7 Shocking Ways The Infamous Paige WWE Sex Tape Leak Changed Saraya's Life And Career Forever
The 2017 leak of private, explicit videos and photos involving Saraya-Jade Bevis, known globally as WWE Superstar Paige, remains one of the most devastating and widely reported cases of cyber-harassment in professional wrestling history. Occurring during a critical juncture in her career, the incident was a brutal violation of privacy that plunged the two-time WWE Divas Champion into a period of deep depression and suicidal thoughts, fundamentally altering her personal life and professional trajectory in the years that followed.
As of December 2025, Saraya (her current ring name in All Elite Wrestling, or AEW) has transformed her trauma into a powerful platform for advocacy, using her story of resilience to address mental health struggles, addiction, and the long-term impact of cyberbullying. Her journey from the darkness of that period to her current status as a medically cleared, active wrestler and vocal advocate is a testament to her strength, proving that devastating setbacks can be overcome.
Saraya-Jade Bevis: A Biographical Snapshot
Saraya-Jade Bevis, the woman behind the "Paige" persona, has a life story as dramatic and compelling as any wrestling storyline. Her biography provides crucial context for understanding the high-stakes environment she was navigating when the 2017 leak occurred.
- Birth Name: Saraya-Jade Bevis
- Born: August 17, 1992 (Age 33 as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Norwich, Norfolk, England
- Wrestling Names: Britani Knight, Paige, Saraya
- Family Background: Part of a professional wrestling family; her parents, Ricky Knight and Sweet Saraya, are also wrestlers.
- Major Achievements: Youngest two-time WWE Divas Champion; inaugural NXT Women's Champion.
- Career Hiatus: Forced to retire in 2018 due to a severe neck injury, only to be medically cleared and return to active wrestling in AEW in late 2022.
- Current Status: Active professional wrestler in All Elite Wrestling (AEW); author of the memoir Hell in Boots.
The 2017 Cyber-Harassment Incident: A Violation of Trust and Privacy
The leak, which took place in 2017, involved intimate footage that was never intended for public viewing, representing a massive violation of her personal privacy. The content was reportedly stolen from her phone and uploaded online, instantly making headlines across the world and turning her private life into a public spectacle.
1. Immediate Psychological Fallout and Suicidal Ideation
The immediate aftermath of the leak was catastrophic for Saraya's mental health. She has openly spoken about the intense shame, humiliation, and distress she felt. The experience left her feeling "rock bottom," leading to severe anxiety, depression, and, tragically, suicidal thoughts. She felt isolated and exposed, struggling to cope with the global scrutiny that followed.
2. The End of a Relationship and Public Scrutiny
The timing of the leak coincided with other personal turmoil, including her relationship with fellow wrestler Alberto Del Rio (José Alberto Rodríguez). The public nature of the videos intensified the media's focus on her personal life, overshadowing her professional achievements and creating a toxic environment of constant judgment and gossip. The sheer volume of negative commentary and online harassment was relentless.
3. Increased Substance Abuse Struggles
The immense pressure and emotional pain from the leak exacerbated existing mental health and substance abuse issues. Saraya has revealed that the stress of the incident, combined with other personal struggles and her career-threatening neck injury, led her down a path of drug and alcohol dependency. This period was so tumultuous that it reportedly caused production delays for the biographical film about her life, Fighting with My Family.
From WWE Stardom to AEW Resilience: How the Leak Reshaped Her Career Trajectory
While the leak did not directly end her WWE career—that was due to a severe neck injury—it completely redefined her public persona and the narrative surrounding her career comeback. The incident became a crucial part of her story of resilience.
4. The Shift in Public Persona: From 'Paige' to 'Saraya'
Upon her return to active wrestling with AEW in late 2022, she chose to use her real first name, Saraya. This name change symbolized a break from the past and the creation of a new, more authentic identity that openly acknowledged her struggles. Her AEW persona is built on the foundation of a woman who survived multiple career-ending setbacks, including the public humiliation of the leak, a severe neck injury, and addiction.
5. Using Trauma as a Wrestling Storyline
In a unique move, Saraya began to incorporate her real-life trauma into her professional wrestling storylines. She used her promos and interviews to speak directly about the pain of the leak, the subsequent mental health crisis, and the fight to get medically cleared to wrestle again. This vulnerability resonated deeply with fans, turning a devastating moment into a source of connection and strength, adding a layer of topical authority to her character.
6. The Focus on Healing and Sobriety
Her current narrative in professional wrestling and public life heavily emphasizes her sobriety and mental health journey. By sharing her progress and challenges, she uses her platform to normalize conversations around anxiety, depression, and recovery. This focus on healing is a direct consequence of the rock-bottom moment she experienced after the 2017 cyber-harassment.
Turning Trauma into Advocacy: Mental Health and Public Healing
Saraya's journey has evolved far beyond the wrestling ring. Her experience has positioned her as a major advocate against cyberbullying and for mental health awareness, especially within the often-toxic environment of social media.
7. Becoming a Global Mental Health Advocate and Author
Perhaps the most profound change is her role as a mental health advocate. She has spoken at length about the importance of seeking help and the reality of living with anxiety and depression. Her memoir, Hell in Boots, further details her struggles with the leak, addiction, and injuries, offering a raw and personal look at her life. By openly sharing her story, Saraya provides hope and visibility to others who have faced similar violations of privacy and mental health crises, demonstrating that even the most high-profile victims can find a path toward healing and happiness.
The infamous 2017 sex tape leak was intended to destroy Saraya-Jade Bevis's career and spirit, but instead, it became an unexpected turning point. The incident, while deeply painful, forced a profound self-reckoning that led her to sobriety, self-acceptance, and a powerful new role as an advocate. Her current success in AEW is not just a wrestling comeback; it is a triumphant story of resilience, proving that the victim of a malicious act can reclaim their narrative and emerge stronger than ever before.
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