Nikki Bella Shares Return Timeline After WrestleMania 42 Absence

Nikki Bella has outlined a potential timeline for her return after missing WrestleMania 42 due to injury.

Nikki Bella did not compete on night one of the event, later confirming she is targeting a comeback within “6-8 weeks hopefully” when responding to a fan on social media.

The injury was initially revealed on Instagram, where Bella stated she had “fractured, tore and sprained my ankle”, describing it as “a painful two weeks”. She also noted that she plans to provide further details on her situation soon, expected to come via her podcast with sister Brie Bella. Bella later confirmed that the injury required surgery.

The 42-year-old had previously appeared on SmackDown in late March wearing a walking boot, at the time suggesting she would return within a week. That timeline ultimately proved inaccurate, with the severity of the injury keeping her out of action through WrestleMania.

Nikki Bella Was Replaced In The WrestleMania Match By The Returning Paige

Nikki Bella had originally been scheduled to compete in a four-way match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. She was replaced in the bout by Paige, who returned to take her spot. Paige went on to team with Brie Bella, with the duo capturing the titles on the night.

Reports following the event indicated that the original creative plan had been for The Bella Twins to win the championship together before Nikki Bella’s injury forced a late change.