The Nikki & Brie Show: "Lost the Fight, But We'll Win the War!"
Date: December 4, 2025
Podcast Host: SiriusXM
Main Theme:
Nikki and Brie Garcia (formerly Bella Twins) unpack Nikki’s Survivor Series experience, diving into behind-the-scenes wrestling stories, their relationships with fans, the evolution of their characters, and embracing criticism with humor and confidence. The episode balances reflections on their careers, playful sisterly banter, and responses to online trolls, ultimately landing on the theme of resilience—summed up in the affirmation: “We didn’t win the fight, but we will win the war.”
Episode Overview
In this episode, Nikki, fresh from Survivor Series at Petco Park, sits down with Brie to discuss the highs and lows of her big match, the emotional and creative journey behind her wrestling persona, and the broader themes of growth, adapting to criticism, and not losing the “make believe” magic of wrestling. The sisters also explore family dynamics, pop culture, and their ever-evolving journey as performers, sisters, and moms.
Key Discussion Points
1. Survivor Series Recap & Emotional Highs
(Begins at 02:00)
- Nikki recounts her match at Survivor Series in San Diego (their hometown) and how electrifying it was to perform in front of 46,000 people at Petco Park.
- Both marvel at how the wrestling crowd’s energy revived the “WrestleMania” feeling for Nikki.
- Quote, Nikki (04:01): “When all of a sudden I was out there doing my entrance, I'm like, this is like WrestleMania for me.”
- They discuss how the War Games format—two rings, high stakes—adds complexity both for viewers and performers.
- The behind-the-scenes challenges of working with two rings, and the confusion it can cause, are discussed with humor.
2. San Diego Pride & Backstage Fun
(05:10–07:00)
- The sisters reminisce about Petco Park’s luxury, the view from the Tony Gwynn suite (“this is ridiculous”), and run-ins with the Padres staff.
- Local bars (Moonshine Flats) and best-bar banter lead to affectionate ribbing about their party days and “Brie mode” as a standard for bar ratings.
3. Pop Culture Tangents & Chris Farley Nostalgia
(07:00-08:20)
- A lighthearted detour on restaurant awards (Zagat), ‘90s SNL sketches, and the unique comedic legacy of Chris Farley—moments that show their off-ring personalities and close sisterly bond.
4. Deeper Dive: War Games & The Art of Wrestling Storytelling
(08:45–13:15)
- Nikki and Brie riff on the “make believe” of wrestling, criticizing toxic online negativity about creative choices.
- Quote, Nikki (09:08): “I get lost in the make believe of it. And that's what I love.”
- Nikki stresses the importance of storytelling and character work over just delivering fast-paced moves, especially as online fans can fixate on technicalities instead of showmanship.
5. Character Evolution: New Gear & ‘Heel Nikki’ Returns
(10:35–13:15)
- Nikki describes debuting new “bad girl” wrestling gear and her anxiety about the boldness of the design.
- Quote, Nikki (10:46): “I've been in jerseys forever. I want to keep sexy sporty, but I want it to feel more bad, girl.”
- Guidance from other wrestlers (like Rhea) and wardrobe mishaps are discussed with candid humor.
- Nikki explains being asked to turn up her “heel” persona for the match and how that was both a creative challenge and liberating.
6. Online Culture & Generational Lingo Hijinks
(13:15–18:00)
- Nikki’s attempts at using “millennial” slang on Twitter become a running joke, with Brie mocking her for botching “cunty T/tea.”
- Quote, Brie (17:29): “Don’t try to talk young. You're 42.”
- They read and react to Twitter comments, riffing on how easily language and intent are misconstrued online.
7. In-Ring War Stories: Taking “Devil’s Kiss” & Real Injuries
(18:49–22:30)
- Nikki opens up about taking the “Devil’s Kiss” finishing move—twice—in her match and the resulting bruises.
- Quote, Nikki (19:05): “I found out that night you really get your face smashed.”
- She emphasizes the psychology of “selling” in wrestling, working to make emotional storytelling land with fans.
8. Criticism, Trolls, and the Art of Rising Above
(22:00–27:18)
- Both sisters discuss handling negativity, specifically online trolls obsessed with technical nitpicking versus story-driven matches.
- Quote, Nikki (23:30): “It was actually more about emotions between someone that were friends and they turn on each other.”
- Brie delivers her go-to troll label:
- Quote, Brie (25:00): “It’s brave fingers, tiny wieners.”
- Nikki reflects on the differences between generations of wrestlers, and the lack of “live events” to practice with new opponents today.
9. Evolving the ‘Heel’ Character & Life Lessons
(27:18–41:36)
- Nikki and Brie discuss strategies to further evolve Nikki’s “Heel” persona—her ambition to dominate the current era by adapting her character and possibly bringing Brie into the storylines.
- Discussion about brainstorming (with wine) future directions for Nikki: “I definitely have, like, some ideas for you.” (33:26)
- The sisters touch on personal growth, how their approach to character, career, and life has changed through their 20s, 30s, and now 40s.
- Quote, Brie (41:07): “So the decade of the 40s is when you're really, like, at your peak and thriving.”
10. Closing Affirmations: Resilience & Community
(43:00–44:28)
- Nikki shares her affirmation for the week, inspired by her fans:
- Quote, Nikki (43:56): “We didn’t win the fight, but we will win the war. Bella Army, rise up.”
- They resolve to “rise above” negativity, reinforcing a message of perseverance for fans.
11. Running Gag: Merchandising Online Trolls
(44:29–45:39)
- A humorous exchange about creating t-shirts depicting the “brave fingers, tiny wieners” catchphrase, complete with mock-design ideas.
Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps
-
WrestleMania Crowd Energy:
- Nikki (04:01): “When all of a sudden I was out there doing my entrance, I'm like, this is like WrestleMania for me.”
-
On Embracing the Fun and Fantasy:
- Nikki (09:08): “I get lost in the make believe of it. And that's what I love.”
-
Matching Gear to Character:
- Nikki (10:46): “I've been in jerseys forever. I want to keep sexy sporty, but I want it to feel more bad, girl.”
-
Millennial Slang Mishap:
- Brie (17:29): “Don’t try to talk young. You're 42.”
-
War Wounds and Taking Moves:
- Nikki (19:05): “I found out that night you really get your face smashed.”
-
What Wrestling Should Be About:
- Nikki (23:30): “It was actually more about emotions between someone that were friends and they turn on each other.”
-
The Troll Mantra:
- Brie (25:00): “It’s brave fingers, tiny wieners.”
-
Power of Your Forties:
- Brie (41:07): “So the decade of the 40s is when you're really, like, at your peak and thriving.”
-
Affirmation of Perseverance:
- Nikki (43:56): “We didn’t win the fight, but we will win the war. Bella Army, rise up.”
Memorable Segments & Timestamps
- 00:00–01:44: (Ads, skipped)
- 02:00–07:00: Survivor Series & San Diego experience
- 07:00–08:20: SNL/Chris Farley & nostalgia
- 08:45–13:15: Wrestling storytelling; fan perspectives
- 13:15–18:00: Twitter lingo and generational humor
- 18:49–22:30: In-ring injuries and performance stories
- 22:00–27:18: Dealing with criticism, the evolution of the industry
- 27:18–41:36: Heel evolution, personal growth, character brainstorming
- 43:00–44:28: Affirmations, fan support, resilience
- 44:29–45:39: Running jokes about trolls and merch ideas
Episode Tone
Upbeat, irreverent, candid, and empowering. Nikki and Brie blend humor, vulnerability, and sass—with equal parts nostalgia and forward-looking confidence. Their banter is affectionate, never shying away from poking fun at themselves (or each other), and their message of embracing growth, having fun, and “rising up” is consistent throughout.
For New Listeners
This episode is a great snapshot of Nikki and Brie Garcia’s post-wrestling world: it’s filled with fan-favorite sisterly back-and-forth, unique insider wrestling stories, relatable real-life moments, witty comebacks to internet haters, and enough affirmations to leave you feeling ready to face your own fights—big or small.
Missed the fight? The war is still on. Bella Army, rise up!