- Health Considerations: Bella’s past neck issues (stemming from her 2018 retirement) have been a factor in her sporadic appearances. A managerial spot keeps her visible without the risks of full-time wrestling.
- Storyline Fit: Her recent segments emphasize character work over athleticism, and post-Survivor Series promos have her declaring she’s “not done” with WWE—hinting at unfinished business beyond the ring.
- Precedent in WWE: Successful heel managers like Zelina Vega (with Damage CTRL) or Kiana James (with Giulia on SmackDown) show how veterans can elevate younger stars. Bella’s star power could help integrate new talent, similar to how Sensational Sherri or Paul Heyman boosted others.
- Fan and Creative Feedback: While her 2025 title matches received lukewarm responses (e.g., boos during entrances), her promo ability shines in non-wrestling roles. This could unlock “late-career potential,” as one report put it.
Nothing is finalized—no specific wrestler has been named for her to manage, and Bella remains an active competitor for now. She’s expressed interest in reuniting with twin sister Brie Bella (who’s stayed out of the ring but has teased returns), potentially as Women’s Tag Team Champions, but that seems separate from this managerial pivot.Timeline of Nikki’s 2025 WWE Run
|
Date/Event
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Key Moment
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Outcome
|
|---|---|---|
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Feb 1: Royal Rumble
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Surprise #30 entrant in Women’s Rumble
|
Eliminated; sparks full-time return buzz
|
|
June: Raw
|
Delivers “special message” to WWE Universe
|
Teases extended comeback
|
|
July 14: Raw
|
First 1-on-1 since 2018 vs. Chelsea Green
|
Victory; builds momentum
|
|
Aug: Clash in Paris
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vs. Becky Lynch (Women’s IC Title)
|
Loss; shifts to solo heel arc
|
|
Nov: Raw
|
Turns on tag partner Stephanie Vaquer
|
Heel ambush; sets up title feud
|
|
Nov 30: Survivor Series
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vs. Vaquer (Women’s World Title)
|
Loss; vows to stick around
|
|
Dec 2025: Ongoing
|
Managerial talks emerge
|
TBD; focus on character segments
|
Bella has nine matches under her belt this year, her most active period since 2018. On her podcast The Nikki & Brie Show, she’s called this her “final run,” emphasizing a desire to “make a statement” in the evolved women’s division. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are buzzing—posts from accounts like
and
highlight excitement for the change, with some speculating pairings like Roxanne Perez or Giulia.If WWE pulls the trigger, expect announcements around the holidays or early 2026, possibly tying into Royal Rumble season. For now, catch Bella on Raw (streaming on Netflix) as she navigates her heel evolution. Bella Army, what do you think—manager Nikki or one more title chase?