Nikki Bella Reflects on Clash in Paris 2025 Amid Criticism

Nikki Bella's Return to the Ring at Clash in Paris

The Clash in Paris 2025 event showcased six matches, including a notable Women's Division bout featuring WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella. This match, which was added at the last minute, saw her face off against Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Unfortunately, it received backlash for several missed opportunities during the performance.

Many fans attributed the match's shortcomings to Nikki Bella's time away from the ring, as she is now in her 40s and potentially nearing the end of her wrestling career. Despite the criticism, she emphasized that her return is not about proving herself to anyone.

During an episode of The Nikki & Brie Show podcast, Bella expressed that this WWE stint is for her own enjoyment, stating she felt fortunate to perform in front of 30,000 fans in Paris, which she described as a dream come true. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity despite the negativity surrounding her performance.

“It was about me, and so I was like, I just kept having pinch me moments of like, ‘Thank you god so much for this, like for giving me the opportunity to have a title match in Paris,’” Bella shared her appreciation for participating in the event.

“Already, that was a dream for me. That’s a check off the bucket list. I can’t believe it, and then in front of 30,000 people… I was just on cloud nine. I felt so blessed and lucky.”

Challenges of Motherhood and Wrestling

Nikki Bella also discussed the challenges she faces as a mother while preparing for matches. She mentioned that balancing motherhood with her responsibilities as a single mom and managing two businesses has made training for matches particularly difficult. Regarding the botched moves during her match, she acknowledged that mistakes are common in wrestling.

“I was so proud of myself, and it was really cute because when I came back, they all were clapping for me, and it was really special, and obviously, there are two spots bummed about. I can say the volley kick, you know, and you know what? That stuff happens.”

The match against Becky Lynch was not initially planned for the Paris event; it was a result of a shift in WWE's creative direction after the cancellation of the originally scheduled Women’s World Championship Match due to Naomi's pregnancy.

Looking ahead, Nikki Bella will continue to make appearances on WWE television. After attending the post-Clash in Paris episode of Raw, she confirmed via Twitter her participation in the September 8 edition of Monday Night Raw in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, expressing her excitement for her fans.

I am SO excited for Milwaukee Bella Army!!! ✨🤍🙏🏼❤️

— Nikki & Brie (@NikkiAndBrie) September 6, 2025