Saraya-Jade Bevis (Saraya) on Her Book, WWE Career, Addiction, and Resilience

Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings

• 🤼 Saraya-Jade Bevis, known as Saraya, discusses her upbringing in a wrestling family and her early passion for the sport, even considering a career as a veterinarian.
• 💡 She recounts her first WWE tryout at 18, where she initially attempted to fit the 'diva' mold but was told she lacked confidence.
• 🌟 Returning as her authentic self with pale skin, dark hair, and piercings, she impressed WWE officials, leading to her signing at 19.
• 💥 Her brother, Zak, also pursued wrestling but faced numerous rejections from WWE, though he later signed with AEW.

WWE Career and Public Struggles

• 💔 Saraya details the immense challenges she faced in WWE, including addiction, trauma, and the public release of sex tapes.
• ⚠️ She highlights how WWE provided crucial support during her darkest times, including therapy and a path to sobriety, ultimately saving her life.
• 🚫 Despite public struggles and two failed drug tests, WWE offered her a chance to stay sober for a year to have a strike removed, a motivation that helped her recovery.
• 🤕 A severe neck injury in 2017, resulting from a kick to the back of the neck, led to temporary paralysis and ultimately forced her retirement from in-ring competition after a second neck surgery.

The Book 'Hell In Boots' and Personal Growth

• 📖 Saraya discusses the writing process for her book, 'Hell In Boots,' describing it as an exhausting but ultimately cathartic experience.
• 🗣️ She emphasizes the importance of telling her own story accurately, involving others who were part of her experiences to ensure authenticity.
• 🌱 The book delves into her childhood abuse, a topic she had never publicly discussed, aiming to help others who have faced similar traumas.
• 💪 Saraya advocates for identifying as a survivor rather than a victim, a mindset shift that significantly aided her mental health journey.

Mental Health and Support Systems

• 🧠 She shares her journey through various therapeutic approaches, including talk therapy, EMDR, and ketamine treatments, stressing the importance of finding the right therapist.
• 🤝 WWE's support extended to providing her with an in-house therapist specializing in drug and alcohol addiction.
• 🌟 Saraya credits her supportive friends, like Renee Paquette and her roommates Joey and Raquel, for their unwavering support during her struggles.
• 💖 Her family, particularly her father, showed immense support after the sex tape leak, helping her navigate the mortifying experience.

Transition to AEW and Future Outlook

• 🚀 After her WWE contract wasn't renewed, Saraya signed with AEW, partly because they offered her brother an opportunity.
• 🕊️ She recently parted ways with AEW, seeking a break from wrestling to focus on other aspects of her life, including acting.
• 🎤 Saraya expresses a desire for more control over her life and career decisions, having felt restricted in previous roles.
• 🌟 She remains open to future opportunities, potentially in commentary or other capacities, while prioritizing her well-being and personal growth.