Nikki Bella Reveals Foot Injury, Paige Returns to WWE

Bella's injury paves way for former Divas Champion's surprise WrestleMania comeback.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered, glittering disco ball fragments in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and high stakes of WWE's biggest event.Paige's return to WWE at WrestleMania 42 adds a touch of high-drama glitz to the company's women's division.Las Vegas Today

Nikki Bella announced she would not be able to compete at WrestleMania 42 due to a severe ankle injury, but she called in an old friend to team with her sister Brie - former WWE Divas Champion Paige, who made a surprise return to the company after an eight-year absence.

Why it matters

Paige's return to WWE after a successful run in AEW is a major boost for the company's women's division, while Nikki Bella's injury highlights the physical toll of professional wrestling and the need for veteran talent to step up when stars are sidelined.

The details

Nikki Bella revealed she had fractured, torn, and sprained her ankle during a recent episode of SmackDown, forcing her to miss the WrestleMania match with Brie. Paige, who had been retired since 2018 due to a neck injury, answered the call to team with Brie and won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.

  • Nikki Bella suffered the ankle injury on the March 27 episode of SmackDown.
  • Paige made her surprise return at WrestleMania 42 on April 1, 2026.

The players

Nikki Bella

A former WWE Divas Champion and one half of the popular Bella Twins tag team.

Paige

Also known as Saraya, a former WWE Divas Champion who returned to the company after an eight-year absence.

Brie Bella

Nikki's twin sister and fellow former WWE Divas Champion.

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What they’re saying

“WWE is my home. I was raised here. I'm a WWE girl forever... I'm a Total Diva, baby. I didn't know how anyone was gonna react, I'm walking out there, I forgot how big WrestleManias were. It was magical, it was surreal, I forgot how to skip at one point.”

— Paige

“Nikki told the post-show panel that Paige was only woman who felt like the right choice to replace her in the match.”

— Nikki Bella

What’s next

Paige's return to WWE will likely lead to a high-profile feud or championship run, while Nikki Bella's recovery timeline remains uncertain.

The takeaway

Nikki Bella's injury and Paige's surprise comeback highlight the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, where veteran talent must step up when stars are sidelined, and long-awaited returns can electrify the crowd.