Nikki Bella Opens Up About Muscle Memory Mistake in Raw Comeback
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella recently returned to the ring on Monday Night Raw, capturing her first singles victory on the red brand in almost seven years. The match against Chelsea Green was a milestone for Nikki, but the ending left fans puzzled due to its awkward finish. Now, Nikki has explained what really happened during those final moments and why the finish looked different than expected.
Facing Chelsea Green marked a big step for Nikki, especially after such a long break from wrestling and major life changes like becoming a mother. She knew going in that she might not be perfect, but she was ready to give her all in the ring. What caught her—and viewers—off guard was how her body instinctively reverted to an old finishing move she had retired years ago.
On the Raw Recap show, Nikki revealed that muscle memory caused her to accidentally perform the original version of her Rack Attack finisher. This move holds a significant place in her career because it is linked to a serious neck injury she suffered. She explained that she had not used this version of the move since 2016. “When I went to finish the match, I suddenly put Chelsea up in that old Rack Attack without thinking,” Nikki said. “Right then, I remembered why I stopped using it.”
Despite the awkwardness of the moment and the memories it brought back, Nikki stayed focused on securing the win. She acknowledged that mistakes happen even for the most experienced wrestlers. “We are not perfect. Moments like this happen,” she said. “But I got the victory, and that is what counts.”
Nikki also shared her mindset going into her first singles match on Raw since 2018. She pointed out that wrestling requires a unique kind of physical conditioning that is difficult to regain after time away, especially after having a child. She was realistic about her return, saying she did not expect to perform like the top stars in the division right away. “I knew I wasn’t going to be the fastest or strongest in the ring,” Nikki admitted. “I knew I had to manage expectations because it’s a different challenge after years away and having a baby.”
Even though she was not at her physical peak and felt the effects of ring rust, Nikki gave her all. Her effort was rewarded with a hard-earned win that reminded fans why she remains one of WWE’s most popular performers.
However, Nikki’s celebration was short-lived. Right after the match, Chelsea Green’s allies, Alba Fyre and Piper Niven, launched a surprise attack. This ambush was interrupted by Stephanie Vaquer, a new face in WWE who quickly sided with Nikki. The segment ended with an unexpected alliance forming between Vaquer and Bella, hinting at new rivalries and storylines ahead on Raw.
Nikki Bella’s return and victory represent not just a personal achievement but also the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. Even seasoned veterans can experience surprising moments in the ring. Nevertheless, Nikki’s resilience and determination continue to shine, signaling that her comeback will be an exciting storyline to follow.