With numerous WWE performers having apparently shut down their Twitch accounts at the company's orders, retired superstar Paige -- real name Saraya-Jade Bevis -- did not mince words when discussing the development.For context, Bevis has worked for WWE since signing with its developmental territory FCW -- later rebranded as NXT -- in 2011. She has performed under the ring name of Paige since 2012, joining WWE's main roster in 2014. The inaugural NXT Women's Champion and a two-time WWE Divas Champion, Bevis was forced to retire from in-ring competition at the age of 25 in April of 2018 after suffering injuries to her neck. She then undertook non-wrestling roles for the company and remains in its employ to this day, most recently being seen on WWE television back in March of this year."I honestly have got to the point [where] I cannot deal with this company anymore," Bevis said during her Twitch stream. "Now I have to make a very important decision. I'm fucking tired, man. I broke my fucking neck twice -- twice -- for this company, dude. Over-fucking-worked. I broke my fucking neck twice for this company."They don't realize that this community... isn't just about fucking subs, dude. It isn't about that," she continued. "We built such a wonderful community, a wonderful fucking family where this is [an] escape for a lot of people, including myself. I can't wrestle anymore. I always worked so hard in WWE that I can't wrestle anymore. My neck is fucked. My whole fucking dreams got taken away from me, dude, and I had to have something that fulfilled... that huge fucking void that I lost with wrestling."In addition to the comments on her stream, Bevis made a post to Twitter reading, "Twitch community, how did wrestlers make you feel when we stream on Twitch? I know it helps mentally with me. Having such a positive outlet to go to." She then shared a GIF from The Office, in which the character of Michael Scott declares, "I am not to be 'truffled' with."
Back in early September, it was reported that WWE was planning to ban its employees from using third-party platforms like Twitch. "Some of you are engaged with outside third parties using your name and likeness in ways that are detrimental to our company," an alleged letter from WWE Chairman and CEW Vince McMahon reads. "It is imperative that these activities be terminated [by Friday, Oct. 2]. Continued violations will result in fines, suspension, or termination at WWE's discretion."
Shortly thereafter, however, WWE clarified that its performers would still be allowed to have these third-party accounts, but had to operate them under their real names, not their ring names. It then came to light that the company was planning to take over its employees' Twitch accounts, taking the revenue they generated and offering a portion of it to the wrestlers. Finally, last night, several WWE superstars evidently suspended their activities on Twitch at the company's behest, including AJ Styles, Mia Yim, Cesaro, Aleister Black and Zelina Vega. PWInsider (via Fightful) reports that certain superstars met with Vince McMahon to argue against the ban, to no avail. PWInsider also believes WWE is planning to give its own Twitch account a push in the coming weeks.
Source: Twitter\@ItsMachoT | Twitter\@RealPaigeWWE | Twitter\@RealPaigeWWE | Fightful