WWE Hall of Famer and women’s wrestling icon Brie Bella has opened up about the real reason behind her absence from WWE programming: her relationship with husband Bryan Danielson, a top star in WWE’s chief rival promotion, AEW. In a candid discussion on the latest episode of The Nikki & Brie Show podcast, Brie described this connection as a significant “roadblock” preventing her much-anticipated return to the WWE ring[2][4][5].

Brie Bella’s WWE Return Roadblock: Bryan Danielson’s AEW Affiliation

Despite ongoing speculation and fan hopes for a Bella Twins reunion inside the squared circle, Brie Bella has clarified that her husband’s exclusive full-time contract with AEW complicates any potential WWE comeback. Bryan Danielson, a former WWE star renowned for his technical wrestling, is now a cornerstone of AEW’s roster, making the Bella household a direct link between the competing wrestling giants. Brie’s honest acknowledgment of this situation marks a rare public admission of how personal relationships can intersect with—and limit—pro wrestling careers amid intense promotional rivalries[2][4].

Brie told listeners on The Nikki & Brie Show that WWE’s corporate stance and AEW’s ongoing competition with WWE have created “a roadblock” in her path, implying that WWE might hesitate to bring her back on board while her husband is a prominent face in their rival promotion[5]. This revelation provides valuable context to wrestling observers curious about Brie’s absence, given her previous WWE Hall of Fame induction and her past in-ring dominance.

Nikki Bella Teases Potential Sister Tag Team Return, But Brie Remains Hesitant

Brie’s twin sister, Nikki Bella, who has recently returned to WWE and remains active on WWE Raw, frequently expresses hope that Brie will join her in the ring once again. In an exclusive interview with Access Hollywood in late July 2025, Nikki expressed excitement and confidence about her own ongoing WWE run. During the same conversation, Nikki hinted at wanting to share the spotlight with Brie again, but also acknowledged the challenges Brie faces in committing to WWE due to her marital situation and WWE’s corporate policies[1].

Nikki gushed about how returning to WWE has boosted her confidence and touched on family life and dancing with her son Matteo but left the door open for Brie’s eventual reunion. However, Brie’s disclosures make it clear that WWE’s hesitation is rooted less in creative reasons and more in backstage politics related directly to her husband’s place in AEW[1][2].

Industry Perspectives and Backstage Insights on Brie’s Stalled Return

Sources close to WWE and industry insiders have echoed Brie’s sentiment to Wrestling Headlines and Fightful, affirming that WWE has historically been cautious about employing talent with close ties to rival promotions. WWE reportedly fears potential conflicts of interest or storyline complications arising from such relationships, especially involving those holding key star status on competitor rosters.

According to these reports, WWE’s corporate environment is currently risk-averse about signing or spotlighting wrestlers connected to AEW talent, not just to avoid storyline confusion but to maintain clear brand separations. Brie Bella’s high profile as a Hall of Famer further complicates the situation, as WWE would prefer to avoid fueling internal or promotional narrative clashes that might arise from her association with Bryan Danielson[2][4].

WWE’s competitive rivalry with AEW has grown increasingly prominent since AEW’s launch in 2019, making the contractual exclusivity clauses and backstage politics even more rigid. As a result, many wrestlers with mixed associations find their options limited, with Brie Bella’s case now publicly underscored as a prime example of these challenges.

What Does Brie Bella’s Future Hold in WWE?

While Brie’s current situation limits her in-ring return to WWE, she remains an active figure in wrestling media and discussion, regularly collaborating with her sister Nikki on podcasts and public appearances. Fans continue to debate if and when WWE might make a strategic exception or if Brie might explore other wrestling opportunities or media roles outside the WWE ring.

Brie herself has not ruled out a possible future WWE appearance but insists that the existing corporate dynamics around her husband’s AEW contract make immediate return unlikely. Speaking candidly, she has expressed hope that the rivalry friction will eventually ease or that WWE might reconsider its stance, especially given her popularity and Hall of Fame stature[2][4].

Summary

• Brie Bella’s relationship with Bryan Danielson, a full-time AEW star, is the main factor preventing her return to WWE[2][4][5].
• Brie described this issue as a “roadblock” during The Nikki & Brie Show podcast, highlighting the challenges of WWE-AEW competition affecting personal careers[2].
• Nikki Bella is currently active in WWE and wants Brie to return, but acknowledges the backstage complications due to Brie’s marital ties[1].
• WWE reportedly exercises caution about featuring talent connected directly to AEW stars to maintain brand integrity and avoid storyline conflicts[2][4].
• Brie remains hopeful but realistic about the difficulties, leaving fans to watch eagerly for any changes in this complex dynamic[2].

This rare insight into the intersection of wrestling politics and personal relationships sheds new light on how the ongoing WWE vs. AEW rivalry shapes talent movement and career trajectories behind the scenes. Sources such as WWE.com, Fightful, and industry podcasts continue to monitor the evolving situation around Brie Bella, one of wrestling’s most beloved female figures.

For continuing updates on WWE and AEW news, stay tuned to Wrestling Headlines and verified wrestling news outlets.