Nikki Bella’s Injury Fuels Anticipated Comeback at WrestleMania 42
Nikki rolled an ankle during the March 27 edition of SmackDown. The injury threw the Bella Twins’ plans for WrestleMania into doubt.
Nikki and Brie had been scheduled to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Titles on WrestleMania Saturday. There was initial optimism Nikki might be cleared after an ankle exam.
Withdrawal and replacement
PWInsider reports Nikki will not compete this weekend. An old rival is set to take her place in the title match.
Sources including Mike Johnson say Saraya Jade-Bevis will return under her former ring name, Paige. BodySlam reports she signed a multi-year deal with WWE and is expected to redebut on Saturday.
What Paige’s return means
Paige is reportedly slated to team with Brie, filling Nikki’s spot in the Women’s Tag Team Championship Match. The redebut would mark her return to active in-ring competition at WrestleMania 42.
Nikki Bella’s injury has complicated the twins’ anticipated comeback at WrestleMania 42. Promoters had been adjusting the card while assessing possible replacements.
WrestleMania history and card ripple effects
The Bellas have only teamed once at WrestleMania. That pairing occurred at WrestleMania 31 against AJ Lee and Paige.
AJ Lee later stepped away from regular competition for over a decade. She has since returned and is scheduled to defend the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch this weekend.
Reports also say the four-way match booking caused downstream changes. WWE reportedly delayed a potential IYO SKY vs Asuka match to see if the Kabuki Warriors would be added.
There is no confirmation yet whether Paige’s return clears the path for SKY and Asuka to compete as originally planned. Filmogaz.com will monitor updates from PWInsider, Mike Johnson, and BodySlam.
- Injury date: March 27 SmackDown.
- Sources: PWInsider, Mike Johnson, BodySlam.
- Replacement: Saraya Jade-Bevis (Paige), multi-year deal reported.
