Few returns in WWE history have been as unexpected and emotional as Nikki Bella’s comeback in 2025. The WWE Hall of Famer, known as much for her long absences as her star power, surprised the world by entering the Women’s Royal Rumble match as the final entrant[2]. But this run isn’t just about nostalgia it’s a bold statement about belonging in the ring at 41, competing at a high level, and defining what women’s wrestling can be in the modern era. Recently, Nikki opened up about how this latest chapter is unlike any she’s experienced before, and what it means for both herself and WWE’s women’s division.
The Return That Shook The Roster
Nikki Bella’s surprise entry at the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble marked a watershed moment for fans and the locker room alike. For years, her name was synonymous with the Divas Revolution, but she had largely stepped away from in-ring competition. This return, however, was different. She didn’t just make a cameo—she announced herself as a serious competitor, eliminating Bayley before eventually being taken out by Nia Jax[2]. The message was clear: Nikki Bella was back on her own terms.
According to a WWE insider, Nikki’s return was kept tightly under wraps, with only a handful of senior officials and trusted producers aware she’d be entering the Rumble. “Creative wanted to use her as a credible threat, not just a feel-good moment,” the source said. “It was important to Nikki that she showed she could still go, and the reaction was electric.”
No Nostalgia, All Purpose
One of the most refreshing aspects of Nikki’s current WWE run is its lack of reliance on nostalgia. In an interview with The TakeDown on SI, Nikki made it clear: “I’m not here just to relive the past. I want to prove I can still hang with the new era, and I want to do whatever I can to help the women’s division overall[3].”
This perspective stands in contrast to the traditional veteran’s return—often seen as a brief, celebratory appearance before fading back into legend. “Why can’t women my age do it too?” Nikki asked. “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[3].”
In-Ring Comebacks and Injuries
Nikki’s competitive fire was evident from the start. After reuniting fans with her patented Rack Attack and spirited promos, she notched a key singles victory over Chelsea Green on Raw—her first win since 2018[2]. But this run has not been without challenges. During an eight-woman tag team match on the July 28 episode of Raw, Nikki suffered a frightening injury when her breast implants became dislocated after receiving an elbow drop from Piper Niven—a moment that was both shocking and a reminder of the physical toll pro wrestling can take[2].
Despite the setback, Nikki was back on TV within weeks, feuding with Becky Lynch and challenging for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Clash in Paris. Though she came up short, Nikki’s willingness to absorb such a punishing schedule—including high-profile matches against Lynch, Chelsea Green, and Asuka—has earned respect from both fans and the locker room[2][7].
Nikki’s Role in the New Era
This isn’t the same WWE that Nikki left years ago. The women’s division has evolved, with full-time female stars headlining pay-per-views and Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and others carrying the torch. Nikki’s presence is not about recapturing past glories, but about helping to shape the next generation.
Sources close to Nikki say she’s taken on a mentorship role backstage, particularly with younger talent who didn’t experience the Divas Era and are eager to learn from a seasoned veteran. “She’s not just coming in and saying ‘this is how it was in my day,’” said a WWE producer. “She’s listening and learning, too. There’s a mutual respect and it’s making the whole division stronger.”
What’s Next for Nikki Bella?
As of September 2025, Nikki is officially listed on the WWE Raw roster, a sign that WWE sees her as more than a special attraction[4]. Her return has already featured memorable feuds, high-profile matches, and even teases of a heel turn—something she has not explored in years but hinted at during her podcast discussions[4].
While Nikki’s run has slowed in recent weeks—she hasn’t appeared on Raw since late August—Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp confirmed that she’s “expected to be around here and there” and isn’t done with WWE[1]. Creative is still figuring out how to best utilize her, but she remains open to whatever WWE throws her way.
The Real Difference Behind Nikki Bella’s 2025 WWE Run
Nikki’s 2025 comeback is defined by self-discovery and a desire to break new ground, not just revisit old glories. “This comeback is about proving to myself what I’m still capable of, and I’m a different person than I was before,” Nikki explained off-air recently. “I want to challenge myself, I want to be a part of something bigger, and I want to show that women’s wrestling has no age limit.”
Her journey has resonated with fans, both old and new, and with the women who now share the locker room with her. As the division evolves, Nikki Bella’s influence is once again being felt—but this time, it’s not because of what she did in the past, but because of what she’s doing now.
Conclusion: A Veteran’s Evolution
Nikki Bella’s current WWE run is not just another chapter in a Hall of Fame career it’s an example of what’s possible when legacy and evolution collide. She is not only proving that she can still perform at a high level, but she’s also using her platform to help elevate the next generation of WWE women’s talent. As Nikki herself put it, this return is all about “showing up, putting in the work, and seeing where it takes me[3].” In a company that often looks backward to move forward, Nikki Bella is blazing a trail for a new kind of comeback one that’s about today, not yesterday.