Nikki Bella’s WWE Absence Explained — Why the Hall of Famer’s Return Run Isn’t Over Yet
It’s been several weeks since WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella appeared on Monday Night Raw, leaving fans in the Bella Army wondering if her much-talked-about comeback had quietly ended. The good news? That’s not the case.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Bella’s absence is only temporary. During a recent Q&A session with subscribers, Sapp addressed fan speculation about Nikki’s status and confirmed she’s still part of WWE’s plans — just not needed for the recent international build-up.
“The last I’d heard, she would be around here and there,” Sapp explained. “I don’t think there were any real plans for her in Australia, so there wasn’t a great need to have her around for the build to that. They expect Nikki to be on the show for a while from everything I’ve heard.”
That lines up with Bella’s own words from earlier this year, when she told Sports Illustrated that her comeback wasn’t about nostalgia — it was about proving she can still compete at a high level and contribute to the evolution of WWE’s women’s division.
“Why can’t women my age do it too?” Bella asked. “Why does it always have to be one big PLE 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 to help the people that we need to make.”
The last time fans saw Nikki on Raw, she was in the thick of backstage tension with Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, and The Kabuki Warriors — a potential angle that hinted at something bigger down the road. Her last televised match came against Asuka on the September 8 episode, which many fans and critics praised as her best in-ring performance since her surprise return at the Royal Rumble earlier this year.
Now 41, Bella has wrestled three singles matches in 2025, earning one win over Chelsea Green. While her next storyline remains unclear, insiders suggest WWE still sees value in her veteran presence — both for marquee matchups and mentorship within the women’s division.
Meanwhile, fellow Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, who was also expected to appear more frequently this year, is reportedly taking time off following the passing of her mother.
So for those wondering if Nikki’s comeback is over — don’t count her out just yet. The Bella brand still has more to give, and it sounds like WWE knows it.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Nikki Bella’s current run feels like WWE’s way of bridging eras — honoring the Divas-era icons while letting them prove they can still go with today’s roster. Her absence may be strategic, allowing WWE to reintroduce her in a bigger storyline post-Crown Jewel. If timed right, Bella could play a pivotal role heading into Survivor Series season — perhaps as a mentor-turned-rival to one of WWE’s newer female stars.
