Paige’s NXT Return Was a Last-Minute Decision

Paige's surprise return to WWE NXT on November 4 was not part of the original plan.

Former WWE Divas Champion Paige has revealed that her appearance as the mystery challenger for NXT Women's Champion Kelani Jordan was arranged at the last minute.

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque personally approached her about the spot shortly before the show, according to comments Paige made on Busted Open Radio.

"I got called last minute," Paige said.

"It wasn't actually supposed to be me."

She explained that Triple H pulled her aside during WWE's recent double television taping in Brooklyn.

"Triple H pulled me aside in Brooklyn at the double taping and said, 'Do you mind going down to NXT?'"

Paige recalled. "I was like, 'Oh shit. Yeah, definitely.'"

The match marked Paige's first NXT bout since 2014, a span of more than 12 years.

Paige was the inaugural NXT Women's Champion, winning that title in June 2013.

Her return to the brand brought her back to the place where she first established herself as one of WWE's rising stars.

Despite the emotional significance of the moment, the former champion admitted that the unexpected nature of the opportunity left her with limited time to prepare.

"It didn't give me much time to prepare," she said.

"Maybe if I prepared a little bit more, I would've won."

She added: "It is what it is. I know what to do next time if I get a little bit of time."

The championship match saw Paige attempt to put Jordan away with her signature Rampaige finishing maneuver.

However, the defending champion managed to counter the move into a pinfall, securing the victory and retaining the NXT Women's Championship.

Paige did not reveal who was originally scheduled to challenge Jordan.

Her comments confirmed that WWE made a late change to the match, but left the identity of the original opponent unknown.

WWE has not announced any additional matches involving Paige following this appearance.

Paige's remarks about knowing what to do with more preparation leave open the possibility of another appearance.

This is not the only backstage activity surrounding NXT that week.

Fightful Select reported that Enzo Amore, alongside TNA star Joe Alonzo, was spotted at the WWE Performance Center on Wednesday prior to that night's NXT episode.

Fightful could not confirm that Amore had signed with WWE and noted that Amore and Alonzo were merely visiting.

In previous reporting, it was suggested that Amore would be returning to WWE as part of the NXT brand and not the WWE main roster.

Amore has not appeared on American wrestling television at all in 2026.

He had been rumored to be returning to WWE earlier this year after being spotted at the Performance Center, but that return did not materialize.

Amore's presence at the NXT tapings sends a strong signal that he could be back in the WWE fold.

Interestingly enough, WWE may not have been Amore's only option.

Those within AEW say the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion had "tested the waters" about potentially joining them earlier this year.

It is unclear whether AEW had any interest in signing Amore, or if the two sides had any significant talks.

Amore had raised eyebrows earlier this year when a video featuring him and Maven Huffman saw him be highly critical of AEW.

It was later revealed the video had been filmed a year before it was posted, and Amore was highly complimentary of the promotion for their handling of the death of his friend PAC.

BIG CASS'S RETURN

Big Cass himself returned to WWE from AEW earlier this year.

He is currently wrestling on Raw as an ally to new WWE Intercontinental Champion Ethan Page.

Cass and Amore were previously a tag team in WWE, known as Enzo and Cass.

Their partnership was one of the most popular acts in WWE during the mid-2010s.

PAIGE'S HISTORY WITH NXT

Paige became the inaugural NXT Women's Champion on June 20, 2013, at NXT TakeOver.

She defeated Emma in the tournament final to claim the title.

Paige held the championship for 308 days before vacating it after being called up to the main roster.

During her time on the main roster, she became a two-time Divas Champion.

Paige was also part of the women's revolution in WWE, alongside Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks.

Her career was interrupted by a neck injury that forced her into early retirement in 2018.

She later served as a manager and authority figure on WWE programming.

Paige was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2025.

Her NXT return on November 4 was her first match since her retirement.

THE MATCH ITSELF

The match took place on the November 4 episode of WWE NXT.

Kelani Jordan entered as the defending NXT Women's Champion.

Paige was introduced as the mystery challenger, drawing a huge reaction from the crowd.

The match was competitive, with both women getting near-falls.

Paige attempted to hit the Rampaige, her signature finishing move.

Jordan countered the move into a pinning combination.

The referee counted to three, giving Jordan the victory.

Jordan retained the NXT Women's Championship.

Paige showed respect to Jordan after the match, raising her hand in the ring.

The moment was presented as a passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR PAIGE

Paige's comments suggest she is open to more matches.

"I know what to do next time if I get a little bit of time," she said.

This indicates that she may be willing to train and prepare for another bout.

WWE has not announced any plans for Paige's future.

It is unclear whether she will return to a regular wrestling schedule or make occasional appearances.

Given her history of neck injuries, any return to full-time competition would be a major story.

Paige has not indicated whether she intends to wrestle regularly again.

Her appearance on NXT was widely celebrated by fans.

Many praised her for still being able to perform at a high level after years away from the ring.

The match was one of the most talked-about moments of the week in professional wrestling.

BACKGROUND ON THE NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

The NXT Women's Championship was established in 2013.

Paige was the first woman to hold the title.

The championship has since been held by many of WWE's top female stars.

Previous champions include Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Asuka, Shayna Baszler, and Io Shirai.

The title is considered one of the most prestigious in women's wrestling.

Kelani Jordan won the championship earlier this year.

She has been a dominant champion, successfully defending against multiple challengers.