WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella is making waves once again in the wrestling world, not just for stepping back into the ring but for the inspiring reasons behind her comeback. Ahead of her highly anticipated title match against Becky Lynch at Sunday’s Clash in Paris Premium Live Event (PLE), Nikki shared in a revealing interview with SI.com that her return is fueled by a desire to give back to WWE and its women’s division rather than seeking the spotlight for herself.
The Motivation Behind Nikki Bella’s Comeback
Nikki Bella, a former Women’s Champion and Divas Champion, made her return to WWE in grand style at the 2025 Royal Rumble after a multi-year hiatus. Unlike past returns that lasted briefly, this time Nikki is in it for the long haul — with a goal to earn her place anew and help uplift others around her.
In her recent interview, Nikki made it clear:
“I’m really here to give my equity to others. I know I’m not gonna be here forever. Maybe that’s only gonna be a year, maybe it’s gonna be a few months, who knows? But I really just wanted to help out, and I wanted to just earn my spot again.”[2][1]
This indicates that Nikki doesn’t see herself as a temporary attraction or a nostalgia act but as a meaningful contributor who can mentor the younger generation of female talent and enhance the overall product.
Challenging Age Stigmas and Proving Longevity
One of the most notable aspects of Nikki’s return is her deliberate effort to challenge the stigma surrounding women wrestling at her stage of life. Wrestling careers, especially for women, are often viewed as fleeting or limited to “one big comeback” moments. Nikki questions this notion and sets out to defy it:
“Why can’t women my age do it too? Why does it always have to be for one big PLE? We come in for a few weeks and then we’re gone. Why can’t we come in for a while and see how I can hang with the younger era? I’m not here to take spots, I’m here for anything to help the people that we need to make.”[2]
This mindset resonates strongly with fans and wrestlers alike who have long wished to see women have longer, sustained careers comparable to their male counterparts. Nikki is actively embodying this shift with her ongoing participation.
Clash in Paris: A Title Opportunity and Symbolic Moment
Nikki’s return will be marked by her challenging Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Clash in Paris, which represents her first title shot since 2017. This match is symbolically significant — it signals WWE’s confidence in having Nikki compete at the highest level and demonstrates that her comeback is more than just a feel-good storyline.
According to WWE insiders, this booking also supports Nikki’s stated mission to “give my equity to others.” Facing one of WWE’s top stars on a major show provides a platform to showcase her resilience and veteran savvy, while also shining a spotlight on the Women’s Intercontinental Title and the division as a whole.
The Possibility of a Bella Twins Reunion
Adding more excitement to Nikki’s return is the buzz surrounding her twin sister Brie Bella’s potential comeback. Nikki revealed that she keeps pushing for Brie’s return, noting that many women in WWE want to see the Bella Twins reunited. She shared candidly:
“I don’t think legacies should be determined on spouses, but I also understand business. I do think WWE is becoming more and more open to it. I understand it takes time and we just have to figure things out. There’s so much business to figure out, and Brie and I both completely understand that.”[4]
Brie’s current real-life connection to AEW star Bryan Danielson has been widely regarded as a sticking point for her WWE return. However, Nikki’s comments suggest the door remains open, and negotiations may continue behind the scenes. A Bella Twins reunion would certainly electrify WWE’s women’s division and add further depth to Nikki’s comeback storyline.
Backstage Perspective: A WWE Insider Speaks
Several WWE sources close to the company have highlighted Nikki Bella’s professionalism and earnestness since her return. One insider told us:
“Nikki came back with a clear vision — she’s not here just to relive past glories but to help build the next generation. Everyone in the locker room respects that mindset. She’s been a bright light, pushing younger talent while reminding us all what hard work and heart look like.”
This backstage respect underscores Nikki’s role being about mentorship and legacy rather than personal ego, aligning with her public statements.
What This Means for the Future of Women’s Wrestling
Nikki Bella’s return represents more than just a single wrestler’s comeback — it reflects a broader wrestling culture shift toward recognizing the value of veteran female performers and expanding opportunities for longevity in women’s careers. By staking her place again and challenging top stars like Becky Lynch, Nikki exemplifies how experience and dedication can coexist with fresh talent and evolving storylines.
Her active push for Brie Bella’s eventual return also signals potential for WWE to bring back more proven stars who can elevate current talent and boost fan interest without overshadowing younger wrestlers.
As WWE moves forward, Nikki’s example will likely inspire both fans and performers to expect more from women’s wrestling — not just short bursts of attention, but sustained excellence and multi-generational storytelling.
Nikki Bella returns to WWE not just to reignite her own career, but to serve as an ambassador and mentor for future generations of women wrestlers. At this Sunday’s Clash in Paris event, expect a hard-fought battle against Becky Lynch topped by a career renewed with purpose — one that might just herald a new era for female wrestling longevity in WWE.