WWE News: Fans support Paige on her recent leaked content controversy
What’s the story?
After what can only be described as a terrible 36 hours for the former NXT and WWE Divas Champion, it seems that she can take some form of solace in the way that some of her devoted following have chosen to show their support in the wake of what has happened this weekend.
In case you didn’t know
Paige (real name Saraya-Jade Belvis) has been conspicuous by her absence on WWE programming since her final televised match on Monday Night RAW, teaming with Sasha Banks on the 27th June last year. On Friday 17th March, a series of explicit photographs and videos were leaked onto the internet professing to include the estranged diva. As rumours continued to surface about who else was in them, Paige took to Twitter in order to respond to the news;
Personal and private photos of mine were stolen and unfortunately they were shared publicly without my consent.
— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) March 17, 2017
The heart of the matter
However, as the saying goes, ‘every cloud has a silver lining.’ Whilst Paige may be understandably be feeling vulnerable at the moment, fans of the diva and her brothers have formed a united front and set the hashtag #IStandWithPaige trending worldwide on Twitter in an attempt to show their support for her;
RT and use #IStandWithPaige to let @RealPaigeWWE know we still love and adore her!! Paige you will get past this... It will get better!! pic.twitter.com/71M8j0efdw
— A Wrestling Artist (@AWrestlingArt) March 19, 2017
NOBODY deserves to have their privacy invaded. Whoever done this is DISGUSTING! show some respect for @RealPaigeWWE
— Elena (papa gal) (@luvthisboo) March 19, 2017
#IStandWithPaige
@RealPaigeWWE @YouTube Sad to see this happend to you! Stay strong!!! Like so many others i'll stand by your side! #IStandWithPaige #support
— Sickboy24/7 (@ErosSickboy) March 18, 2017
What next?
With the WWE in the process of developing a film centred around Paige’s beginnings in her family’s own wrestling promotion to her victory over AJ Lee to become the Divas champion, and considering the fact the relationship with Belvis and the WWE can be considered frosty at best, this is certainly not what was wanted by either party. WWE are yet to comment on the scandal, though it will be interesting to see what they say once they do eventually comment. However, as Paige is undoubtedly looking for any good in this situation going forward, it is likely she is finding some comfort from her loyal fan-base.
Sportskeeda’s take
Every person, celebrity or not, is entitled to a private life. WWE Superstars are subjected to intense media scrutiny and it is unlikely much of their lives are ever truly private. Therefore it is incredibly unfair that what a person does in the comfort of their own private life is then exposed for the world to see without permission. Yes, Paige will likely be touched by the support shown by fans, but that won’t undo what is already done. Whoever has leaked these photos and videos should hang their head in shame. It is the worst manner of invasion of privacy.