“It was splattered,” WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella recalls SCARY injury that almost left her paralyzed
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella opens up about one of the most difficult phases of her career amidst rumors of her return.
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Nikki Bella (via WWE)
Nikki Bella is one of the most iconic figures in the WWE’s women’s revolution. Throughout her illustrious career, she dominated the women’s division and captured multiple championships. However, behind the scenes, things were different—each grueling match took a toll on her body. The 41-year-old legend revealed that she was once a single bad bump away from paralysis.
On The Nikki & Brie Show, the Hall of Famer revealed that she was slowly breaking her back. During her iconic 2015 title reign, she faced serious health issues, including a loss of sensation in her feet and toes. She also lost strength in her arms, making it difficult to perform moves she had done for years.
After consulting a doctor, Nikki Bella learned that her C6-C7 vertebrae were completely shattered, putting immense pressure on her spinal cord and threatening her career. With the help of Dr. John Uribe, she underwent successful surgery and made a triumphant return at SummerSlam 2016. However, the road to recovery was tough. The 41-year-old legend wore a neck brace for nearly six months and had limited mobility.
It wasn’t just a herniated disc—it was splattered…..If I kept wrestling, I was risking paralysis or worse. Everyone told me I was done. But I refused to accept no—and that’s why I made it back.
Nikki Bella on The Nikki & Brie Show
Bella’s comeback earned even more respect from the WWE Universe. Her story is truly inspiring—she never gave up and believed in herself. Despite being told she would never return, she overcame every challenge and made her way back to the wrestling ring.
Nikki Bella revealed what it was like to reunite with ex John Cena at Royal Rumble
This year’s Royal Rumble was one for the fans to remember. Many big stars entered the Royal Rumble match, to the WWE Universe’s surprise. On the men’s side, it was John Cena‘s last-ever 30-man Rumble match, while Nikki Bella returned to shock the world as well. She recently opened up about the reunion with the 16-time World Champion at the event in February.
While speaking with Kristin Cavallari on her Let’s Be Honest podcast, the 41-year-old star admitted that the meeting between them was brief. The Hall of Famer stated that they met each other after seven or eight years. She shared that while she was talking to a group of people, Cena approached everyone and shook their hands.
It was very quick. He came to [shake] everyone’s hand. He shook my hand. When he walked away, all the girls were like, ‘Oh my gosh,’ And that was it. It was great because [we were] breaking the ice and we both happened to be back at [WWE] at the same time. It’s a good feeling.
Nikki Bella on Let’s Be Honest
Nikki Bella and John Cena reunited for the first time in 8 years at Royal Rumble 🤝 pic.twitter.com/VjPnu7qtdc
— WrestlingWorldCC (@WrestlingWCC) March 14, 2025
Bella further added that when Cena shook her hand and walked away, everyone around her had a shocked reaction. She admitted that she wanted to give John the ‘space’ now that he is married to Shay Shariatzadeh. The Hall of Famer was quite satisfied with the meeting, as both tried to break the ice, and it was a good feeling.
Nikki Bella had good things to say about Bayley’s leadership role in WWE
Bayley is one of the most celebrated veterans in women’s wrestling history. She has won many championships during her tenure and has now become the locker room leader because of her status. Nikki Bella talked about her experience working with The Role Model.
In the same interview, the Hall of Famer detailed her interaction with Bayley in the Royal Rumble match. She stated that they had a lot of fun and called her an incredible human being. Bella was proud to see how she transitioned from being a rookie to becoming a future Hall of Famer and a locker room leader.
Nikki Bella on Bayley on Let’s Be Honest podcast
We were just having fun. Obviously, I love me some Bayley. She is such an incredible human. I was with her a lot too [backstage]. She’s just such a great locker room leader and so talented.
The Bella Twins played a crucial role in the women’s revolution, inspiring many young wrestlers. The 41-year-old veteran eliminated Bayley from the Royal Rumble match. Currently, Bayley is embroiled in a rivalry with rising star Roxanne Perez.
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