WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella stated that she is approaching the end of her wrestling career and plans to retire by the end of 2027. Bella, who recently returned to the ring after an ankle injury, expressed a desire to retire on her own terms, even if it means "breaking the rules."
"I’m coming close to the end, and I know I’ve talked about this, but I am," Bella, 42, said during an installment of SiriusXM’s “The Nikki & Brie Show.” "I am very great with that year and a half, whatever it is, the end of 2027, and I really just want to finish this out exactly how I want."
Bella emphasized the importance of creative control and pursuing matches that are impressive and fulfilling. She also articulated a goal of continuing to champion changes for women's wrestling, aiming to make it feel more important and special while elevating other female wrestlers.
"If I got to break rules, I’m going to break rules, but I want to end it how I see it, so I don’t look back and go, ‘What if?’ Creatively, if I feel a certain way, I want to do it. I don’t want to sit there and go, ‘Oh, but follow the rules and be a good girl.’ I want to challenge myself. I want to fight for myself. I want to stick up for what I believe in, and then I also want to be super impressive. I want to produce great stuff as far as matches, but also creative, and I want to continue to be a part of great changes for women’s wrestling — and constantly making women’s wrestling feel important and special, and while I’m doing great things, bringing other people up with me to do great things."
Bella also noted the desire to enjoy her current wrestling phase, acknowledging that physical limitations will eventually prevent her from continuing. Her sister, Brie Bella, who also appeared on the show, supported Nikki's sentiments.
Nikki Bella returned to action on Friday's "SmackDown," entering the ring after Brie's match to assist in a confrontation with the stable Fatal Influence. Nikki is scheduled to team with Brie and Paige in a six-woman tag team match against Fatal Influence members Lainey Reid, Jacy Jayne, and Fallon Henley at SummerSlam this weekend.