Nikki Bella made a notable appearance on the WrestleMania 42 red carpet despite wearing a walking boot, drawing attention as she and her twin sister Brie Bella fueled ongoing speculation about a potential WWE return. The sisters, both inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020, were seen smiling and engaging with fans and media ahead of the event held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on April 10, 2021.
Photographs and video footage from the red carpet showed Nikki Bella navigating the event in a medical boot, which she later confirmed was due to an ankle injury sustained during personal training. Despite the visible aid, she maintained her signature upbeat demeanor, posing for photos and chatting with Brie as they promoted their upcoming endeavors outside the ring. The sighting quickly became a talking point among wrestling fans, many interpreting it as a sign that the Bella Twins might be preparing for a surprise appearance at the showcase of the immortals.
The Bella Twins have remained active in the public eye since their retirement from in-ring competition in 2019, focusing on business ventures, reality television and advocacy work. Their potential return to WWE programming has been a recurring topic of discussion, particularly around major events like WrestleMania. While neither sister has confirmed an official match or segment for WrestleMania 42, their presence at the event — especially Nikki’s visible determination to participate despite injury — intensified rumors across social media and wrestling news outlets.
According to a statement Nikki Bella shared on her official Instagram account shortly after the event, the boot was precautionary and not indicative of a serious long-term issue. She explained that she had rolled her ankle during a workout session days prior but was cleared to walk with support. “I’m good, just being safe,” she wrote in a comment responding to fan concern, emphasizing that she did not want to risk aggravating the injury before any potential performance.
Medical professionals note that walking boots are commonly used for minor sprains or soft tissue injuries to provide stability while allowing mobility. Dr. Lisa Callahan, co-director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, stated in a 2020 interview with Health.com that such devices are often worn preventatively during high-profile events when athletes wish to avoid further strain. “It’s about managing risk,” she explained. “If someone has a mild injury but wants to participate in a significant event, a boot can offer protection without fully immobilizing them.”
WrestleMania 42 itself proceeded without a physical appearance from the Bella Twins in an official capacity. The main card featured headline matches including Roman Reigns versus Edge and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat for the Universal Championship, and Sasha Banks defending the SmackDown Women’s Title against Bianca Belair in what was widely praised as a historic main event. Despite the absence of a Bella Twins match, their influence was felt throughout the night, with multiple performers citing them as inspirations during post-match interviews.
The Bella Twins’ legacy in WWE continues to resonate, particularly in the evolution of women’s wrestling. As two of the most recognizable figures from the “Divas Era” turned advocates for women’s empowerment in sports entertainment, they helped pave the way for the current era of main-event caliber female performers. Their Hall of Fame induction in 2020 recognized not only their in-ring achievements but also their role in transforming perceptions of women’s wrestling over a fifteen-year career that spanned from their debut in 2008 to their retirement in 2019.
In the years since stepping away from full-time competition, Nikki and Brie Bella have expanded their brand beyond wrestling. They co-host the podcast “The Bellas Podcast,” have appeared on reality shows such as “Total Bellas” and “Total Divas,” and launched successful ventures including Belle Radici wine and Nicole + Brizee beauty products. Both have also become vocal advocates for maternal health and women’s entrepreneurship, drawing from their personal experiences as mothers and business owners.
While no official announcement has been made regarding a future WWE return, the Bella Twins have left the door open for occasional appearances. In interviews conducted in late 2020 and early 2021, both sisters expressed interest in participating in special events or mentoring roles rather than returning to regular competition. Brie Bella told ESPN in April 2020 that she would consider a one-off match “if the timing and story were right,” while Nikki emphasized her focus on health and family in a 2021 interview with People.
As of mid-2024, neither sister has been advertised for any upcoming WWE events, including WrestleMania 40 which took place in April 2024. However, their continued presence at major wrestling events — whether as guests, commentators, or symbols of the sport’s evolution — ensures they remain relevant to ongoing conversations about the past, present, and future of WWE.
For fans seeking updates on the Bella Twins’ activities, official social media channels and verified entertainment news outlets remain the most reliable sources. Their individual Instagram accounts (@thenikkibella and @thebriebella) regularly share personal and professional milestones, while WWE’s own website and social platforms provide accurate information regarding alumni appearances and Hall of Fame-related events.
Those interested in following the latest developments in WWE programming and alumni engagement can visit WWE.com for schedules, news, and official announcements.
What are your thoughts on the Bella Twins’ legacy and potential future in WWE? Share your perspective in the comments below, and feel free to pass this article along to fellow fans who appreciate the impact of trailblazing women in sports entertainment.