WWE star Paige, also known as Saraya, has spoken out about an unsettling airport encounter after an autograph seeker allegedly went as far as buying a ticket to access her connecting gate. The former champion said she is generally comfortable signing autographs for fans, but this particular situation crossed a line because the individual appeared to know her flight details and arrival time.
According to TMZ Sports, Paige explained that the collector was waiting for her at a connecting gate in Chicago with approximately 30 photographs. She said the encounter left her uncomfortable because the person had seemingly gone out of his way to locate her while she was traveling rather than meeting her at an official wrestling event or signing.
Paige Says Fan Went Too Far at Connecting Gate
Paige told TMZ Sports that she is normally relaxed when approached for autographs, but the circumstances surrounding this encounter were different. She said the person apparently knew her flight, connection and landing time before waiting for her at the gate.
“This guy bought a ticket to go through to meet me at my connecting gate,”
Paige told TMZ Sports. She added that knowing her travel details and waiting specifically at the gate was
“so f***ing weird”
and had gone too far.
The collector reportedly approached Paige carrying around 30 photographs. She said she questioned the situation directly, with the individual acknowledging that the circumstances were strange.
Paige has also addressed the incident on social media, describing the behavior as increasingly aggressive among autograph collectors. She later suggested that the person likely purchased an airline ticket specifically to get through security and reach the connecting gate.
Paige Urges Fans to Use Official Meet-and-Greets
The former WWE star emphasized that her issue is not with fans wanting autographs. Instead, she wants wrestlers’ personal space respected when they are traveling.
Paige pointed out that WWE wrestlers regularly participate in official meet-and-greets and appearances where fans have opportunities to meet them. She encouraged autograph seekers to use those events rather than waiting at airports, hotels or other private locations.
“We have meet and greets, we tell you where we’re gonna be at the arenas,”
Paige said. She specifically asked fans not to show up at a wrestler’s hotel, connecting gate or airport.
The incident highlights an ongoing issue surrounding autograph collecting and wrestler privacy, particularly when collectors appear to be seeking multiple signatures for resale rather than personal memorabilia. For Paige, signing autographs remains something she is willing to do, but she believes there should be clear boundaries between fan interactions and her private travel time.