In a surprising revelation that highlights the demanding nature of modern WWE schedules, WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella has disclosed that she found out she would be facing Asuka on the September 8, 2025, episode of Monday Night Raw with less than 48 hours’ notice. The match, which caught fans’ attention for its high-profile clash between two generations of women’s wrestling, had Nikki scrambling to prepare for the challenge on very short notice.

During a detailed interview shared by Fightful, Nikki Bella explained the whirlwind leading up to the bout, emphasizing her commitment to delivering a strong performance despite the compressed timeframe. “I actually watched every Asuka match in history to prepare for that one,” Bella admitted while reflecting on her study process of Asuka’s distinctive style, known for its fierce kicks and submission expertise[4].

The September 8 Raw went down from Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, featuring a significant confrontation between Nikki Bella and Asuka that eventually culminated in an intense and technical contest. Asuka, renowned as “The Empress of Tomorrow,” controlled most of the match with precision and aggression, ultimately forcing Nikki to tap out to the Asuka Lock submission in a hard-fought finish[1][2].

Nikki’s backstage candidness offers a revealing look into the challenges WWE wrestlers face when booked on short notice against top-tier opponents. Sources close to WWE insiders shared that the decision to put Nikki in the match was motivated by creative’s desire to showcase a cross-generational clash that would resonate deeply with fans, but it also meant Nikki had minimal turnaround time to tailor and rehearse for a competitor as seasoned as Asuka.

Post-match, Nikki’s respect for Asuka was evident, yet she remained confident and ready for a rematch. A backstage segment showed Nikki pushing Asuka after some heated words, only to be interrupted by Rhea Ripley, adding further intrigue to the ongoing storylines within WWE Raw’s women’s division[1]. This interaction hints at potential future feuds and alliances as the road to Wrestlepalooza 2025 intensifies.

From a performance standpoint, Nikki said she felt the match was a step forward in her in-ring return. “After the match, I just felt good. Every week I’m growing, getting better, more comfortable,” said Bella, highlighting her resurgence in WWE after years away from active competition. This was her first time wrestling a Japanese star of Asuka’s caliber, which she described as an invaluable experience that boosted her confidence[4].

WWE observers graded the match as a solid “C+,” acknowledging Nikki’s valiant effort against one of the division’s toughest champions but noting Asuka’s dominant control throughout. Wrestling News and other outlets praised the chemistry the two superstars displayed despite the short preparation period[1][5]. According to Sportsnaut, the bout was “a dream match for some” and “better-than-expected” in execution, underscoring the professionalism both women brought to the ring[5].

This sudden booking came shortly after Nikki’s earlier loss to Becky Lynch at Clash in Paris, where she sought to rebuild her momentum. While she fell short against Asuka, insiders suggest Nikki’s determination and adaptability have positioned her well for more prominent storylines in coming weeks.

Behind the scenes, WWE creative has been active in mixing established stars like Nikki Bella with current top competitors to maintain viewer interest and bridge the past with today’s wrestling scene. According to WWE.com’s coverage and Fightful’s backstage reports, WWE values Nikki’s veteran presence and believes her recent performances are helping to elevate the Raw women’s division[4].

Fans can expect Nikki Bella’s journey to continue developing, with hints from interviews and Raw segments that she is ready to reclaim her spotlight and possibly vie for another championship run. Given the buzz generated by the Asuka match and the surprising quick turnaround, WWE may be positioning Nikki for bigger story arcs at upcoming pay-per-views.

In summary, Nikki Bella’s last-minute challenge against Asuka on September 8, 2025, showcased her resilience and professionalism in adapting to WWE’s often unpredictable booking environment. Her thorough preparation—watching Asuka’s tapes and stepping into the ring with minimal notice—speaks to Nikki’s dedication and passion for wrestling, cementing her status as a Hall of Famer still very much relevant on WWE Raw’s evolving landscape.

If you missed the match, full footage is available on WWE’s official platforms, where you can witness firsthand the intense, fast-paced clash that surprised many given the limited preparation time.

Key Highlights:

• Nikki Bella was notified less than 48 hours before her match against Asuka at WWE Raw on September 8, 2025[4].

• Asuka executed her trademark kicks and submission holds, winning via the Asuka Lock[1][2].

• Nikki prepared by studying every Asuka match in history, despite the short notice[4].

• The match was graded a “C+” and praised for unexpected chemistry[1][5].

• Post-match, Nikki showed determination for a rematch, setting up future storylines alongside Rhea Ripley and Asuka[1].

• WWE insiders indicate Nikki’s ongoing growth and potential positioning for larger roles[4].

This unexpected booking and Nikki Bella’s candid reflections provide wrestling fans an insider’s perspective on the challenges and excitement behind WWE’s dynamic programming.