Revealed: Why Paige's SmackDown Segment Was Cut

Former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Paige was set to address Nikki Bella on Friday Night SmackDown this week, only for her segment to get cut from the show, with WWE instead posting her pre-recorded promo on social media as a “digital exclusive”. It has now been revealed as to why WWE changed up their plans for the blue brand on August 14. 

According to a report from PWInsider, the explanation behind Paige’s segment being cut is a simple one. It is noted that the segment was removed from the broadcast for “logistical reasons”, suggesting that it was down to time constraints. The segment lasted for 1 minute and 29 seconds. 

On the back of her segment not airing on Friday Night SmackDown, Paige took to social media to respond to a jibe from rival Nikki Bella, making reference to the fact that her minutes were cut from the show. Nikki & Brie Bella betrayed Paige and turned heel at SummerSlam 2026, though Brie Bella would suffer a broken scapula on the back of their trios match, ruling her out for 3 to 6 months.