Add as a preferred source on Google Nikki Bella revealed new backstage details about the decision that led to Paige replacing her at WWE WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Nikki said Triple H did not force the change. According to her, Paul Levesque told her Paige was available to take her place, but made it clear the final decision was hers.
“He totally gave me the option of, ‘Paige is available to take your place.’ He was like, ‘If you want to say no, I mean that’s up to you.”
“No, that’s the one person actually that would make the moment feel super iconic, she’s like our sister. We have incredible chemistry and Paige is a massive superstar.”
Brie Bella also revealed that she reached out to Paige before the decision was confirmed, trying to find out whether the English star would be willing to return on short notice.
“Oh my gosh I remember texting her, feeling her out, like see where she’s at. She was like, ‘Hell yeah sis, you guys need me I’m there.’ Paige, when Nikki was flying to Birmingham, Paige was actually there getting cleared. Randomly.”
At WrestleMania 42, Paige ultimately replaced Nikki in the Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship and won the titles alongside Brie Bella.