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Nikki Bella Reveals Gruesome Ankle Injury That Sidelined Her From WrestleMania
WWE star had to undergo surgery and miss the big event due to a fractured, torn, and sprained ankle.
Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:58pm
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Nikki Bella's gruesome ankle injury sidelined her from WrestleMania, but the Bella Twins' anticipated comeback was still celebrated through a dynamic, abstract visual.NYC TodayWWE superstar Nikki Bella revealed she suffered a gruesome ankle injury that required surgery and forced her to miss WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Bella shared a video of her bruised and stitched-up ankle, saying she had 'a painful two weeks' after fracturing, tearing, and spraining her ankle. Nikki was set to team with her twin sister Brie in a Fatal Four-Way Women's Tag Team Championship match, but Paige ended up replacing her and teaming with Brie to win the titles.
Why it matters
Nikki Bella's injury was a major blow to the Bella Twins' anticipated comeback at WrestleMania, one of the biggest events in professional wrestling. Her absence also impacted the Women's Tag Team Championship match, as Paige had to step in as her replacement. This highlights the unpredictability and physical toll of WWE's demanding schedule and the importance of star power and fan anticipation for marquee events.
The details
Nikki Bella sustained the ankle injury during the March 27 SmackDown episode. She underwent surgery two weeks before WrestleMania 42 and was unable to compete in the Fatal Four-Way Women's Tag Team Championship match as originally planned. Nikki's twin sister Brie still competed in the match, teaming with the returning Paige to win the titles.
- Nikki Bella suffered the ankle injury on March 27, 2026.
- Nikki underwent surgery on April 4, 2026, two weeks before WrestleMania 42.
- WrestleMania 42 took place on April 18-19, 2026 in Las Vegas.
The players
Nikki Bella
A WWE superstar and one half of the popular tag team The Bella Twins, known for her in-ring skills and high-profile appearances.
Brie Bella
Nikki's twin sister and fellow WWE superstar, who teamed with Paige at WrestleMania 42 after Nikki's injury.
Paige
A former WWE Divas Champion who surprisingly returned to replace the injured Nikki Bella and team with Brie to win the Women's Tag Team titles at WrestleMania 42.
What they’re saying
“I'll finally fill you all in soon. Fractured, tore and sprained my ankle. It's been a painful two weeks.”
— Nikki Bella
“There is no one else, and I truly mean this, no other WWE Superstar in the past or now that I would want to take my spot other than Paige.”
— Nikki Bella
What’s next
Nikki Bella is expected to make a full recovery from her ankle injury and return to WWE action in the coming months. Fans will be eager to see the Bella Twins reunite in the ring once Nikki is cleared to compete.
The takeaway
Nikki Bella's injury underscores the physical toll and unpredictability of professional wrestling, even for top stars. Her absence from WrestleMania 42 was a disappointment for fans, but it also highlighted the depth of WWE's roster and the ability of performers like Paige to step up in big moments.
