Nikki Bella finally returned to WWE programming during Monday’s SmackDown tapings in Ottawa, Ontario. The August 24 tapings were for the August 28 episode of SmackDown.
The WWE Hall of Famer wasn’t just there for an appearance, though. She got physical with Paige once again.
According to the spoilers, which you can check out by clicking here, Paige faced Jacy Jayne and came up short. Right after the match, Nikki made a surprise appearance and attacked Paige, continuing the ongoing feud between the two.
The rivalry kicked off at SummerSlam on August 1. Jacy Jayne pinned Paige to secure Fatal Influence’s victory over Paige and The Bella Twins. After the match, Nikki and Brie Bella turned on Paige with a post-match beatdown.
Nikki hit Paige with a Rack Attack 2.0 before accusing her of taking her spot.
The entire storyline traces back to WrestleMania 42. Nikki was sidelined from the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match with an ankle injury, and Paige returned to WWE as her replacement. Paige teamed with Brie Bella and won the titles. Nikki finally came back on July 24, helping Paige and Brie fight off Fatal Influence and announcing the trios match for SummerSlam.
The feud had lost some momentum on TV in recent weeks. A Paige promo scheduled for the August 14 SmackDown was cut from the broadcast, leading both Paige and Nikki to keep things going on social media instead.
Now, with the new attack taped in Ottawa, WWE has moved the storyline forward once again.