WWE superstar Nikki Bella has disclosed that a devastating foot injury prevented her from participating in the excitement of WrestleMania in Las Vegas this past weekend. The 42-year-old wrestler was notably absent from the Fatal Four-Way Women's Tag Team Championship match, taking to social media to explain how a severe injury shattered her chances of being involved in the event.
Graphic Injury Details Shared Online
Bella posted a video showing her foot and ankle dramatically swollen and cut, captioning it with a message to her followers: 'I'll finally fill you all in soon.' She elaborated, 'Fractured, torn and sprained my ankle. It has been a painful two weeks.' The injury occurred just as she was anticipated to make a highly awaited return to the ring alongside her sister, Brie Bella.
Surgery and Unexpected Replacement
During a WrestleMania press conference, Bella revealed the extent of the damage required surgical intervention. 'So I actually got surgery two weeks ago,' she stated. 'So I managed to break, sprain, and tear my ankle.' This medical setback led to a surprising turn of events, with Paige—real name Saraya-Jade Bevis—making an unexpected return to the ring to take Bella's spot.
Bella described a serendipitous encounter that facilitated this substitution. 'How crazy this is: when I'm heading to Birmingham to get surgery, guess who is in Birmingham?' she recounted. 'And Brie and I are literally on the phone, and I'm like, 'Brie, there is no way I'm going to make WrestleMania, but like, you still have to have your moment' and both at the same time are like 'The only person that will still make it feel special is Saraya, Paige'.' She emphasized, 'There is no one else, and I truly mean this, no other WWE Superstar in the past or now that I would want to take my spot other than Paige.'
Recovery Timeline and Public Appearance
Despite the injury, Bella attended the WrestleMania red carpet on Friday, wearing a protective boot over her damaged foot. She has not yet disclosed how long the recovery process will take, but the severity suggests it may be a considerable period. The shared image of her injured foot highlights the significant damage, leaving fans uncertain about her return timeline.
Personal Life Updates Amid Injury
In recent months, Bella's personal life has garnered attention, particularly her rumored relationship with 23-year-old Philadelphia Eagles star Cooper DeJean after she attended several of his NFL games during the 2025 season. However, earlier in April, Bella clarified her status, stating she is currently single and focusing on her five-year-old son, Mateo, whom she shares with ex-husband Artem Chigvintsev.
'I love being single,' she expressed. 'I love my space. I love how I do my routines. I love my aesthetic of my home now of just like, it's me and my son.' This focus on family and personal well-being comes as she navigates the challenges of her physical recovery from the ankle injury.
