For over a decade, Nikki Bella’s “booty shake” entrance has been a staple of WWE pay-per-view events, leaving fans in awe of her athleticism and charisma. But, as the WWE Hall of Famer revealed on her podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, the origins of this iconic move are shrouded in a desire to stand out in a male-dominated industry.
Necessity Breeds Creativity
During a time when women often struggled for screen time and visibility on WWE programming, Nikki Bella found herself in a situation where she needed to think outside the box to make an impact. “I was on the road, and we were doing these huge shows, but I was getting lost in the shuffle,” she explained. “I knew I had to do something to get noticed, to stand out from the guys.”
Bella’s solution was to incorporate a high-energy dance move into her entrance, one that would captivate the audience and leave a lasting impression. “I was watching music videos, and I saw this one dancer, and I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do,'” she recalled. “I wanted to be able to shake my booty and get the crowd on their feet.”
The “Booty Shake” is Born
The “booty shake” entrance, as it would come to be known, was a fusion of dance, athleticism, and showmanship. Bella spent hours in the gym, perfecting the move, and working on her flexibility and strength. “I was doing squats and lunges, and I was working on my core,” she said. “I wanted to be able to do this move without worrying about getting hurt.”
As Bella’s entrance began to take shape, she was met with resistance from some of her male colleagues. “Some guys were like, ‘This is too sensual, it’s too provocative,'” she revealed. “But I knew that I was pushing the boundaries, and that’s what was going to make it work.”
A Legacy is Born
Nikki Bella’s “booty shake” entrance went on to become one of the most recognizable and beloved in WWE history. It earned her a reputation as one of the most athletic and charismatic female performers in the company, and paved the way for future generations of female wrestlers.
According to a WWE insider, Bella’s entrance was a game-changer for the company. “Nikki’s ‘booty shake’ was a turning point for women in WWE,” the source revealed. “It showed that women could be strong, sexy, and athletic all at the same time. It was a game-changer for the women’s division, and it paved the way for the likes of Ronda Rousey, Sasha Banks, and Charlotte Flair.”
The Lasting Impact of Nikki Bella’s “Booty Shake”
Today, Nikki Bella’s “booty shake” entrance remains an iconic part of WWE history. It’s a testament to her hard work, dedication, and creativity, and a reminder that sometimes, it’s the women who take the biggest risks and push the boundaries that end up making the biggest impact.
As Bella herself put it, “I was willing to take a chance, to be different, to stand out from the crowd. And that’s what made my ‘booty shake’ entrance so special.”