Nikki Bella Blasts Critics Over WWE NXT ‘Minor Leagues’ Remark During SmackDown Return

Ojas KulkarniWed, July 29, 2026 at 1:23 PM UTC

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Photo Credit: WWE

Nikki Bella has responded to criticism after her WWE SmackDown return. The WWE Hall of Famer defended her controversial NXT comment. Her promo quickly sparked debate across social media platforms. Nikki now says many fans completely missed the point.

Last week’s SmackDown saw Nikki Bella make her WWE return. She helped Brie Bella and Paige against Fatal Influence. After clearing the ring, Nikki grabbed a microphone immediately. She said, “You b*tches think you can sneak up from the minor leagues.”

The line quickly divided fans across the wrestling fans online. Some praised the promo, while others criticized it.

Nikki Bella explains controversial WWE NXT ‘minor leagues’ comment

Speaking on The Nikki & Brie Show, Nikki explained why she believes fans misunderstood her message. She said, “I mean, don’t get me wrong, a lot of people liked it, and I love what they’re saying to that, that community that hates me. And I’m like, do you understand how many people can’t make the minor leagues? Like every pro division before you get to the pros has the minors.

“Every league, very, you know. And, by the way, there’s a lot of people that can’t even make the minors. Also, in our league, you know, how many people try out for NXT and can’t make it. So, the fact that that was hung on to, and, and what was crazy about that is I’m thinking, like, you’re even missing the point big time.”

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Brie Bella also defended Nikki Bella during the discussion. She said many fans completely misunderstood the promo. Brie believed the segment helped sell their SummerSlam match. Nikki agreed and admitted that was always her goal. She wanted fans talking before the premium live event

Nikki said, “That’s exactly what I was thinking in my head. We have no, no two TVs to sell this match, and I’m like, so I knew, and I wanted to be the old Nikki Bella. I’m going to hit it where it makes people rattle a bit.”

“I’m going to sell this because we’re going to take it to them, especially after what they did to you guys at MSG. Also, when are, when are you, Paige, and I ever gonna get to compete at the level of SummerSlam against a team like this, Fatal Influence? I don’t know if that’ll ever happen again. So, you know what? We’re going to sell that.”

Read More: Nikki Bella Reveals AEW Wrestler Has Been Coaching Her For WWE Return

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