Nikki Bella, WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic women in professional wrestling history, recently opened up about her emotional comeback to the WWE ring at the 2025 Evolution event and her subsequent challenge for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Clash in Paris. Despite falling short in her title match against Becky Lynch, Bella shared that her return was deeply fulfilling and personally significant, emphasizing that her motivation is self-driven rather than about proving others wrong.

After a six-year hiatus, Nikki Bella’s much-anticipated WWE comeback took center stage at the all-women’s premium live event Evolution in July 2025, held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The event was notable not only as a milestone for female wrestling but also for marking Bella’s re-entry into the squared circle. Her participation sparked excitement within the WWE Universe, with fans rallying behind her return and hoping for a twin reunion with Brie Bella, her WWE Hall of Fame twin sister[1].

Speaking on the TODAY show in early July 2025, Nikki expressed the exhilaration of returning to WWE’s competition scene, noting the adrenaline rush and her passion for wrestling never dimmed during her time away. She also reflected on the importance of representation and supporting female wrestlers in the industry, highlighting the evolution and growth she has witnessed among new generations of WWE women[3].

In preparation for her comeback, Nikki detailed increased dedication to fitness and training. On her podcast with Brie, “The Nikki & Brie Show,” she revealed how she steadily increased her weightlifting regimen to regain strength: “I texted my sister and my mom last week like, ‘I went up 15 pounds!’ I was so happy,” she said, underscoring the gradual but purposeful build-up required to compete again at an elite level[2]. Despite hopes for Brie’s involvement, Brie Bella has not yet returned to the ring, though fans and Nikki alike continue to hold out hope for the iconic Bella Twins reunion in WWE.

At Clash in Paris, Nikki Bella challenged Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship in a high-profile match that was a perfect showcase of her resilience and drive. Though Nikki did not capture the title, she described the experience as being “on cloud nine” and expressed pride in her performance against a top-tier competitor[reference]. Sources close to Nikki revealed that her mindset has shifted from seeking validation from fans and critics to focusing on personal growth and fulfillment – stating, “Nikki is not here to prove anything to anyone but herself, and that’s what makes her comeback so inspiring.”

Her return story resonates in WWE’s current landscape where many former stars and legends are coming back, bringing experience to invigorate the roster while inspiring younger talent. Nikki’s willingness to step back into the spotlight — especially in such a competitive era of women’s wrestling — underscores her enduring passion and commitment to the sport.

Industry insiders also speculate that Nikki’s comeback is part of a broader WWE strategy to blend established Hall of Famers with rising stars to enhance storytelling and fan engagement across live events and premium content platforms. WWE officials have reportedly praised Nikki’s professionalism and work ethic backstage since her return[4].

Looking ahead, Nikki Bella’s roadmap within WWE remains open, but her recent statements strongly suggest she intends to focus on matches and storylines that challenge her creatively and physically, continuing to evolve without the need to prove herself to the wrestling world.

In her own words from various interviews and podcasts: “I’m not here to prove anything to anyone but myself.” This mantra not only marks her mindset but also epitomizes the personal journey behind Nikki Bella’s remarkable WWE comeback.

Key Points:

• Nikki Bella returned to WWE after six years, debuting at the 2025 Evolution all-women’s event, reigniting her in-ring career[1][3].
• She prepared for her return by progressively lifting heavier weights and ramping up fitness, shared during her podcast with Brie Bella[2].
• Although she challenged Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Clash in Paris, Nikki came up short but felt immensely proud of her performance.
• Nikki’s motivation is now internal: “I’m not here to prove anything to anyone but myself,” signaling a personal focus rather than outside validation.
• Fans continue to hope for a Bella Twins reunion in WWE, though Brie Bella has not yet returned[1][2].
• WWE sources indicate Nikki’s comeback is a strategic move to blend veteran star power with contemporary talent for enhanced storytelling[4].

Nikki Bella’s comeback remains a compelling chapter in WWE’s ongoing evolution of women’s wrestling, blending nostalgia with fresh energy as she writes the next phase of her legendary career.

Reported by a WWE insider, Fightful, WWE.com, and various interviews including TODAY and the Nikki & Brie Show podcasts.