Short Summary
A deeply human feature on Nikki Bella’s 2025 WWE comeback, exploring her battle with anxiety, rigorous training, shocking in-ring injury, and her evolving identity as a celebrity mom balancing ambition. Complete with verified sources, visual cues, and actionable life lessons, this evergreen post inspires readers to rise after setbacks.
From Doubt to Determination: Wrestling with Anxiety
When Nikki Bella stepped back into the WWE Universe in February 2025, it wasn’t with cocky confidence—it was with trembling nerves.
After a three-year hiatus, she returned as the 30th entrant in the Women’s Royal Rumble, a moment as symbolic as it was suspenseful. While fans exploded with cheers, Nikki admitted later that she was “really nervous” and questioned whether she could still perform like she once did.
“There were pieces of me I needed to find again,” she shared in an interview (People).
Her nerves were soothed backstage. “Everyone said, ‘The minute you walk in that arena, you’re going to feel at home,’ and they were right,” she said in another exclusive (Wrestleview).
Nikki’s candidness about battling nerves and rediscovering her strength on tour echoes the honesty of other artists facing similar challenges—inspired readers might also relate to how Camila Cabello courageously opened up about confronting “demons” and anxiety during her own comeback journey on the Yours, C Tour.
Takeaway
If you’re facing a return—after a break, burnout, or baby—you don’t have to be fearless to begin. You just have to start. Confidence returns with action.
Her Comeback Was Months in the Making
Nikki’s return wasn’t a surprise to her—it was the result of intense, private training that began in January 2025 at WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando (AOL).
Balancing motherhood, media appearances, and her wine business with Brie, Nikki rebuilt her stamina and ring presence from scratch. Every early-morning flight, every rep in the gym, every promo practice—was another step in reclaiming her identity.
She made her first official in-ring comeback on June 9, 2025, on WWE Raw in Arizona (WrestlingNoticias).
“It wasn’t about reliving glory. It was about showing my son—and myself—that you can come back stronger.”
💡 Useful Insight
- Train quietly. Deliver loudly. Nikki’s months of behind-the-scenes effort led to a public moment of triumph.
- Start your comeback with consistency, not noise. Let results speak later.
When Pain Hit: Nikki’s In-Ring Injury & What Happened Next
On July 28, 2025, during a high-impact tag match on Raw, Nikki was elbowed by Piper Niven, resulting in a dislodged breast implant pushed into her ribs—a painful and dangerous injury she didn’t see coming.
“It was brutal. I could feel something was off, but I kept going,” Nikki explained on her podcast (People, PageSix).
Despite the injury, she finished the match. Only later did she seek medical help in New York and reveal the full story.
Lesson in Grit
Strength isn’t just pushing through—it’s knowing when to act, when to pause, and when to heal.
Motherhood & Ambition: Two Titles, One Heart
Nikki Bella isn’t just a WWE icon—she’s a devoted mom to son Matteo (born July 31, 2020) (People).
While training and wrestling, she was also hosting a wine-tasting event, podcasting, and raising Matteo. That dual identity—mother and fighter—is what fuels her now more than ever.
“There’s this little person watching everything I do. I want him to see that women can do anything.”
Practical Wisdom for Moms & Entrepreneurs:
| Challenge | Nikki’s Strategy | You Can Try |
|---|---|---|
| Balancing ambition and parenting | Early training, late-night calls, flexible schedule | Use 1–1–1 rule: 1 task for work, 1 for self, 1 for family |
| Fear of being “too late” to return | Started small with private training | Try 15 min/day on your goal—momentum > motivation |
| Rebuilding body after injury/pregnancy | Focused on strength, not looks | Ditch weight loss goals. Build energy + consistency |
Timeline: Nikki Bella’s 2025 Comeback Highlights
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Began training at Performance Center (AOL) |
| Feb 1, 2025 | Surprise Royal Rumble return as #30 (CagesideSeats) |
| June 9, 2025 | Official Raw return announced (WrestlingNoticias) |
| July 28, 2025 | In-ring injury during tag match (People) |
| August 2025 | Revealed injury + recovery details on podcast (PageSix) |
