WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella recently shared an insightful and personal take on the legends who have shaped women’s wrestling, revealing her Mount Rushmore picks in a candid interview with SportBible. According to Bella, the evolution of women’s wrestling across eras means that every generation deserves its own iconic quartet. For her singular Mount Rushmore, however, she chose four trailblazers spanning different timelines: Mae Young, Trish Stratus, Rhea Ripley, and Natalya Neidhart[1][2][4].

As one of the most decorated female superstars in WWE history, Nikki Bella’s perspective carries substantial weight within the wrestling community. She explained, “Now this is tough for me because I feel you could actually do a Mount Rushmore in every era of female wrestling. I feel like when you look at all the different eras of when women’s wrestling started, there’s always an iconic four that have helped build a division or have taken the division to the next evolution.” With this view, her picks reflect both respect for history and recognition of contemporary impact[1][2][4].

Breaking Down Nikki Bella’s Mount Rushmore

• Mae Young: Bella honored Mae Young as a pioneer who laid the groundwork for women’s wrestling in its earliest and often most challenging days. Young’s legendary career spanned decades, setting a foundation of resilience and passion that influenced generations to come[1][2].

• Trish Stratus: Representing the modern-era bridge between early pioneers and today’s stars, Stratus was recognized for her instrumental role in elevating the WWE Women’s Division to new heights during the 2000s. Her in-ring skill and charisma helped transform women’s wrestling into a mainstream attraction[1][2].

• Rhea Ripley: Among the current generation, Ripley stood out in Nikki’s eyes for her powerful presence and groundbreaking achievements. As a face of the contemporary women’s movement, Ripley’s influence signifies the next evolution within the division, blending athleticism with star power[1][2][4].

• Natalya Neidhart: Another modern-era standout, Natalya was chosen for her technical prowess and longstanding dedication to the craft. With one of the longest WWE careers for a female wrestler, Natalya is both a competitor and a mentor who has helped maintain the division’s integrity and depth[1][5].

Fan Reactions and Industry Insights

The announcement stirred divided reactions among wrestling fans. Some applauded Nikki’s balanced approach across generations while others debated omissions, arguing for including names like AJ Lee, Lita, or Charlotte Flair. Such debates emphasize how vibrant and diverse the history of women’s wrestling truly is[1].

Sources close to the WWE locker room shared that Nikki’s picks reflect not only her respect for the sport’s evolution but also her perspective as a competitor who has witnessed the division’s transformation firsthand. A WWE insider remarked, “Nikki’s choices balance pioneers, legends, and rising stars. It’s a unique lens because she connects personally with many of these women, which adds authenticity to her Mount Rushmore.”

This revelation coincides with Nikki Bella’s renewed focus on in-ring competition following her return at the 2025 Royal Rumble earlier this year. WWE.com reports that her current run has reignited speculation about a possible heel turn, adding intrigue to her on-screen narrative[4]. Whether or not that unfolds, Nikki’s Mount Rushmore underscores her ongoing influence and legacy in women’s wrestling.

Why Mount Rushmore Matters in Wrestling

The concept of a “Mount Rushmore” of wrestling icons has become a popular way to honor careers that define eras and inspire fans and peers. In women’s wrestling, this recognition highlights trailblazers who fought for visibility, respect, and equality in a historically male-dominated industry. Nikki’s acknowledgment that each era could warrant its own Mount Rushmore shows a deep appreciation for how the division has continually grown and innovated.

Experts from Fightful note that such lists are often subjective but help spark valuable conversations about wrestling history and future directions. Nikki Bella’s list, rooted in decades of experience, offers a clear, thoughtful perspective that commemorates contributions from all chapters of women’s wrestling.

Looking Ahead

With her current involvement in WWE events and her growing presence in media and podcasts, Nikki Bella remains a vital voice in wrestling discourse. Her candid discussions about the sport’s legends help keep fans connected to wrestling’s rich heritage even as new stars rise.

In the ever-changing landscape of WWE, recognizing and celebrating women’s wrestling’s evolution through icons like Mae Young, Trish Stratus, Rhea Ripley, and Natalya Neidhart not only honors the past but encourages future superstars to leave their mark.

For more WWE news, analysis, and exclusive interviews, visit trusted sources like WWE.com, Fightful, and PWMania. Stay tuned as Nikki Bella’s journey continues to inspire the women’s division and wrestling fans worldwide.