- Nikki Bella’s last WWE match came three years ago
- Bella has expressed interest in a true WWE return for months now
- Real-name Nikki Garcia finalised her divorce back in November
Nikki Bella made a stunning return to WWE as a surprise entrant in the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble.
The 41-year-old, who has teased a wrestling comeback for months, entered in the coveted number 30 spot to a massive ovation from the Indianapolis crowd.
Bella did manage to eliminate Bayley and made it to the final four, but Charlotte Flair would win the battle royal matchup.
The WWE Hall of Famer, who shot to fame alongside her twin sister Brie, also appeared on WWE’s Netflix debut back on January 6 and was warmly recieved.
Bella, real name Nikki Garcia is only a few months on from finalising her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev.
Bella filed for divorce from the former Dancing with the Stars pro in September only weeks after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.
Chigvintsev did not face criminal charges at the time owing to a lack of evidence, according to the Napa County District Attorney.
The pair were granted protective orders against one another, which remained in place until they reached a divorce settlement in November.
Speaking to Us Weekly earlier this year, Bella noted that she missed being her WWE persona Nikki Bella and being in the ring.
‘I’ve missed it for quite a few years,’ Nikki said. ‘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.’
‘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.’
