A title change that shocked the world took place last night after NXT Women’s Champion Paige made her main roster debut, defeating AJ Lee to capture her first Divas Championship.
Along with ending AJ Lee’s historic 295 day reign as champion, Paige broke another three records in the process. In addition to being the first ever NXT Women’s Champion, Paige is now the first woman to hold that title plus the Divas Championship in her career, as well as being the first to hold them both simultaneously. On top of those two new records, Paige is also now the youngest woman to ever hold a championship on the main roster.
So, what do all the other women of wrestling think of Paige’s monumental success?
The most emotional of reactions was from Paige’s mother, former SHIMMER Champion Saraya Knight. Posting on her >Facebook page, she said:
“I am so overwhelmed, I have cried buckets and I am bursting with pride. I know my family are in a daze and feel the same as me. Saraya-Jade Bevis you are a true inspiration, a real hero to many. You have proved to the world that anything is possible and never give up on your dreams. I tip my hat to you princess, you astound me and I love you xxxx #proudmumma #daughteristhebestintheworld”
Another positive message was from Paige’s NXT occasional adversary Emma. She was gracious towards the new champ, noting how happy she is that her career has ran beside Paige’s. She stated:
So proud of you @RealPaigeWWE! Fortunate to have been able to share this journey with you! Well deserved! The future is exciting! #RAW #WWE
— EMMA (@EmmaWWE) April 8, 2014
A surprising tweet of support came from Paige’s bitter NXT rival Summer Rae. The Total Divas cast member tweeted:
The youngest Diva's champion ever, @RealPaigeWWE…there's a reason for that. Congratulations! #RAW #proud #nxt #wwe
— Summer Rae WWE (@RealSummerWWE) April 8, 2014
An authority figure particularly happy with the title change was Vickie Guerrero. The SmackDown General Manager has had issues with AJ Lee, so she was thrilled with the outcome. She said:
My vision is complete!! New Champion….New Diva!! #wweraw Well done @RealPaigeWWE #cougarincharge
— Vickie Guerrero (@ExcuseMeWWE) April 8, 2014
However, not everyone was happy seeing a new face in town. AJ Lee’s henchwoman Tamina Snuka had some threatening words for Paige. She stated:
#RAW #NewDivasChamp @RealPaigeWWE Hhhmmm LET THE GAMES BEGIN #WelcomeToOurWorld
— Tamina Snuka (@TaminaSnuka) April 8, 2014
Another Diva who was unsure of the new title holder was Cameron. Whilst she was happy for Paige, she felt her partner Naomi deserved the title more. She tweeted:
Don't take this the wrong wayI am so happy for Paige,but I feel so sad for my tag partner @NaomiWWE who really deserves 2 b the divas champ
— Ariane Andrew (@WWECameron) April 8, 2014
Other women of wrestling that took to social media to express their opinions on the news included the first British female champion in WWE, Layla, Natalya and independent stars Athena and LuFisto. Check out those messages and more below.
@RealPaigeWWE woot woot congrats! Give em hell!
— Athena Reese (@wg06athena) April 8, 2014
Guys. That was history. I'm in tears for my friend @RealPaigeWWE. #RAW
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) April 8, 2014
Congratulations Paige!! So happy for you!! #RAW
— The Bella Twins (@nicoleandbri) April 8, 2014
Congratulations @RealPaigeWWE !!!
New Divas Champion !!! Happy for You!! Well deserved ….. @wwe #rawneworleans #raw #Brit ???????? ????????
— Layla (@mslayel) April 8, 2014
@RealPaigeWWE YES!!!! @SHIMMERwomen represent! @SarayaKnight must be so proud! Congratulations! :)
— LuFisto (@LuFisto) April 8, 2014
Never let anyone tell you "there's NO crying in wrestling." @RealPaigeWWE #raw pic.twitter.com/txr52xvPn8
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) April 8, 2014
congrats @RealPaigeWWE you deserve it! #raw #nxt
— WWE Sasha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) April 8, 2014
Once again, congratulations to Paige!
