Nikki Bella Opens Up About Her Comeback: “Wrestling Never Left My Heart”
Nikki Bella is officially back in WWE full-time, and fans couldn’t be happier. The former Divas Champion has jumped straight into a major storyline with current Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, proving she’s still a force in the ring. Her return began earlier this year in the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble, where she shocked everyone by lasting all the way to the final four.
But for a long time, it looked like Nikki Bella might never wrestle again.
A Comeback Nearly Impossible
Back in 2019, doctors found a cyst in Nikki’s brain — a terrifying diagnosis that forced her to retire at just 35. She had to walk away from the career she loved, unsure if she would ever compete again. What followed was nearly six years of uncertainty, recovery, and determination.
This year, she finally stepped back into the ring, proving her fighting spirit never faded.
Nikki Bella Shares Her Mindset Behind the Return
During an appearance on The Sherri Shepherd Show, Nikki opened up about the emotional journey behind her comeback — and the physical challenges of wrestling again at 42.
“It’s all mindset now,” Nikki said. “The pain hits harder after shows. The younger girls go out to celebrate, and I’m in my hotel bed with ice packs thinking, ‘I’ve got a flight in the morning!’
Recovery is tougher, but I stay focused because the fire inside me never went away.”
She explained that wrestling is a feeling you can’t shake — the roar of the crowd, the adrenaline, the empowerment of performing in the ring.
“Being a pro wrestler never leaves you. WWE is family. It gives you this rush that makes you want to show up every week. And hey — I’m turning 42 on Friday, so I’m hanging in there!”
A Rivalry Heating Up With Stephanie Vaquer
Nikki’s return wasn’t easy. She suffered a series of losses and even went on a brief losing streak. But everything changed when she snapped — turning heel and attacking Stephanie Vaquer twice on back-to-back episodes of RAW.
The attacks sent a clear message: Nikki Bella wants the Women’s World Championship.
And she’s not waiting quietly.
With a renewed fire and a powerful comeback story, Nikki Bella is proving she’s far from done — and the WWE Universe is ready for this next chapter.
