It came as quite a surprise when the WWE announced the suspensions of both Alberto Del Rio and Paige, however, the suspensions have left the futures of both talents in serious doubt. 

Both Del Rio and Paige were not frustrated prior to their suspensions, with Del Rio not being used in a way which most fans wanted, whilst Paige had spent several months off T.V. completely (reportedly through injury). The two stars are dating in real life and were then separated by the brand split which is something that wasn't expected with all other real life couples being placed on the same brands. 

According to reports on NoDQ.com, the futures of both talents are currently up in the air, but losing them would be a huge a loss to the company considering they are two of the most talented in-ring workers on the roster. 

Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio hasn't been used correctly. Photo- WWE.com
Del Rio hasn't been used correctly. Photo- WWE.com

The former World Heavyweight Champion has been used poorly ever since his return to the company after a failed United States Championship which was followed by a failed stable in the League of Nations, Del Rio found himself stuck in the mid-card struggling to find a purpose. The company hasn't used him to his full potential and whilst Del Rio has been consistently putting on good matches the creative team has failed to put him in any real storyline. 

With the brand split, the opportunity was handed to the WWE to use him in a more prominent fashion and that didn't happen. With the suspension added on it means the company are even less likely to use Del Rio and he has an option in his contract that allows him to leave next month if he isn't happy with his position in the company. 

Dave Meltzer has reported that he doesn't expect to see Del Rio back in a WWE ring and added that he wouldn't be surprised to see TNA attempt to sign him. Del Rio has refused to join TNA previously but with the company putting out some quality work in recent months it could be a different scenario this time around, Lucha Underground is also an option. 

Paige

For Paige the situation is quite different, her contract isn't set to expire until 2019 and the only way she could work elsewhere is by being fired. Due to her young age and promising ability is likely she will get another shot with the company who are currently trying to rebuild the women's division, yet her relationship with Del Rio could play a factor. 

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Matthew Wilkinson
Huddersfield University in Sports Journalism. Twitter- MC_Wilkinson1