Nikki Bella Reportedly Nearing WWE Return as Creative Plans Resurface

Nikki Bella appears to be on the verge of a WWE comeback following months on the sidelines.

The Hall of Famer made a notable return to the company at the Royal Rumble in January 2025, competing in ten matches throughout the year, including a challenge for the Women’s World Championship. However, her 2026 campaign has been limited to just three bouts due to an ankle injury sustained prior to WrestleMania 42 in April.

At WrestleMania 42, Paige stepped in to replace Nikki as Brie Bella’s tag team partner, and the duo captured the Women’s Tag Team Championships—a reign they have held since the event.

According to a report from WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, the 42-year-old is progressing toward an in-ring return.

“It appears Nikki Bella is progressing towards a return, as we’re told her name has been mentioned creatively over the past several weeks for the first time since WrestleMania.

According to a source, the renewed creative discussion is viewed internally as a positive sign that her return may not be that far off.”

WrestleVotes also confirmed that WWE originally intended to crown The Bella Twins as Women’s Tag Team Champions for the first time at WrestleMania, plans that were derailed by Nikki’s injury.

“They had grand plans for the Bella Twins at WrestleMania to walk in and then walk out with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Those championships—one with Brie Bella, the other with Paige, who replaced Nikki Bella.”

During the discussion, TC of WrestleVotes offered a theoretical scenario for Nikki’s reintegration into the storyline.

“When Nikki Bella returns, I absolutely see her wanting to take Paige’s spot. How do you do that? You get Paige out of the mix.

Maybe Paige takes a loss, you see Brie turn on Paige, and that’s the reinsertion of Nikki Bella here into the fold.”

It should be noted that this specific scenario represents speculation rather than confirmed reporting.

Nikki Bella Has Her Eyes On Championship Gold

Regarding her potential comeback, Bella recently expressed a desire to pursue the Women’s World Championship on Raw.

“I always love to think and dream big. So, for me, it would for sure be the Women’s World Championship. And you know, all this time I have right now to lie on my back, ice, and elevate my ankle and be in therapy.

You know me, I’m always, just the wheels start turning, and knowing that Liv just won it and there’s a lot of unfinished business there. And then I was like, ‘Oh, wait.’ You know, and Liv has Judgment Day, and I technically have Paige and Brie.

We can call Team Bella. And I’m like, wait, this sounds all amazing and perfect. So, I would go after that. I would go after Liv’s championship.”

During her WWE career, Nikki Bella captured the Divas Championship twice, with her second reign lasting a historic 301 days.

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