Nikki Bella pulled back the curtain on a creative pitch she made for WWE Clash in Italy that ultimately was not approved.
On the latest episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, Nikki revealed a pitch for a themed segment at Clash in Italy. The concept would have featured WWE stars like Gunther, Oba Femi, Penta, The Judgment Day, and the Women’s Tag Team Champions, in a series of lighthearted vignettes inspired by Emily in Paris aesthetics and the Italian phrase ‘Ciao Bella’ embracing the culture and atmosphere surrounding the event.
“I pitched this incredible idea called Ciao Bella! ‘Hey, you guys, I would love to do this, whether it’s pre-show or doing a fun commercial thing for a PLE or just make it social.’ It would be where I have these different moments with WWE superstars, so there would be a moment where I’m on the scooter with Danhausen and his scarf is flying in my face. I’d have a moment with Brie and Paige and have a spritz with the tag team champions, and then I’d be on a gondola ride with Gunther, and he’s just staring straight being Gunther, and I’m looking around like Emily in Paris. This is what gave me the idea, being like Emily in Rome, me touring with WWE superstars. The gondolier is another WWE superstar giving me the look, or he’s someone who hates Gunther. I have this other moment where Oba and I are getting gelato and trying a selfie with him, but the height difference. Judgment Day comes and slaps the gelato out of our hands.”
“I had all these fun segment ideas with superstars that were very Italian and fun, that gave Emily in Paris vibes. I have a romantic spaghetti dinner with Penta. They showed interest. I was going back with the team, and they really liked the idea. My ending segment was me walking down the street, and they are going, ‘Ciao Bella, Ciao Bella.’ I take a pause and go, ‘Oh my God, I’m so famous here.’ Obviously, because they call everyone Bella, but I think it’s because I’m Nikki Bella. It was cute and they all loved it, but it fell through.”
Neither The Bellas nor Paige were a part of the Clash in Italy match card. Nikki suffered an ankle injury in March that has kept her sidelined. Last month, she indicated a hopeful return at Night of Champions on June 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
AJ Lee, Paige and The Bella Twins have officially been moved to the free agents on the WWE website.
They join Danhausen, Oba Femi and Omos in the free agents section on the WWE roster
Lee returned to WWE in September 2025 after nearly a decade away. She feuded with Becky Lynch and won the Intercontinental Championship at Elimination Chamber this year. The title reign was short-lived when Lynch won back the title at WrestleMania. Following which, Lee cited she was taking time away from WWE but would be back soon.
Nikki Bella made her comeback last year, while Brie officially signed a new deal with the company this year. Nikki’s foot injury omitted her from the fatal four way Women’s Tag Team title match at WrestleMania, which led to Paige stepping up as her replacement.
It also marked Paige’s first WWE match since 2017 after the neck injury that forced her into early retirement. At AEW Full Gear 2023, she competed in the ring for the first time after being medically cleared and stepped back in the ring as a full-time competitor.
Paige is now listed in the Free Agents section of the WWE roster page, and AJ Lee & the Bella Twins have been moved from Raw to Free Agents pic.twitter.com/U7BaHxxJ1A
Nikki Bella shared an update on when she hopes to make a full-time comeback as an in-ring competitor.
Nikki was the only one on the podcast for the latest episode of The Nikki and Brie Show, as Brie was traveling for SmackDown. She addressed her injury status, setting the timeline for a comeback in June and she is hopeful to participate in Night of Champions on June 27.
“Hopefully I will get to see you all in June… they just announced Night of Champions is going to be happening in June, so fingers crossed that still goes (forward). But obviously, I’d love to see you all there!”
During the podcast, Nikki responded to a fan about which championship The Bellas would like to pursue apart from the WWE Tag Team Titles. She stated unfinished business with Liv Morgan and plans to target the Women’s World Championship. Nikki also expressed interest in becoming a General Manager for Raw in the long run.
“I always love to think and dream big. So for me, it would for sure be the Women’s World Championship. And all these, all this time I have right now to lay on my back and ice and elevate my ankle and be in therapy. You know me, I’m always just the wheels start turning and knowing that Liv just won it and there’s a lot of unfinished business there. And then I was like, ‘oh, wait Liv has Judgement Day and I technically have Paige and Brie. We can call Team Bella. And I’m like, wait, this sounds all amazing and perfect.’ So I would go after that. I would go after Liv’s championship.”
“I would love one day before I,call it, goodbye for good, I would love to be a Women’s World Champion. Also, what I would love to be and what I love about this one is I can do this not being in the ring, but there was a lot of talk about it today on X about when should they change up the General Managers. And I would love to be General Manager at Raw at one point, so Liv’s championship, Women’s World Championship. And then after in ring stuff, I would love at some point to be a General Manager for Raw.”
On the March 27 edition of SmackDown, Nikki fractured and sprained her left ankle that forced her to be out of in-ring action and miss WrestleMania 42. However, Paige returned and took her spot alongside Brie to win the Women’s Tag Team Titles.
After missing out on competing at Saturday’s first night of WWE WrestleMania 42, Nikki Bella has given a timeline for her hopeful return to the ring.
Responding to a tweet asking for when she hopes to return, Bella replied “6-8 weeks hopefully.”
Bella revealed on Instagram Saturday that she “fractured, tore and sprained my ankle. It’s been a painful two weeks,” noting she will finally fill fans in soon on what’s been going on, assumed to be on her and sister Brie’s podcast. She later confirmed she had surgery for the injury.
The 42-year-old Bella was seen in a walking boot following a late-March SmackDown match, initially saying she would be back in a week’s time which was not the case.
She was replaced by the returning Paige in the four-way for the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles which Brie Bella and Page won. Dave Meltzer reported Sunday that The Bellas were slated to win the titles.
Nikki Bella says she’s still in the four-way Women’s Tag Team title match at WrestleMania 42 despite being in a walking boot on Friday.
The Bellas were interviewed by Big E on the red carpet special ahead of the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday. Big E specifically asked if she was still in the four-way match at WrestleMania and Nikki responded that she is.
“I’m feeling great, just getting that extra rest in so I can be ready for tomorrow. Ready to win those tag titles.” Nikki answered when Big E asked how she was feeling.
Big E pointed out the walking boot Nikki was wearing and asked if she was still in the match at WrestleMania.
“Oh yeah. I’m there. I’m here, I would never leave Brie’s side ever. I’m still in it, I’m still there tomorrow and we’re going to win those tag titles.”
Brie added, “The Bella Twins are unstoppable, we are used to obstacles, and we overcome everything.”
PWInsider reported Friday that Bella will not be cleared in time for WrestleMania. The outlet also reported that Saraya, formerly Paige in WWE, has signed to return to the company and will be Nikki’s replacement in the bout.
The full red carpet special is available below. The video is queued to Big E speaking with the Bellas.
If you’re among those wondering why it’s taking so long to make the IYO SKY vs. Asuka match at next weekend’s WWE WrestleMania 42 official, there’s now an answer: the health status of The Bella Twins.
Our Bryan Alvarez is reporting that the reason is because if Nikki Bella isn’t medically cleared to team with sister Brie in the four-way Women’s Tag Team match at WrestleMania, Asuka & Kairi Sane will take their place. If Nikki gets cleared, the Sky vs. Asuka match will be booked.
It’s unclear what happens with SKY at that point if Asuka must be in the tag match instead.
The 42-year-old Bella was seen in a walking boot following a late-March SmackDown match, later saying she would be back in a week’s time. However, she hasn’t been given the clean bill of health on TV, leaving the door open.
Nikki Bella might have her sister by her side when she competes at WWE Evolution next month.
TMZ Sports reported today that Brie Bella is in talks with WWE for a return ahead of the all-women’s Evolution PLE, which is being held in Atlanta on Sunday, July 13. The report says it’s unclear if Brie will be competing in the ring at the show. If she does wrestle, it would be her first match since appearing in the 2022 women’s Royal Rumble. Her last match prior to that was in 2018.
“A source with direct knowledge tells us Nikki’s twin is in talks to unretire and help her sister kick some ass at the promotion’s all-women pay-per-view event, Evolution, next month,” TMZ wrote.
On Raw earlier this week, a feud between Nikki Bella and Liv Morgan began on the road to Evolution. Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez are the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, making them logical opponents if Brie does wrestle at the PLE. The Bellas have never competed for the Women’s Tag Team titles before.
TMZ furthered the storyline between Nikki and Morgan by claiming that Brie is “pissed” at Morgan for referencing Nikki’s divorce from Artem Chigvintsev. During their segment on Monday’s show, Morgan said she has everything Nikki doesn’t — respect, a championship, and a man. The angle led to Morgan laying out Nikki with Oblivion.
“We’re told Brie is pissed about Morgan referencing Nikki’s highly publicized split from Artem Chigvintsev — who was arrested for domestic violence in August 2024, resulting in the couple’s divorce a month later,” the report said.
The Bellas Twins are WWE Hall of Famers, having been inducted as part of the class of 2020. An appearance by Nikki has been confirmed for next Monday’s Raw in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Evolution is one of three WWE events happening in Atlanta on the weekend of July 12-13 with the city also set to host NXT Great American Bash and WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.
While appearing on the “Tamron Hall” talk show this week, Nikki & Brie Bella explained why they were critical of the women’s representation on Raw’s 30th anniversary episode.
The Bellas did an Instagram live video on Monday night calling out WWE for not showcasing the women’s evolution on Raw’s anniversary show. They mentioned Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks) and Saraya (Paige) as people who WWE didn’t want to feature.
Nikki & Brie were originally announced for the anniversary show but were pulled from advertising prior to the episode taking place. Madusa was the only women’s legend who appeared.
Hall asked the Bellas what made them want to speak out about the lack of representation.
Nikki: I think what anyone does when you have love and passion for something and you put your heart and your soul in it, you want to be appreciated. And I think that’s in any industry. For us female wrestlers, it was Raw 30, the 30th anniversary. And throughout those 30 years, women have done a whole lot to make Raw what it is. So when you have a three-hour show, and it’s male-dominated and women aren’t being honored, pretty much at all, you just sit back and you’re like, ‘Why aren’t we being appreciated? Like, why don’t you even have a video package showcasing what all these incredible women have done?’
Nikki: I’m someone who they’ve always called ‘No Filter Nikki.’ And I know sometimes my team is like back there like, ‘Oh my gosh, if we could just take her phone.’ But — it made me upset for all the women, because I know that feeling of walking out to the ring. and it happens to some of the men, but where you walk out and you put your body on the line, you give it your all just to entertain the fans and the TV viewers, and you just come back and you want to feel appreciated for that. Some of us have had career-ending injuries. And we shouldn’t go away. And even if I feel that if a wrestler even leaves the company or they’re no longer there, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be remembered.
Brie: 100 percent.
Nikki: I wished and I hoped, and maybe that will be more in the future, we still have a way to go, but that women will finally be appreciated for what they do.
Brie: I think the biggest thing is that what the women are doing today at WWE is amazing. Like, the present-day women wrestlers are doing incredible things. But it took so many women from the past to pave that road. And it’s okay to say ‘thank you’ and recognize that. And I think when Nikki and I speak, it always makes headlines. But the thing that we love is that we come from passion for women, not from ourselves. The Bella Twins don’t have to be at Raw 30, it’s all the other women that — we can give you a whole long list — that should have been there.
Raw 30 also drew criticism for failing to deliver on a Becky Lynch vs. Bayley steel cage match that was supposed to take place on the show. There was instead an angle where Damage CTRL attacked Lynch and prevented the match from happening. The decision to nix the steel cage match was made after The Bloodline’s Trial of Sami Zayn segment went long.
During an Instagram live video on Monday night, Nikki & Brie Bella criticized WWE for its lack of women’s evolution representation on Raw’s 30th anniversary episode.
The Bellas were initially among the legends announced for the anniversary show, but they didn’t end up appearing. They were pulled from advertising for the show late last week, with The Bellas tweeting that they wished they could have made it but weren’t available for that date. The Bellas noted that WWE promoted them for the episode before confirming.
Lol no that wasn’t it at all. Wish so bad we could have made it! We couldn’t make that date. They promoted us before confirming that’s all 🙂 Doing an IG Live for the Bella Army about it tomorrow 💋#hatersgonnahatebrllasgonnaball#bellaarmy
Madusa was the only women’s legend who appeared on Raw last night.
While speaking about the lack of women’s evolution representation on Raw 30, The Bellas mentioned Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks) and Saraya (Paige) as people who WWE doesn’t want to show. “There’s a bunch of us they don’t want to show,” Brie said. “That’s fine.“
Nikki: Another good memory on Raw. How didn’t they showcase anything from the women’s evolution?
Brie: But also the way we did our matches on there.
Nikki: Because Sasha Banks in it and they’re like, ‘We can’t…
Brie: The Bellas, there’s a bunch of us.
Nikki: Mercedes is too over, and we can’t say her name.
Brie: There’s a couple other girls, and [Saraya], there’s a bunch of us they don’t want to show. That’s fine.
Nikki: That’s fine. When you do what they don’t want to do…
Brie: It’s not what you don’t do. It’s what you do do.
The Bella Twins do have a point tho…Not even a Trish Stratus or Lita or Jazz or Victoria…No mention of Sable or AJ Lee…Vickie Guerrero…list goes on…Alundra Blayze you put in a backstage poker game when she has the #WWE women’s championship?! pic.twitter.com/D406DDCJLH#RawXXX
A steel cage match between Becky Lynch and Bayley was supposed to take place on Raw last night, but it turned into an angle where Damage CTRL attacked Lynch and the match never got started. The match was cut for time due to The Bloodline’s Trial of Sami Zayn segment going long.
Nikki & Brie Bella were mentioned by Charlotte Flair last night during a promo where she named some of the opponents who she’s faced during her career.
WWE sent out a tweet today promoting E!’s “Nikki Bella Says I Do” series, which premieres this Thursday. The four-part series chronicles Nikki’s wedding to Artem Chigvintsev.
Nikki & Brie Bella are leaving the door open for another in-ring run with WWE.
In an interview with Access Hollywood to promote the upcoming season of Total Bellas, Nikki & Brie were asked if they’re retired from the ring for good. “See, this is what’s hard for Nikki and I. When we left, all of a sudden the WWE Women’s Tag titles came and we’re like, ‘Wait a sec, that’s for the Bella Twins.’ Like, we’ve been dying to have Tag titles,” Brie said. “And so her and I feel like we have one more run in us and we really want to go for those titles.”
Nikki & Brie both announced their retirement from in-ring competition on season four of Total Bellas in 2019. The Bellas appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in June 2019 and Nikki discussed the injury issues that led to her retiring.
Earlier this year, Nikki & Brie both gave birth to children. Nikki and her fiance Artem Chigvintsev welcomed the birth of their first child on July 31. Brie and Daniel Bryan welcomed the birth of their second child on August 1.
Chigvintsev told US Weekly about Nikki potentially returning to the ring: “She’s been having talks about coming back and doing something together with [her twin sister], Brie [Bella.] They both have kids, and I feel like they still have this unclosed chapter with wrestling. I would not be surprised.”
Nikki & Brie were set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame over WrestleMania weekend this April, but the ceremony couldn’t happen due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Total Bellas season six will premiere on E! at 9 p.m. Eastern time this Thursday. Nikki & Brie’s full interview with Access Hollywood is available to watch below:
Nikki & Brie Bella are officially being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this April.
The official announcement of The Bellas going into the Hall of Fame was made during their appearance on tonight’s SmackDown. They’re the third act WWE has announced for this year’s class, joining Batista and the nWo (Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall & Sean “X-Pac” Waltman).
The Bellas appeared on A Moment of Bliss on SmackDown tonight and spoke about how they wouldn’t be where they are now without the support of their Bella Army.
Last month, Nikki & Brie revealed that they’re both pregnant and expecting babies later this year. Their due dates are a week and a half apart.
Dave Meltzer confirmed last week that The Bellas and Jushin Thunder Liger are scheduled to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. Meltzer has also reported that “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith will be one of this year’s inductees.
With SmackDown now on Friday nights, this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 2. It’s being held at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Total Bellas season five will premiere on E! on Thursday, April 9 at 10 p.m. Eastern time.
The final SmackDown before Super Showdown takes place from the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Ahead of challenging Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in Saudi Arabia, Goldberg returns to SmackDown tonight. He made an appearance live via satellite a few weeks ago to challenge Wyatt. WWE.com is teasing an appearance by Wyatt and the Firefly Funhouse as well.
The Bellas will also return to WWE television tonight as the guests on A Moment of Bliss. Nikki & Brie are expected to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.
Naomi takes on Carmella in a number one contender’s match. The winner challenges SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley at Super ShowDown. Bayley defeated Carmella last week to retain the title. After the match, Bayley jumped Carmella until Naomi made the save.
The New Day & The Usos take on The Miz, John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode in an eight-man tag match. The match comes in advance of New Day defending their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Miz & Morrison in Saudi Arabia next Thursday.
Plus, Lacey Evans sits down for an exclusive interview with Renee Young.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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A Goldberg video package aired before the opening theme song. It noted that Goldberg appears live on FOX for the first time.
They announced Braun Strowman & Elias vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro in a Symphony Of Destruction match.
SmackDown started with The Usos making their way to the ring. They noted they weren’t on the show last week, but Miz and John Morrison wouldn’t stop talking about them.
Jimmy promised Miz and Morrison a superkick party. Jey pointed out that they’re not taking on Miz, Morrison, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode alone. New Day’s music hit, and they made their way to the ring. The Usos thanked The New Day for keeping the belts warm for them. Big E called The Usos one of the greatest tag teams of all time. Kofi Kingston called them future Hall of Famers and pointed out The Usos are six-time tag team champions.
The New Day got in The Usos’ faces. Big E pointed out that that’s one less then the seven-time tag team champions The New Day. The Miz and John Morrison interrupted. They tried to get people to chant their names, but it didn’t catch on. They promised to win the tag titles at Super Showdown. They then introduced Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. Morrison pointed out that Ziggler had a great Valentin’s Day date. The heels surrounded the ring.
The New Day & The Usos defeated The Miz, John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
The faces isolated Ziggler for the early advantage. The heels jumped Kingston from behind and pulled him to the floor. Miz rocked Kingston with a boot on the floor to take over.
The heels isolated Kingston in their corner and cut him off from his partners. On commentary, Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed Ziggler stealing Otis’ date Mandy Rose last week. Kingston and Morrison fought on the top turnbuckle. Kingston knocked Morrison off and nailed all three heels with boots knocking them off the apron too. Morrison recovered and rocked Kingston with a kick to the head.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control and continued to beat down Kingston. Kingston backdropped Ziggler to the floor and hit a double foot stomp on Roode.
Big E got the tag and ran wild. He hit a big splash on Miz and set up for the Big Ending. Miz slipped out the back and tagged Morrison. Big E attempted the running spear off the apron, but Morrison hit a knee. Morrison hit the shining wizard and shooting star press, but Kingston broke up the pin attempt.
Jimmy rocked Morrison and Miz with superkicks, but Roode hit the Glorious DDT. Roode attempted to hit the DDT on Jey, but he fought out and hit a superkick for the win.
In the back, Drew Gulak approached Daniel Bryan. Gulak made a PowerPoint presentation for Bryan to point out the holes in his game. Gulak mentioned Bryan’s match with Heath Slater a few weeks ago.
Slater approached and demanded a match against Bryan tonight. Bryan agreed and told Gulak to help Slater out since Bryan has so many holes in his game. Bryan walked off. Gulak turned to Slater and told him they have a lot of work to do.
They recapped Otis and Mandy Rose’s romance and the failed date from last week when Dolph Ziggler showed up.
In the back, Tucker approached Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. He was mad that she broke Otis’ heart last week. Tucker pointed out that Otis combed his hair and got new underwear for the date last week. He said Otis is devastated and won’t even leave his hotel room. Deville told Tucker it wasn’t the right time.
Rose pointed out that she went out with Ziggler because Otis didn’t show up. Tucker noted she texted Otis that she was running late, but Rose didn’t know what he was talking about. Deville acted confused too. Tucker left, and the fans broke into an “Otis” chant.
Rose said she was looking forward to her date with Otis and would have instead gone out with him. Deville told her not to worry about it, and Ziggler’s more of Rose’s type of guy anyway. The fans booed intensely.
Renee Young interviewed Lacey Evans. Young pointed out that Evans was a bully, just like Bayley and Sasha Banks. Evans tried to claim that calling people “Nasties” is a term of endearment. She then admitted to being a bully but learned from dealing with Banks and Bayley. Evans’s next goal is to recover from her loss to Bayley and became champion.
Symphony of Destruction: Braun Strowman & Elias defeated Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro (w/Sami Zayn)
Various musical instruments surround the ringside area. They recapped Sami Zayn’s protest concert last week.
Before the match, Elias sang a song going over the rules of the match and introduced his partner Storwman. Zayn was holding a ukelele, but Strowman came out with a stand-up bass.
They started as a standard tag team match despite being no holds barred. Zayn handed a Tamborine to Nakamura, but Elias used it instead. Elias rolled out to bring a drum in the ring, but Cesaro cut him off. Strowman took the drum and smashed it over Cesaro’s head.
Zayn hit Strowman with the ukelele and ran off. Strowman chased him, but Nakamura nailed him with a guitar. Back from the break, Cesaro tried to use the cowbell, but Elias used it instead. Elias attempted a suplex off the apron, but Zayn grabbed Elias’ legs. Cesaro knocked Elias off the apron through the table.
Strowman took over and threw Cesaro over the announce table. Cesaro tried to hit Strowman with a guitar, but Strowman choke slammed him on the apron instead. Strowman went to pick up the stand-up bass, but Zayn hit him with a keyboard. Cesaro and Nakamura then gave Strowman a double suplex onto the stand-up bass. The bass shattered into pieces.
Nakamura attempted the Kinsasha on the floor, but Elias moved, and Nakamura crashed into a gong. Elias placed Cesaro on a table and climbed to the top, but Nakamura stopped him. Strowman tossed Nakamura onto the announce table.
Elias hit an elbow off the top on Cesaro through the table. Strowman than gave Nakamura a power slam off the announce table onto a piano for the win. The spot looked brutal because the piano didn’t break. The medical staff checked on Nakamura.
They recapped King Corbin and Roman Reigns feud.
Kayla Braxton interviewed King Corbin in the back. Corbin noted Reigns never beat him in a one-on-one match. He has to hide behind his cousins, but he’s going to be alone with Corbin in the cage. He promised to replace Reigns on the posters and as the face of the WWE.
A Moment Of Bliss with The Bellas Twins
Alexa Bliss came out and called this a special Hall of Fame edition of A Moment of Bliss. She recapped the current names already announced Batista and the NWO.
Bliss then announced the next inductees The Bella Twins and introduced Nikki and Brie. They’re both excited to go into the Hall of Fame. They’re grateful for all the fans in their hometown. Nikki noted they wouldn’t be able to break barriers without the Bella Army. Brie said speaking of breaking barriers and pointed out that Bliss is the first female talk show host in WWE history.
The Bellas discussed their pregnancy and Nikki’s engagement. Daniel Bryan’s music hit, and he ran out with his daughter. He hugged Brie and Bryan made his way to the ring.
Daniel Bryan defeated Heath Slater
Drew Gulak joined the commentary team for the match. Michael Cole confused Gulak and Slater. Gulak was offended Cole would make that mistake. Graves said Slater is the one in the ring about to lose.
Bryan dominated the match, but Slater briefly took over. Slater climbed to the top, but Gulak yelled at him to get down. Slater ignored and missed a diving headbutt. Bryan made a comeback and rocked Slater with yes kicks.
Bryan went from the running knee, but Slater rolled up Bryan for a near fall. Bryan recovered and hit the running knee for the win.
In the back, Mandy Rose was about to leave when Dolph Ziggler approached. Ziggler and Rose left together. Of course, Otis was hiding in the background watching.
For the second time tonight, there was a weird glitch during the broadcast. There seemed to be some type of symbol, but maybe it’s just a glitch.
Sheamus talked about defeating Shorty G and Apollo Crews last week. Now it’s time for him to go after bigger targets. He announced he’s entering the elimination chamber.
In the locker room, Shorty G talked with Crews. Shorty G said that bullying is becoming a significant problem. Crews told Shorty G that he’s going to deal with Sheamus his way.
Number One Contender’s Match: Naomi defeated Carmella
SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley was at ringside for the match.
Naomi and Carmella shook hands, but Naomi pulled her into a side headlock. Carmella countered into a side headlock. Naomi recovered and hit a back elbow.
They traded pin attempts. Carmella caught Naomi with spinning head scissors. She attempted a dive, but Naomi cut her off.
Naomi climbed to the top turnbuckle, but Bayley distracted her. Carmella used a hurricanrana on Naomi and followed up with a suicide dive. The referee threw Bayley out from ringside.
Back from the break, Naomi hit a series of kicks, but Carmella recovered. Naomi hit a springboard kick but clearly missed. Graves tried to cover up by pointing out that Naomi didn’t get all of it. Naomi followed up with a corkscrew plancha to the floor. Carmella fought back and scored a very close near fall.
Carmella locked on the code of silence, but Naomi made it to the ropes. Naomi hit the rearview for another near fall. The finish came when Naomi hit a kick and blockbuster. She followed up with the split-legged moonsault for the win. Naomi challenges SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley at Super Showdown.
Goldberg Promo
The fans broke into a huge “Goldberg” chant when his music started to play. The crowd gave him an enormous reaction when he made his way to the ring. The fans broke into another loud “Goldberg” chant. It’s been a long time since he’s been in a SmackDown ring, so he’s going to take his sweet time. He turned his attention to Bray Wyatt and said he’s ready for Super Showdown.
Bray Wyatt and The Firefly Funhouse interrupted. Goldberg said he’s not playing Wyatt’s stupid games. Wyatt introduced some of his friends. Ramblin Rabbit said he loves Goldberg, so Wyatt squashed him with a mallet. He said one more person is dying to meet Goldberg.
The lights went out, but Goldberg wasn’t concerned. He had a big smile on his face. The lights came back on, but Goldberg knew the Fiend was behind him. Goldberg calmly turned around to face The Fiend. They had a brief staredown.
Goldberg hit a spear on The Fiend. The Fiend was hurt and backed into the corner. Goldberg teased a second spear, but the lights went out. When the lights came back on, The Fiend was gone.
Next Week: John Cena returns to Friday Night SmackDown.
Nikki & Brie Bella are returning to WWE television on this week’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that The Bellas will be Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross’ guests for a Moment of Bliss segment on this Friday’s SmackDown. Dave Meltzer confirmed last week that The Bellas are scheduled to be part of this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class, though the official announcement of that has yet to be made.
Nikki & Brie revealed last month that they’re both pregnant and expecting babies later this year.
Season five of Total Bellas will premiere on E! at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, April 9.
An eight-man tag match has also been added to this week’s SmackDown. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E) will team with The Usos against The Miz, John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode.
New Day are defending their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Miz & Morrison at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia next Thursday (February 27).
This week’s SmackDown is taking place at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Goldberg will appear on the episode to continue the build to him challenging “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship at Super ShowDown.
Carmella and Naomi will face off on SmackDown to determine who will challenge for Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Super ShowDown. There will also be a sit-down interview with Lacey Evans on the episode.
While appearing on last night’s episode of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Nikki Bella discussed the injuries that forced her to retire from professional wrestling.
“I really wanted to go back and fight for the [Women’s] tag titles,” Nikki said. “You know, I’ve always had my neck issues. And after neck surgery, like, it hasn’t been okay.
“I felt like I needed to get that check-up before we went back for the tag titles. And then it came back — I herniated the disc above where I had surgery. I have all this inflammation around the metal, and then I have a cyst on my brain. So they were like, ‘You’re done, no more, you’re out.’ So, I didn’t get a choice.”
Nikki & Brie Bella both announced their retirements from in-ring competition on season four of Total Bellas. They confirmed on The Tonight Show that Total Bellas will be returning for season five.
Video from Nikki & Brie’s Tonight Show appearance is available to watch below:
Two rematches from Super Show-Down are scheduled for tonight’s Raw.
The Shield (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose) vs. Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre and Ronda Rousey & The Bellas vs. The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) have been announced for tonight’s show. When the six-person tags took place in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday, The Shield and Rousey & The Bellas won their respective matches.
Ambrose pinned Ziggler at Super Show-Down, with The Shield staying united after the storyline where dissension between Ambrose and Reigns & Rollins was teased.
Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Strowman and Brock Lesnar in a triple threat match at Crown Jewel on November 2.
Rousey submitted Morgan and Logan with a double armbar at Super Show-Down. There was a moment where Rousey and Nikki Bella both wanted to start for their teams, seemingly teasing Rousey vs. Nikki for this month’s Evolution pay-per-view.
Tonight’s Raw is taking place at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Trish Stratus are all advertised for the show.
