Paige – 2017 – RAW
Paige’s return, much like Nikki Bella‘s, was a return from a neck injury and subsequent surgery. The difference is, she didn’t come alone. After a year of being out of the ring, Paige returned to a loud reaction as she interrupted a Fatal 4-Way match that was underway in the ring.
She would first pander to the crowd with a “Did you miss me?” response prior to letting everyone know that she was back. She would follow up by explaining that she brought some friends to her welcome back extravaganza.
Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose (who are now known as Fire & Desire) would emerge from the crowd and attack the women that were apart of the Fatal 4-Way match that Paige interrupted. The trio would then go on to be called Absolution. The stable and name would disband once Paige retired from in-ring competition.
Naomi – 2017 – SmackDown
Naomi’s return in 2017 was much like Melina‘s in 2010. She had to relinquish her SmackDown Women’s Championship in order to take time off due to injury. What made matters worse was she won the title just eight days prior at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view against Alexa Bliss. Bliss would win back the title the same night Naomi had to vacate it by defeating Becky Lynch.
Luckily for
She would go on to win that match in her hometown and become a two-time champion by causing Bliss to tap out. This has also made her the first and currently the only African American to win this title.
Naomi is currently out of action and has been since July and explained that this time off has been due to personal reasons and her health. Hopefully she will be back shortly when the time is right for her and we will have another exciting return in the history books.
