The Long-Awaited Return of Nikki Bella: A Timeline
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After years of speculation, Nikki Bella has finally made her long-awaited return to WWE. Despite finding major success outside the ring—and navigating a well-documented public dispute with the company—Nikki never closed the door on a comeback. Fans have long dreamed of a Bella Twins Tag Team Championship run, and with Evolution 2 right around the corner (an event Nikki previously headlined), the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
Nikki has also been vocal about her belief in a potential Total Divas reboot, especially in light of WWE’s recent momentum. With all signs pointing to a renewed era for women’s wrestling, her return marks a significant moment in that movement.
This article breaks down the key moments in Nikki Bella’s return:
The Return
WWE Raw—September 1, 2025
Nikki Bella was in a backstage segment talking to IYO SKY when she was interrupted by Kairi Sane and a furious Asuka. Nikki didn’t take kindly to it but walked away with a dirty look.
Clash in Paris 2025—August 31, 2025
Nikki Bella had her first title match since returning to WWE, facing Becky Lynch in a one-on-one bout at WWE Clash in Paris. Overall, it was a great match, despite a few noticeable botches that fans pointed out on social media. Even so, Nikki proved she can still hang with the best and will only continue to improve the longer she’s around.
WWE Raw—August 25, 2025
Nikki Bella made a return to WWE Raw in Birmingham, England. She confronted Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, laying down a challenge for the title at WWE Clash in Paris. Lynch accepted, but the tension didn’t end there. In a heated follow-up, Bella fended off an attack from Lynch, grabbed the championship belt, and held it high, declaring her mission to leave Paris as the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
WWE Raw—August 4, 2025
Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella clashed in a fiery segment on WWE Raw. Lynch took a jab at Bella’s past relationship with John Cena, mocking Cena’s iconic “you can’t see me” taunt by saying Bella “can’t see him anymore.” The crowd erupted, some chanting “holy s***” in response. The confrontation ended with Nikki Bella challenging Lynch for the Intercontinental Championship.
WWE Raw—July 28, 2025
Nikki Bella teamed with Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, and Stephanie Vaquer to defeat Naomi, Chelsea Green, Alba Fyre, and Piper Niven in an eight-woman tag match on Monday Night Raw. This victory helped build toward SummerSlam, where IYO SKY will challenge Naomi for the WWE Women’s World Title.
WWE Raw—July 14, 2025
Nikki Bella went one-on-one with former United States Champion Chelsea Green, with The Secret Service at ringside. It was a dream match for Chelsea and a strong way to kick off Nikki’s in-ring return, marking her first singles match back. Despite constant interference from Chelsea’s Slaygents, Nikki managed to pull off the win, barely landing her finisher to secure the victory.
After the match, Alba Fyre and Piper Niven launched a surprise attack on Nikki. Just as the numbers game took over, Stephanie Vaquer ran in to make the save. After laying out the trio, she helped Nikki up and the two celebrated in the ring.
Evolution 2—July 13, 2025
At Evolution, Nikki Bella entered the Women’s Battle Royal with a guaranteed title shot at WWE Clash at the Castle 2025 on the line. She had her moments and performed well, but was ultimately eliminated by Lash Legend. What’s next for Nikki remains unclear, but Liv Morgan’s injury clearly came at an unfortunate time.
WWE Raw—July 7, 2025
With Liv Morgan sidelined due to injury, her program with Nikki Bella came to a halt. Instead, Nikki appeared on Monday Night Raw to declare her entry into the Battle Royal at Evolution 2, set for Sunday, July 13 in Atlanta, Georgia.
WWE Raw—June 9, 2025
Nikki Bella made her highly anticipated return on Monday Night Raw, cutting a promo about Evolution 2 and praising the current women’s division. However, she failed to mention Liv Morgan, prompting Liv to come out and confront her. The two exchanged heated words before Nikki attempted to leave the ring. Just as she tried to re-enter and go after Liv, Morgan acted quickly—dropping Nikki with an ObLIVion and leaving her laid out in the ring.
The Build-Up to the Return
May 1, 2025 — On an episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, Nikki Bella gave fans a glimpse into her current mindset and physical journey—hinting that a return may be closer than expected:
“I’ve been slowly getting back into lifting heavier to prep for this comeback. I told myself that exactly, a little bit at a time, you’re not gonna get super strong overnight.”
April 15, 2025 — Natalya discusses Nikki’s training at Dungeon 2.0 during her interview with Chris Van Vliet, and reflects on starting out in WWE alongside the Bella Twins.
February 10, 2025 — Nine days after the Royal Rumble, a video of Nikki Bella training at Dungeon 2.0 with Natalya giving her instructions went viral on X.
February 1, 2025 — Nikki Bella made her return at the Royal Rumble as the final entrant, coming in at #30. She managed to eliminate Bayley before being eliminated by Nia Jax.
After the match, WWE shared a reel on Instagram where Nikki teased that this might not be a one-time appearance:
January 29, 2025 — Nikki Bella speaks to Us Weekly following her appearance on WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix. Here’s what she had to say about that return:
“I’ve missed it for quite a few years,” Nikki admitted. “I miss being Nikki Bella. I miss being around that family. I definitely miss being in that ring. When they put me in the crowd that night and to feel the energy and see the Bella Army, whether they were in the crowd or online, it starts to give you these feels.”
Nikki added, “Going home to WWE, I don’t think people understand, I started at 22. That’s all I ever knew up until a little bit ago. So, that’s been the biggest home for me and to go back and be home and the environment there is so incredible. The women were just, what a great locker room. They were just so awesome and together and one and unity and everyone back there was just so happy. You could tell the energy there right now is just incredible.”
She was also asked about the potential of Brie joining her this time around:
“When I went and I came back, I was like, ‘Brie, it’s so amazing,’” Nikki said. “So maybe we should make a comeback. She’s so in mom mode, but Brie has that fire in her, too. She has that last run. I feel like it wouldn’t take a lot to get her to come back with me.”
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