5 ways Paige could return to WWE

WWE has changed a lot since Paige took a hiatus from in-ring competition due to an injury. No matter what, it certainly looks like she's gearing up for a return.

With WWE actually acknowledging her imminent return, it certainly appears the assumptions might be correct that she's been medically cleared.

Paige also made things pretty obvious on social media revealing that she was at the WWE Performance Center training once again. She certainly had promising things to report.

There are several ways WWE could bring Paige back to the WWE Universe. The possibilities are endless but we've been able to pull together five really interesting ones.

You have to be ready for any number of scenarios when you 're talking about Paige's comeback. After all, anything can happen in WWE.

#5- The Asuka angle

The Empress Of Tomorrow vs The Anti-Diva

You never know how someone will make a debut of any kind. Whether they're returning from injury, moving up from NXT, or coming in from another promotion there's always the chance of a surprise. This is especially true if you're talking about two massive returns/debuts at the same time.

What if Paige waits until Asuka's debut on RAW to make her big comeback? Rumors were Paige is headed to SmackDown Live. But WWE's official announcement about Paige's comeback made no mention of her free agency. Also, to be honest, RAW needs more than just Asuka to compete with SmackDown Live's deep roster of talented females.

The Empress Of Tomorrow has been promoted to debut on RAW and the vignettes suggest that it's "coming soon." Reports indicate that it might be November before we see who many call the female Goldberg on RAW. What if when that time comes, she gets a very special surprise?

In the middle of Asuka's first promo in the ring, Paige's music could play, to a thunderous reaction. Paige coming out and starting a feud between the first NXT Women's Champion and the unbeaten NXT Women's Champion might be a fun feud with some legs to it.

#4- Carmella's cash-In

More than she bargained for

Carmella is Miss 'Money In The Bank' and it's been a rather interesting adventure, thus far. Paige is believed to be ready for a return anytime now, so Hell In A Cell could be on the cards.

What if, after a grueling match between Natalya and Charlotte Flair, which would rival their NXT TakeOver classic, Carmella finally makes her move?

Whether Natalya retains her title or Flair is victorious, either celebration could be short-lived. Carmella could run down with her lapdog James Ellsworth and cash in her Money In The Bank contract.

After Carmella wins a very quick match against an already exhausted opponent she would certainly celebrate up the ramp with her new SmackDown Women's Championship. Then you could insert Paige into the equation.

Paige's famous music could break out and stop Carmella in her tracks. All Paige would need to do is walk out, point to the title, and it would be on from there. This could put Paige on top of the SmackDown Live Women's roster right from the get-go.

#3- Back to NXT

Is Paige still NXT, at heart?

There were recent reports WWE was considering another Superstar Shake-Up very soon. Some stars might even be moved from the main roster back down to NXT, if rumors are to be believed. There could be any number of reasons for someone's move back down to NXT and not all of them are bad.

WWE could think they need to repackage someone or the creative team may not have anything for them, at the moment. They could think a particular Superstar would be a value addition to WWE's developmental territory. All are plausible excuses to send someone to the WWE Performance Center for another run.

After all, there's still time to insert Paige into the match at NXT TakeOver: Houston to determine who's going to claim the NXT Women's Title, after Asuka vacated it.

If she spent some time in NXT it would not only elevate the brand but also supply her with ample opportunity to help others learn from her experience, and even learn a few tricks, herself.

#2- Squash City

Welcome back

The backstage environment and all the politics involved can really throw a monkey wrench in even the most certain plans.

While she's been away from action, Paige has taken part in some activities which could have given WWE a black eye. Although Paige was the victim in a couple of those unfortunate circumstances, those backstage could see differently.

After all, she was on camera grinning away while Alberto El Patron said he wanted to fight Triple H, while calling him some pretty nasty names. In the end, Paige's relationship might hurt her when it comes to WWE backstage politics.

If Paige came back to WWE and had to eat crow for a while it might not be too big of a surprise. She could be used to put people over who need the push. After all, she's a great performer and can make people look good.

WWE might be bringing her back in order to help elevate other workers. Hopefully, she isn't relegated to enhancement talent status but it wouldn't be too shocking if she took a few losses during her comeback.

#1- The thank you speech

Let's get real

Paige has been through a lot during her life, especially in the past year. She's been a victim of circumstance, association, and hackers. Through it all, her fans still know WWE is her house and can't wait to see her back in the ring.

If WWE simply promoted her return to television a week in advance and let her deliver an emotional speech, it could work well. She would have the chance to thank her fans for all the support by lightly touching on her life's trials and tribulations.

After all, this is the Reality Era and if WWE just looked controversy right in the eye it could do wonders to get her over. It would also be great for that new movie they're producing about her family.

Paige's speech could then be interrupted mid-way through by a heel challenging her to a match. After that, the WWE Universe could be treated to the true in-ring return of the Anti-Diva.