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
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, 2024 — 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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