In a heartfelt revelation from her newly released memoir, Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives, Saraya-Jade Bevis—known to wrestling fans as Saraya in AEW and formerly Paige in WWE—shared a powerful story about WWE superstar Drew McIntyre. The anecdote, which has resonated deeply with readers, highlights a moment from her teenage years when McIntyre stepped in to protect her from a troubling encounter.
The emotional weight of the story was evident when a fan took to X, posting, “The part abt Drew in the book had me tearing up ngl.” Saraya responded directly, offering context: “Drew McIntyre saved me from not a good person when I was 14 years old, helluva human. Helluva friend.”
The incident occurred during Saraya’s early days in the British independent wrestling scene, a period when she was just beginning to carve out her path in the industry at the tender age of 14. In an interview with Justin Dhillon of The Wrestling Classic to promote her book, released on March 25, 2025, Saraya recounted the unsettling experience. She described being in Scotland when a fellow wrestler, who had been persistently “creepy” toward her, crossed a line by making a particularly inappropriate comment. McIntyre, then a rising talent himself in the UK wrestling circuit, overheard the remark. Without hesitation, he confronted the individual, taking him aside and, as Saraya put it, “laid into him.” The intervention was so effective that the man never approached her again. “It scared the guy so much that he never talked to me ever again,” she said, reflecting on how McIntyre’s actions spared her from potential harm.
Adding a chilling layer to the story, Saraya revealed in the interview that the wrestler in question later faced serious legal consequences, having been charged with child p0rn0graphy. “It still scares me to think what might have happened if Drew hadn’t been there,” she admitted, underscoring the gravity of the situation and McIntyre’s role as her protector. The two had known each other from their time in the European wrestling scene—McIntyre hailing from Ayr, Scotland, and Saraya from Norwich, England—where they crossed paths as young talents honing their craft before their eventual rises to international fame.
The story has struck a chord with fans, amplifying McIntyre’s reputation as not just a formidable in-ring competitor but a person of strong moral character. Following the book’s launch, McIntyre himself offered a glowing review of Saraya’s journey, posted on McNallyRobinson.com and later shared widely. “From seeing her begin this journey as a teenager in the British wrestling scene to where she is today, I’m so proud to see not just the wrestler, but the woman Raya has become,” he wrote. “Truth is the wrestling is the easy part. It’s homesickness, trying to learn how to be an adult and the setbacks that life throws at you that is the real challenge. Raya has faced moments that almost broke her and would break any normal person, thankfully she is no normal person.” His words reflect a deep bond forged over years of shared experiences, with this early act of heroism standing out as a testament to his character.
Saraya’s memoir delves into numerous challenges she faced, from family struggles to personal traumas, including her forced retirement from in-ring competition in 2018 due to a neck injury, and her triumphant return in 2022 with AEW. Yet, this particular chapter about McIntyre has captured significant attention, shedding light on the darker corners of the wrestling world and the allies who help navigate them. Fans on social media have praised McIntyre’s actions, with one user noting, “Drew seems like a genuinely good guy, and I’ll be a fan of his for as long as I watch wrestling.” Another highlighted the contrast between his intimidating WWE persona and his real-life integrity, calling him “the GOAT” for his off-screen heroics.
Saraya announced on her podcast ‘Rulebreakers With Saraya’ that her tenure with AEW has ended. Meanwhile, McIntyre remains a top star in WWE, currently embroiled in a high-profile feud with Damian Priest, with speculation building toward a clash at WrestleMania 41.
Their divergent paths haven’t diminished the mutual respect evident in their words—Saraya calling McIntyre a “helluva human” and “helluva friend,” and McIntyre celebrating her resilience. This story from nearly two decades ago, now immortalized in Hell in Boots, serves as a poignant reminder of the bonds that shape wrestling’s stars, both in and out of the ring.
Also Read: Saraya Reveals Why Tony Khan Allowed Her To Leave AEW Before Contract Expiry Date
