short I had to ask permission."


Saraya said WWE’s control over talent was normal under Vince McMahon, often going beyond branding and into their personal lives, raising questions about how much say the company should have.

Changes in WWE under Triple H’s leadership

Since Vince McMahon stepped away from WWE in early 2024 following legal troubles, the company has gone through a major transformation. Triple H (Paul Levesque) took over creative and talent management, and many inside the company have noticed a positive shift. Saraya acknowledged this in her podcast as well:

“Things are different now under Triple H’s regime.”
Under the new leadership, talent reportedly enjoys more freedom, both professionally and personally. Wrestlers can now express themselves more openly, whether through appearance, promo style, or ring gear. Triple H and co-CEO Nick Khan have brought fresh energy to WWE, which fans and wrestlers alike seem to appreciate. This shift has also helped rebuild trust between talent and management.


Saraya’s story shows how different things were in WWE when Vince McMahon was in charge. Even though she’s now in AEW, her experience still makes fans talk about how wrestlers were treated. Now, with Triple H leading, things seem better. Wrestlers have more freedom and are treated with more respect, both in their work and personal lives.

Also Read: "I Love WWE, I Would Definitely Go There," Says Saraya as She Hints Towards Her AEW Exit


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