Nikki Bella has opened up about the emotional weight of missing WrestleMania 42, describing it as one of the hardest moments of her recent WWE run, given what it may have represented for her career.
Speaking on The Nikki and Brie Show, Nikki reflected on being sidelined by her ankle injury at what could have been her final WrestleMania moment on American soil. With WrestleMania 43 heading to Saudi Arabia next year and her WWE contract expected to expire in early 2028, alongside Brie’s, Nikki does not anticipate having another opportunity like the one she missed this weekend.
“I don’t think a WrestleMania moment for me is going to come around. I get that I’ll probably have my last WrestleMania next year in Saudi maybe, but other than that, that will be it for me. So this would have been my last WrestleMania moment to share with family members and share with people here and, you know, really feel something. And I’ve worked really hard the past year and a half and I haven’t complained. I’ve done what I’ve been told. You know, I’ve helped put people over, even though I don’t care about that. But I’ve really, as far as my character and the impact that I can have, I’ve been very okay taking a step back and helping out and not bitching about it. So this was my moment that I worked really hard for this past year and a half. And for that to all go away is extremely hard,” Nikki said.
Despite not being able to compete, Nikki did factor into the match. She interfered using a crutch to help Brie and the returning Paige pick up the victory and the Women’s Tag Team Championships, meaning she still contributed to a historic night for her family even while injured.
Nikki is currently expected to miss six to eight weeks after tearing, spraining, and fracturing her ankle. She has said her focus right now is on longevity and protecting her quality of life rather than rushing back, and that she is at peace with taking however long the recovery requires.
Brie had considered pulling out of WrestleMania 42 entirely following Nikki’s injury, but ultimately decided to continue. The opportunity to team with Paige in her emotional return to WWE was a significant factor, as the Bellas consider Paige to be family.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit The Nikki and Brie Show with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
