Add as a preferred source on Google Nikki Bella may be getting closer to returning to the WWE ring after the serious ankle injury that kept her out of WrestleMania 42.
During a recent interview with USA TODAY Sports, the WWE Hall of Famer said her ankle is “doing great” and revealed she was able to squat for the first time since the injury, though not with much weight. She joked that she looked like a “baby deer” while doing it.
Nikki also explained that her physical therapy moved into a new phase last week, now focused on strengthening the ankle and the full mechanics involving her feet, toes, knees, hips, and calves.
The next major test will come in mid-June, when she undergoes new imaging to evaluate how the bones are healing. If she gets good news, Nikki believes a late-June return would be the ideal scenario, though she does not want to come back before she is ready.
The injury kept Nikki out of the Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Paige returned to WWE after more than eight years and replaced the former champion, winning the titles alongside Brie Bella.
Since then, Paige and Brie have remained champions. At the latest Saturday Night’s Main Event, the duo defeated Nia Jax and Lash Legend to retain the titles.
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It remains to be seen whether Nikki Bella will be placed right back into the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship picture once she is cleared, or if WWE will go with a more gradual return.