Nikki Bella's WrestleMania 42 Status Remains Uncertain

Bella's ankle injury could force a change to the Women's Tag Team Championship match

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting a fractured, multi-perspective view of a WWE women's tag team match, conceptually representing the uncertainty and potential changes to the WrestleMania 42 event.The uncertainty surrounding Nikki Bella's injury creates a complex, fragmented visual representation of the potential changes to the WrestleMania 42 women's tag team title match.Today in Tampa

Nikki Bella's status for the upcoming WrestleMania 42 event is still up in the air, as the WWE Hall of Famer is dealing with an ankle injury suffered a few weeks ago. Nikki and her sister Brie were scheduled to compete in a Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, but Nikki's injury has put her participation in jeopardy. If Nikki is unable to compete, the plan is to replace The Bella Twins with Asuka and Kairi Sane in the title match.

Why it matters

Nikki Bella's potential absence from WrestleMania 42 would be a significant blow, as she and Brie were set to compete for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship in a high-profile match. The Bella Twins are fan favorites, and their inclusion in the event would add star power and excitement. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding the match could impact other planned WrestleMania matches, such as a potential bout between IYO SKY and Asuka.

The details

Nikki Bella suffered an ankle injury a few weeks ago during a match on WWE SmackDown, and has been seen wearing a walking boot. While there was initial optimism that she would be cleared in time for WrestleMania 42, reports indicate that her status is still 'too close to call.' If Nikki is unable to compete, the plan is to replace The Bella Twins in the Women's Tag Team Title match with Asuka and Kairi Sane. This would leave IYO SKY, who was previously scheduled to compete at the event, without a clear opponent.

  • Nikki Bella suffered the ankle injury a few weeks ago during a match on WWE SmackDown.
  • WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for this coming Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Nikki Bella

A WWE Hall of Famer and one half of The Bella Twins, who was scheduled to compete for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 42.

Brie Bella

Nikki Bella's twin sister and the other half of The Bella Twins, who was also scheduled to compete for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 42.

Asuka

A former WWE Women's Champion, known as the 'Empress of Tomorrow,' who may replace The Bella Twins in the Women's Tag Team Title match at WrestleMania 42 if Nikki Bella is unable to compete.

Kairi Sane

A former NXT Women's Champion, who may team with Asuka in the Women's Tag Team Title match at WrestleMania 42 if The Bella Twins are unable to compete.

IYO SKY

The current WWE Women's World Champion, who was previously scheduled to compete at WrestleMania 42 but may now be without a clear opponent if The Bella Twins are unable to participate.

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What they’re saying

“There's no clear backup opponent for IYO SKY, as of this writing, and any appearance this weekend may be in a supporting role to Rhea Ripley as she challenges Jade Cargill for the WWE Women's Championship.”

— Bryan Alvarez, Wrestling Observer

“The uncertain status of The Bella Twins is reportedly keeping another planned match for Las Vegas from being officially booked.”

— Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer

What’s next

If Nikki Bella is unable to compete at WrestleMania 42, the plan is to replace The Bella Twins in the Women's Tag Team Title match with Asuka and Kairi Sane. The status of IYO SKY's match at the event is also uncertain, as she may now be without a clear opponent.

The takeaway

Nikki Bella's ankle injury has created significant uncertainty around the Women's Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania 42, potentially leading to a last-minute change that could impact other planned matches on the card. This highlights the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling and the importance of maintaining flexibility in event planning.