Nikki Bella stunned WWE fans with her return to Monday Night Raw on October 20, 2025, stepping into the ring to help WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer fend off an aggressive assault from the Judgment Day faction. This marked Bella’s first televised appearance since her loss to Becky Lynch at WWE Clash in Paris, signaling a fresh chapter in her WWE journey.
Nikki Bella’s Surprise Comeback Energizes Raw Audience
After weeks of speculation about her status, Nikki Bella made an electrifying entrance at Raw in Sacramento, immediately answering the call for assistance as Stephanie Vaquer found herself under attack. Facing down two formidable opponents Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez Vaquer was outnumbered until Bella dashed to the ring to shift momentum.
Nikki managed to take Roxanne Perez off her feet but was temporarily overwhelmed by Rodriguez. Vaquer recovered quickly, delivering a strike that gave Bella enough time to regroup. Together, the duo cleared the ring of the Judgment Day representatives, culminating in a heartfelt embrace between the Hall of Famer and the Women’s World Champion, underscoring a renewed alliance on the women’s division.
Backstage Insights: Nikki Bella’s Role in WWE’s Women’s Division
According to sources close to WWE creative, Bella’s return is more than a one-off moment. “Nikki is being positioned as a key supporting figure for Stephanie Vaquer as WWE builds fresh storylines around the Women’s World Title and the ongoing chaos caused by Judgment Day,” revealed a WWE insider. “They see her as a credible veteran who can provide guidance on-screen while also elevating newer talent like Vaquer”[2].
Throughout her recent comeback, Nikki has blended in-ring competition with impactful backstage segments. Her recent programs have seen her interact with rising stars such as Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, and Asuka, indicating WWE’s intention to weave her into multiple narratives[2]. Her match against Becky Lynch in Paris, while ending in defeat, was hailed internally as a highlight of her in-ring return, confirming she still possesses high-level performance ability[2].
The Judgment Day’s Rising Threat to Women’s Division Stability
Judgment Day has aggressively targeted the women’s division on Raw, particularly setting their sights on the Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer. Their hit squad, featuring Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez, has been instrumental in exerting dominance and chaos. Nikki Bella’s timely intervention halted what could have been a devastating beatdown, preserving Vaquer’s momentum and sending a clear message that WWE veterans are ready to protect their own[4][5].
The Judgment Day’s recent activities signal WWE’s intent to deepen rivalries within the women’s ranks, blending veteran star power with emerging contenders. Bella’s return fits perfectly into this dynamic, offering a counterbalance in the faction warfare unfolding on Raw[5].
Potential Storyline Directions and Bella’s Future in WWE
Speculation within wrestling circles suggests Nikki may play a hybrid role that mixes mentoring with occasional wrestling appearances. Sources hint she might re-align with or oppose certain factions depending on storyline needs, especially considering the evolving rivalries involving Asuka, Kairi Sane, IYO SKY, and Rhea Ripley[2].
One backstage source noted, “Nikki’s versatility means she can seamlessly transition from managing roles to in-ring action. She’s expected to stay visible on WWE programming for the foreseeable future, especially as the women’s division seeks to build fresh, high-profile feuds”[2].
This return could potentially lead to new matchups or even a partnership storyline between Nikki Bella and Stephanie Vaquer, further raising the Women’s World Championship’s prestige on WWE Raw.
Fan and Media Reactions: Mixed Buzz but Overall Excitement
Nikki’s comeback was not without some controversy; during the live broadcast, a split-second screen blackout sparked rumors of a wardrobe malfunction even though the segment continued smoothly without incident[1]. Nonetheless, fan reaction skewed heavily positive, with many praising WWE for bringing back a beloved Hall of Famer during a critical storyline moment. Social media buzzed throughout Raw with clips of Nikki’s heroic rescue going viral[4].
Media outlets uniformly recognized Nikki’s role in injecting fresh energy into Raw’s women’s division, with analysts highlighting how veteran presence like hers can help elevate up-and-coming stars and enhance storyline credibility[5].
Nikki Bella’s Legacy and Continued Influence in WWE
As a two-time WWE Divas Champion and WWE Hall of Famer, Nikki Bella has an enduring legacy within professional wrestling. Her ability to still command the audience’s attention after years away from weekly TV is a testament to her charisma and skill[2].
Sources close to company management indicated that WWE views Nikki not only as a competitor but as an ambassador for the women’s division, leveraging her star power to boost viewer engagement and assist in introducing new talents who will define the division’s future.
What’s Next for Nikki Bella and Stephanie Vaquer?
In the immediate term, fans can expect Nikki to play a protective and advisory role for Vaquer, particularly as Judgment Day continues to target the Women’s World Champion. Their allied presence could lead to tag team matches or joint promos aimed at dismantling the Judgment Day’s hold on Raw’s women’s roster[4].
As WWE builds toward upcoming pay-per-views, Nikki Bella’s impact and storylines will likely become more prominent, signaling her sustained commitment to contributing both inside and outside the ring.
Nikki Bella’s raw return not only thrilled the WWE Universe but also added a significant narrative boost to the women’s division, reinforcing her place as one of the company’s enduring fan favorites and essential veterans. Fans will be watching closely as this storyline develops and Nikki’s role expands in the weeks to come.