Summary

Paige is scheduled to appear live on the April 24 episode of WWE SmackDown, which would mark her first live appearance on the show since 2019.

She is set to appear alongside Brie Bella, her partner from WrestleMania 42, where the two won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Paige was added to that match as Nikki Bella's replacement after Nikki was injured, and it was also Paige's first WWE match since 2017.

Paige previously served as SmackDown General Manager. She was featured on the show during the pandemic era, but those appearances came via Skype rather than in front of a live crowd.

The announced SmackDown lineup

Along with Paige and Brie Bella, WWE has also announced appearances by Rhea Ripley, Trick Williams and Jacob Fatu for Friday's show.

A WWE Women's United States Championship match is also set, with Giulia defending against Tiffany Stratton.

That kind of first-time-back spotlight has popped up in other recent coverage too, including Pete Dunne's first ATTACK! Pro Wrestling appearance since 2018.

What Paige and Brie Bella bring to SmackDown

Putting Paige and Brie Bella on SmackDown right after their WrestleMania 42 title win gives WWE a chance to follow up on that return in front of a live television crowd. It also keeps the new champions visible while the women's tag title picture settles after Nikki Bella's injury forced the late WrestleMania change.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.