Add as a preferred source on Google Nikki Bella, who has been sidelined since March with a severe ankle injury, could be nearing an in-ring return to WWE.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, the WWE Hall of Famer’s name has come up again with WWE’s creative team in recent weeks — something that hadn’t happened since WrestleMania 42. Internally, the renewed discussions are being viewed as a positive sign that a return for “Fearless” may not be too far off.
The injury happened on the March 27 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, when Nikki and Brie Bella faced Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Nikki later revealed she had fractured, torn and sprained her ankle and underwent surgery. The initial recovery timeline was six to eight weeks, with Nikki herself hoping to return in June, though that didn’t end up happening.
Because of the injury, Nikki missed out on the Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 42. Paige took her spot, returned to the company, and won the titles alongside Brie Bella.
Her recovery, however, has progressed in recent weeks. Nikki is already back to training inside the ring and has posted footage of the sessions alongside her son, Matteo, signaling that her preparation has moved past the physical therapy stage.
Meanwhile, Brie and Paige remain WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. This Saturday, July 18, they’ll put the titles on the line against Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid of Fatal Influence at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden. The pair has already made four successful defenses of the title.
Despite the update, there is still no confirmed date for Nikki’s return, nor is there any word yet on what her storyline will be.