Nikki Bella has shared a significant update on her recovery from the ankle injury that has kept her away from WWE programming, revealing the physical toll the setback has taken on her body.
The WWE Hall of Famer opened up about her rehabilitation process while continuing her hiatus from in-ring competition.
Bella has been sidelined for several months following a severe ankle injury that ultimately forced her to miss WrestleMania 42.
While her recovery is progressing, her latest comments highlight just how challenging the journey has been behind the scenes.
Nikki Bella details muscle loss and recovery progress
Speaking on Episode 2 of her Still Fearless vlog series on the Nikki & Brie YouTube channel, Bella explained that she has recently advanced to a new stage of physical therapy.
“I was with my PT and I moved up to the next level as far as like working with my bands,” Bella said. “Getting to do a little bit more strengthening. Nothing too crazy, but it’s nice because I started back up with my personal trainer, where we’ve been working on arms and core.”
She added that physical therapy sessions have focused on rebuilding strength throughout her lower body.
“We do a lot of band work, just waking up all the muscles throughout my legs, my glutes. It’s nice to start moving again.”
However, Bella also revealed the most eye-opening consequence of the injury.
“Obviously not, you know, I can’t wait till I can do more and more, but it’s nice to take these steps because it’s just crazy to think like, you know, when you break things. I lost 40% of my muscle in that leg. It all atrophied. And so, that’s my update.”
The former Divas Champion also confirmed that she has finally moved beyond using a walking boot.
“Boots off. I’ve upgraded to a brace. So, I will be in this for a while,” Bella said. “It feels weird at first, like I am walking so different. It gets a little scary, but honestly, it feels great wearing two shoes. Anything is better than the boot.”
Bella also offered some advice to fans, saying, “Take your vitamins. Dear, do everything you can to make yourself stronger and better.”
Her absence was felt at WrestleMania 42, where Paige stepped in and captured the Women’s Tag Team Championships alongside Brie Bella. For now, Nikki’s focus remains on recovery, one step at a time — proving that even outside the ring, she’s still living up to the Fearless name.
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