There’s a new update on Nikki Bella’s WWE return timeline.
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella has been sidelined with an ankle injury she sustained on the March 27, 2026, episode of SmackDown. She had to miss out on WrestleMania 42, with a returning Paige taking her spot to become the new Women’s Tag Team Champions alongside Brie Bella.
Nikki Bella previously stated that she wanted to return by late June, but doesn’t want to come back too early and wait until she’s fully cleared. Now, according to WrestleVotes Radio (via Fightful Select), the Hall of Famer is progressing towards a return to WWE.
A WWE source stated that Nikki Bella’s name has been mentioned creatively over the past several weeks. The report noted that this is the first time Bella’s name has been discussed in creative since WrestleMania 42. The renewed discussions could indicate that her return might not be too far away.
Nikki Bella reveals the extent of damage from ankle injury
Speaking on Episode 2 of her Still Fearless vlog series on the Nikki & Brie YouTube channel, Nikki Bella shared that she recently progressed to a new stage of physical therapy, focusing on rebuilding strength throughout her lower body. However, she also revealed that she lost 40% of the muscle in her leg after the ankle injury.
“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.
“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.
“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,” Bella said.
“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.”
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