Uncertainty Over Nikki Bella Injury Delays Asuka vs. IYO SKY Match at WrestleMania 42

WWE may replace the Bella Twins with Asuka and Kairi Sane in the Women's Tag Team Championship match if Nikki is not cleared in time.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:33pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting overlapping shapes and planes, representing the complex dynamics in the WWE women's division ahead of WrestleMania 42.A cubist interpretation of the uncertainty surrounding the women's matches at WrestleMania 42.Las Vegas Today

According to reports, the expected WrestleMania 42 match between Asuka and IYO SKY has not been officially announced yet due to uncertainty surrounding the condition of WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella. Nikki recently sustained an ankle injury on 'WWE SmackDown' and is currently not cleared to compete. If Nikki is still unable to wrestle by WrestleMania, Asuka and her former tag team partner Kairi Sane may take the Bella Twins' spot in the Women's Tag Team Championship match, leaving IYO SKY's position on the card unclear.

Why it matters

This situation highlights the unpredictable nature of injuries in professional wrestling and how they can impact major match lineups at marquee events like WrestleMania. The potential replacement of the Bella Twins with Asuka and Kairi Sane would be a significant change to the Women's Tag Team title match and could affect the planned storylines and character arcs leading into the biggest show of the year.

The details

According to Wrestling Observer's Bryan Alvarez, Nikki Bella sustained an ankle injury on a recent episode of 'WWE SmackDown' that has left her wearing a walking boot. As of now, Nikki is not cleared to compete at WrestleMania 42, where she and her twin sister Brie were scheduled to challenge for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships in a four-way match. If Nikki is still unable to wrestle by the time of the event, Asuka and her former Kabuki Warriors tag team partner Kairi Sane will reportedly take the Bella Twins' spot in the title match. This would leave IYO SKY's planned WrestleMania match against Asuka in limbo.

  • In late March, Nikki Bella sustained an ankle injury on 'WWE SmackDown'.
  • The WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match is scheduled for night one of WrestleMania 42 on April 18.

The players

Nikki Bella

A WWE Hall of Famer who was scheduled to challenge for the Women's Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 42 with her twin sister Brie.

Asuka

A former WWE Women's Champion who has a long-anticipated match against IYO SKY planned for WrestleMania 42.

IYO SKY

A rising star in WWE who was set to face off against Asuka at WrestleMania 42.

Kairi Sane

Asuka's former tag team partner in the Kabuki Warriors, who may replace the Bella Twins in the Women's Tag Team title match if Nikki is unable to compete.

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What they’re saying

“According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, the reason for this stems from the uncertainty surrounding the condition of WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella.”

— Bryan Alvarez, Wrestling Observer

What’s next

If Nikki Bella is cleared to compete by WrestleMania 42, the expected match between Asuka and IYO SKY is expected to be officially added to the card. However, if Nikki remains unable to wrestle, Asuka and Kairi Sane will reportedly take the Bella Twins' spot in the Women's Tag Team title match, leaving IYO SKY's position on the card uncertain.

The takeaway

This situation underscores the unpredictable nature of injuries in professional wrestling and how they can significantly impact the plans for marquee events like WrestleMania. The potential replacement of the Bella Twins with Asuka and Kairi Sane would be a major change to the Women's Tag Team title match and could affect the planned storylines leading into WWE's biggest show of the year.