In recent WWE news, tension simmered backstage following Nikki Bella’s revelation that Wade Barrett allegedly avoided her during a Monday Night Raw episode after his critical commentary at WWE Clash in Paris. Meanwhile, The Undertaker addressed long-standing rumors about his iconic WrestleMania streak, insisting it should never have ended. Here is the latest from these WWE storylines, backed by insider insights and official statements.

Wade Barrett Addresses Nikki Bella’s Claim of Being Ignored Backstage

The controversy ignited after Wade Barrett made pointed remarks during the Clash in Paris pre-show, questioning Nikki Bella’s place in the modern women’s division. Barrett described Nikki as “desperate to prove she still has it against this new generation that have changed the game” while also acknowledging her contributions to WWE’s evolution. These comments sparked mixed reactions among fans and piqued Nikki herself, who discussed the matter openly on The Nikki & Brie Show.

Nikki revealed that the night after the commentary, during Monday Night Raw in Paris, Barrett behaved unusually by avoiding her backstage. She told listeners, “I would love to have a conversation with Wade Barrett. He avoided me on Monday, which was shocking because he always comes up and says hi to me. He tried to avoid making eye contact with me in the hallway”[1][5]. Nikki credited Michael Cole for expertly balancing the role of a heel commentator while staying respectful, implying Barrett’s approach felt less considerate.

Despite her feelings, Nikki expressed understanding of Barrett’s heel role, noting she “gets it” and did not take his words personally. She was backstage preparing for her Intercontinental Championship match against Becky Lynch while hearing Barrett’s comments, brushing them off “like ‘Oh. Okay. That’s fine.’”[5]

Barrett responded swiftly on social media. He denied avoiding Nikki and expressed openness to a conversation about the situation. On X (formerly Twitter), Barrett posted, “I had no idea Nicole felt this way, and I’m happy to have this ‘conversation’ any time she likes. I wish she’d brought it up when we said hello to each other at Raw, rather than via her podcast. I don’t understand the avoiding claim at all, simply not true.” [4][5]

Sources close to WWE indicate backstage tensions remain low, and the two are expected to clear the misunderstanding soon. Despite the hiccup, Wade Barrett continues his role as a WWE commentator, and Nikki Bella’s recent high-profile return has rejuvenated interest in the women’s division. Nikki’s match with Becky Lynch at Clash in Paris, though falling short, laid seeds for future storylines as WWE builds toward further championship contenders[2].

The Undertaker Reflects on WrestleMania Streak: “It Should Not Have Ended”

In another noteworthy update, The Undertaker, WWE’s legendary Deadman, weighed in on his unprecedented WrestleMania winning streak and its conclusion at WrestleMania 30. The streak, a hallmark of WWE history, ended unexpectedly, shocking fans worldwide.

During a revealing interview, The Undertaker echoed sentiments fans and insiders have speculated about for years—that perhaps his WrestleMania streak was ended prematurely or by circumstances that didn’t honor its legacy appropriately. He expressed, albeit diplomatically, that the streak “should not have ended” when it did.

This statement aligns with prior rumors circulating since the early to mid-2000s concerning possible alternative booking decisions. Kurt Angle, another WWE Hall of Famer, also played a role in quashing some erroneous rumors tied to those eras, affirming that WWE had always prioritized preserving the respect and mystique of The Undertaker’s dominant run.

The streak, comprising 21 straight WrestleMania victories over more than two decades, remains one of WWE’s most iconic records. Despite its controversial end, it cemented The Undertaker’s status as an enduring figure in sports entertainment history.

Additional WWE Developments

• Nikki Bella’s high-profile return continues to captivate WWE audiences. Her match at Clash in Paris against Becky Lynch showcased her determination to reclaim a spot at the pinnacle of the women’s roster. WWE officials reportedly view Nikki’s comeback as a strategic move to blend veteran star power with current talent, cultivating appealing rivalries[2].

• Wade Barrett, known outside WWE as Stu Bennett, remains a respected voice on WWE commentary teams, praised for his insightful analysis and character-driven commentary. Sources say he is mindful of balancing his heel persona with professionalism off-air, making his recent comments about Nikki likely intended as storyline elements rather than personal digs[4].

• Behind the scenes, WWE management is said to encourage open communication among talent and commentators to avoid misunderstandings such as the one between Wade Barrett and Nikki Bella, ensuring harmony enhances live event coherence and fan engagement[5].

Source Credibility

The information compiled here is drawn from multiple reputable sources including WWE.com, Fightful, WrestleTalk, and direct podcast statements from Nikki Bella and Wade Barrett, alongside verified social media posts. Fightful reporter Jeremy Lambert notably covered the Barrett-Bella interaction in detail, while wrestling news outlets confirmed The Undertaker’s remarks in recent interviews.

This evolving story underscores the interplay of on-screen character dynamics and real-life professional relationships within WWE. Fans should watch for upcoming WWE programming and podcasts, where Nikki and Wade may publicly reconcile, and further legendary reflections from The Undertaker. Stay tuned for more verified WWE news as the sports entertainment landscape progresses.