Nikki Bella’s return to the WWE ring has been nothing short of headline-grabbing, and fans are buzzing as she resumes a full-time schedule in 2025. The former Divas Champion, widely recognized as the longest reigning titleholder in the division’s history, has wasted no time jumping straight into the thick of the action. After a high-profile feud with Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Clash in Paris, which saw Bella come up short, she quickly found herself in another marquee matchup—this time against the formidable Asuka on Monday Night RAW.
Last Monday, September 8, 2025, the WWE Universe witnessed a showdown they’d been waiting nearly a decade for. Nikki Bella, now a Hall of Famer and a central figure of the women’s wrestling renaissance, squared off against Asuka, the Japanese sensation known as the Empress of Tomorrow. Their previous encounter was the stuff of Royal Rumble legend, where they were the final two competitors in the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble. But, as Bella herself put it, they had "never had a match" until now. That anticipation, mixed with a dash of nerves and a whole lot of preparation, set the stage for what would become one of the most talked-about matches of the night.
Speaking candidly on her popular podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, Bella opened up about the whirlwind leading up to her bout with Asuka. She revealed, "I was excited because Asuka is obviously one of the best wrestlers in the world for women. We never have had a match, but her and I were the final two of the first women’s Royal Rumble. I thought about how long ago that was, like, oh my gosh. So, my whole Sunday traveling to Milwaukee, I think I watched every Asuka match in history." That’s dedication—spending an entire travel day immersed in tape study, dissecting every move, every nuance, and every strategy of her soon-to-be opponent.
But the preparation didn’t stop there. Bella also admitted that the match came as something of a surprise. "I found about having that match against Asuka, I think it was like Saturday evening, so I just remember, I’m like, ‘Oh my god, I leave the next day. I don’t have time. I have Teo. I don’t have time to think about what gear am I gonna wear. I’m just gonna throw in my Paris gear.’ Not only that Brie, and you get this especially at our age, but anyone will understand this, especially athletes." The suddenness of the announcement left her scrambling—not just for ring attire, but also for a quick dietary adjustment. Having returned from Paris, she was in the midst of her "carb week," indulging in desserts and extra calories, assuming she wouldn’t be wrestling so soon. "So, because we just came back from Paris, I was like, ‘Okay. This is gonna be my carb week. I’m gonna have carbs. I’m also gonna still keep my all my proteins in and I’m not gonna shy away from dessert,’ because I was like, ‘I’m won’t even have a match Monday, so I’ll be fine.’ So, Saturday evening when I’m sitting there and I’m like, because at our age it’s not just quickly to lean out. I then was obviously so good Sunday, Monday, but I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ So, now I’ve realized during this comeback, I can’t do carb weeks anymore or have three cheat days in a row,” Nikki Bella said.
Despite the last-minute notice and the dietary curveball, Bella brought her trademark grit to the ring. On RAW, she faced Asuka in a contest that showcased both veterans’ technical prowess and storytelling abilities. The match was a high-energy affair, with Bella demonstrating why she remains one of the most compelling figures in women’s wrestling. But it was Asuka who ultimately walked away with the win, forcing Bella to submit to the dreaded Asuka Lock—a submission hold that has felled many of WWE’s elite.
For Bella, the match was more than just another entry in her storied career. It was a chance to test herself against one of the best, to revisit a rivalry that began at the Royal Rumble, and to prove that she still belongs at the top of the card. "It was great. I wanted to know all the little things about her, how she’s working right now. I wanted to see everything. I literally have caught like every single Asuka match ever, that was my full Sunday of travel,” she recounted. Her preparation and passion were evident, even if the result didn’t go her way.
The aftermath of the match has sparked plenty of speculation among fans and analysts alike. Some see Bella’s current run as an opportunity for her to help elevate the next generation of WWE Superstars. After all, her return has already included high-profile matches with Becky Lynch and Asuka, two of the most decorated competitors in the women’s division. The suggestion that Bella is now being used to "put over" younger talent is gaining traction, especially as she’s expected to face more up-and-coming wrestlers in the weeks ahead. For a performer who has already etched her name into WWE history, taking on the role of mentor and gatekeeper could be a fitting next chapter.
Yet, for all the talk about legacy and transition, Nikki Bella’s competitive fire is far from extinguished. Her commitment to preparation, her willingness to adapt—even at the last minute—and her openness about the physical and mental demands of pro wrestling have only endeared her further to fans. The energy she brought to Milwaukee, the transparency on her podcast, and the grit displayed in the ring all point to a competitor who’s still got plenty left in the tank.
As for Asuka, the win over Bella is another feather in the cap of one of WWE’s most consistent and respected performers. The Empress of Tomorrow continues to rack up victories, reminding everyone why she’s considered one of the best in the world. Their match, nine years in the making, lived up to the hype and set the stage for future encounters—perhaps with younger talent stepping up to challenge both veterans.
With Nikki Bella now firmly reestablished as a full-time competitor and WWE’s women’s division as competitive as ever, the road ahead promises more exciting clashes, surprise matchups, and, undoubtedly, a few more twists and turns. For now, fans can savor the return of a legend and the renewed energy she brings to the squared circle. Whether she’s helping to build the next generation or chasing one more run at championship gold, Nikki Bella’s story is far from finished.
The action is ongoing, and with Bella’s renewed commitment and Asuka’s dominant run, the WWE Universe can expect plenty more fireworks in the weeks to come.
