Nikki & Brie Bella Backstage at WWE SmackDown: WrestleMania Plans?
PHOENIX, AZ – The WWE landscape continues to shift as Nikki and Brie Bella were spotted backstage at night’s “WWE SmackDown” in Phoenix, Arizona, according to PWInsider Elite. Their presence signals a potential return to the hunt for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, a goal they publicly stated following Brie Bella’s return at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
The sisters haven’t appeared on WWE programming since , following a promotional segment on “WWE Raw” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they announced their intentions to challenge for the tag team titles. Their storyline, initially sparked by Brie’s surprise return at the Royal Rumble, now appears poised to accelerate towards WrestleMania 42.
Tonight’s “SmackDown” already features a Women’s Tag Team Championship defense, with Lash Legend and Nia Jax scheduled to face Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. While the Bellas haven’t been officially announced for the show, their backstage presence strongly suggests an impending confrontation or involvement in the title picture. The duo has consistently expressed their desire to compete for the women’s tag team gold since the belts were introduced in .
Nikki Bella’s return to WWE last summer saw her engage in a feud with Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, providing a platform for her re-establishment within the company. Brie’s return at the Royal Rumble, entering as the #29 entrant, further fueled speculation about a potential reunion and a renewed push for tag team success.
Beyond the potential Bella sisters’ involvement, “SmackDown” promises a diverse night of action. Grammy Award-winning artist Jelly Roll is set to make a return appearance on “Miz TV,” adding a unique entertainment element to the show. In-ring action includes a match between WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill and Michin, and a non-title contest featuring the Wyatt Sicks’ Uncle Howdy and Erick Rowan against Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga.
Perhaps the most significant development of the night will be the official signing of the contract for the WrestleMania 42 match between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. This formalization will undoubtedly add further intensity to their already highly anticipated clash at the showcase event.
The presence of Nikki and Brie Bella adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling “SmackDown” card. Their history, combined with their stated ambitions, positions them as serious contenders for the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Whether they will directly challenge Lash Legend and Nia Jax tonight, or insert themselves into the match between Flair and Bliss, remains to be seen. However, their arrival in Phoenix signals a clear intent to reclaim their place among WWE’s elite tag teams.
Drew McIntyre’s unexpected walkout during SmackDown also casts a shadow over the event. While details surrounding his departure remain scarce, the incident adds an element of unpredictability to the WWE landscape, potentially impacting future storylines and championship pursuits. Ringside News reported on McIntyre’s exit, adding another layer of complexity to the evening’s events.
reports indicate a growing rivalry between Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill, with Nia Jax seemingly adding fuel to the fire with a recent remark about “functional muscles.” This developing feud promises to be a significant storyline heading into WrestleMania 42, potentially culminating in a high-profile match between Ripley and Cargill.
The wrestling world is also taking note of the merchandise sales battle between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes. According to reports, CM Punk is currently outselling Cody Rhodes in WWE merchandise, a surprising development that highlights Punk’s continued popularity and drawing power. This commercial success could influence WWE’s decisions regarding both athletes’ future storylines and opportunities.
As “SmackDown” unfolds, fans will be keenly watching for any further developments regarding the Bella sisters, the fallout from Drew McIntyre’s walkout, and the escalating tensions between Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill, and Nia Jax. The show promises to be a pivotal stepping stone towards WrestleMania 42, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes matches and compelling storylines.