Nikki’s Back & Fatal Influence is in Trouble

Summary

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The Nikki & Brie Show

Episode: "Nikki’s Back & Fatal Influence is in Trouble"
Date: July 27, 2026
Platform: SiriusXM

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Episode Overview

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Nikki and Brie (the Garcia twins) reunite after Nikki’s much-anticipated return to WWE action. The sisters offer listeners a front-row seat to the excitement, nerves, chaos, and triumph of Nikki’s comeback—just days before SummerSlam, where they’re set to face Fatal Influence alongside Paige. This episode dives deep into the behind-the-scenes nuances of pro wrestling comebacks, personal and professional growth, motherhood on the road, and the unshakeable bond of their wrestling family. Expect candid insights, laughs, and inspirational moments throughout.

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Key Discussion Points

1. Nikki’s WWE Comeback: Raw Emotions and Behind-the-Scenes

[02:24] Nikki on the High of Return

• Nikki shares the thrill and adrenaline of being back: “It feels so good. No, I feel amazing. I'm still on a high... The crowd was so amazing. That pop was so amazing. I loved just every moment of it.”
• The impact was huge—trending #7 worldwide, right under LeBron James’ news and #1 in sports: “The love, obviously the discussions because of what I said, you know, it was just great to see it all go viral.”

[03:40] The Chaotic Day-of-Show Routine

• Nikki recounts the unpredictable day: prepping outfits, managing mom duties (including cleaning up after a sick toddler), coordinating surprise arrivals, and handling nerves backstage.
• Brie’s perspective on fan management and keeping Nikki’s return a secret adds to the tension and fun: “When Birdie and I came in...there's a bunch of fans at the first gate...please hide...we can’t ruin this surprise.”

2. The Match & “Remembering Who the F I Am”

[09:01] Nikki on Her Mindset and Entrance

• Nikki describes her shift in attitude: “No, no, no, you are that bad bitch Nikki Bella... No more being nice and 'yay, I'm excited to be here.' You're gonna remember who you are and that’s who's showing up.”
• Motivational pre-match self-talk: “I told myself...you're gonna run like the track superstar you used to be, and you're gonna run fast.”

[10:46] The Technical Side of a Wrestling Run-In

• Nikki and Brie detail the pressure and awkwardness of “the run” to the ring, how it’s different for women, and the importance of nailing the timing without losing confidence or fumbling.

3. Gear, Family, and Iconic Outfits

[13:28] Nikki’s Comeback Look and Birdie's Help

• New stylist Nikki Amodeo collaborates on a special comeback shirt (with a funny story about a crop top mishap backstage), and Birdie’s hands-on involvement makes the gear emotionally significant.
• “It’s so precious for me to know that that comeback shirt...that I'm gonna just keep forever—Birdie...helped do all that.” —Nikki ([14:44])

4. Internet Reactions, Heat, and "Selling the Match"

[15:47] Dealing with Online Critics & Storyline Motives

• Nikki addresses online debates about her promo and wrestling style: “Sometimes you’re just too smart for people.”
• On wrestling storytelling: “I wanted to be the old Nikki Bella. I'm gonna hit it where it makes people rattle a bit. And I'm gonna sell this because we're gonna take it to them...”
• Discussion of teases, fan rumors about heel turns, and Paige’s Twitter jokes: “There’ll be no heel turn. H E A L because she’s healed.” —Paige via Nikki ([18:17])

5. Training, Injury Recovery, and Mental Grit

[19:56] Nikki’s Recovery Journey

• Nikki’s intense rehab after a broken ankle, torn ligaments, and high sprain: “You can’t fake hard work. You either show up...or you haven’t.”
• Details on her training team, the focus on PT, and differences from recovering from past neck injuries.
• Both discuss overcoming self-doubt and body limitations in training: “...in the beginning, I didn't know if I'd be able to keep up. It's tough. And now I'm like, let's go more.” —Brie ([32:14])

[27:39] Doctor’s Perspective

• Brie recounts the surgeon’s amazement at Nikki finishing her match despite her injury: “He literally said he had to watch the match 20 times...I don't know how she kept wrestling with everything she did to her ankle.”

Memorable Quote ([29:32]):

“A lot of people go, oh, it's fake, it's fake. No. We might be storylines, we might be entertainment, but what we do is real.”
—Brie

6. Family, Legacy, and Wrestling as a Community

[34:09] The Generations of Wrestling

• Brie and Nikki reflect on seeing “wrestling kids” grow up, backstage reunions, and the extended wrestling family.
• “That's the beauty of the wrestling business, is we're a big family, and as we're growing up, our kids are growing up in it.” —Brie ([35:27])
• Fun nostalgia about old friends like Fit Finlay and Regal, and love for the Samoan family.

7. Looking Forward: Ambitions and Inspiration

[41:30] Nikki’s Vision for This Run

• On what she wants: “I want...to finish this out exactly how I want it...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...”
• Emphasis on empowering other women and leaving her mark.

8. Inspirational Closing: Affirmation of the Week

[44:57] Affirmation Quote and Reflection

• Brie shares a Pinterest quote she found in the makeup chair:

“What we give doesn't always return, but what we give is always what we are.”

• Both reflect on the meaning: giving without expectation of recognition, doing things for personal and communal fulfillment.
• Nikki: “Give because you know you’re going to make something better...don't care about the return or the recognition.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• [09:01] Nikki: “Remembering who the F. I am. Like, no, no, no, you are that bad bitch Nikki Bella.”
• [27:39] Brie: “The doctor literally said he had to watch the match 20 times...I don't know how she kept wrestling with everything she did to her ankle.”
• [29:32] Brie: “We might be storylines, we might be entertainment, but what we do is real.”
• [41:37] Nikki: “I am coming close to the end...I want to finish this out exactly how I want it...bring other people up with me to do great things.”
• [44:57] Brie (Pinterest affirmation): “What we give doesn't always return, but what we give is always what we are.”

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Important Timestamps

• [02:24] – Nikki describes her emotions on comeback night.
• [03:40] – Backstage nerves, logistics, and keeping it a surprise.
• [09:01] – “Remembering who the F. I am”: Nikki’s new attitude.
• [13:28] – Style, gear, and Birdie’s special role in Nikki’s look.
• [15:47] – Online reactions and “too smart for people” promo controversy.
• [19:56] – Training updates and overcoming physical limitations.
• [27:39] – The surgeon’s awe at Nikki’s resilience.
• [32:14] – Brie and Nikki on body image, strength, and wrestling confidence.
• [34:09] – Wrestling as family: Watching the next generation grow.
• [41:30] – Nikki’s hopes for her final wrestling years.
• [44:57] – Weekly affirmation discussion.

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Tone & Vibe

Warm, candid, sisterly, and empowering. Nikki and Brie blend laughter, tough love, and honest revelations about life in and out of the ring, motherhood, and what it means to persevere.

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Summary Takeaway

Even if you missed the episode, you'll feel part of Nikki & Brie’s inner circle: experiencing Nikki’s triumphant return, the messy realities of juggling family and fame, the camaraderie of the wrestling world, and the drive to keep growing, battling, and inspiring—no matter what challenges (or critics) come their way.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

This episode is supported by Fs the shards, a seductive drama from executive producer Ryan Murphy. Set in 1980s Los Angeles, the series follows a group of glamorous, deeply entangled high school seniors drawn into a life of wealth, beauty, parties and excess. At its center is Brett, whose reality begins to unravel when the arrival of a new student coincides with a series of mysterious murders. FX's the Shards premieres August 5th on FX and Hulu.

[Bree]

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[Nicole]

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[Nicole]

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[Nicole]

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[Bree]

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[Nicole]

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[Bri]

Hey everyone. Welcome back to the Nikki and Bree show. And oh my goodness, get your aperol spritz ready because there's a lot of celebrating. We are doing Nikki, welcome back.

[Nikki]

Thank you.

[Bri]

You're finally back home.

[Nikki]

Yes. And when I knew you were going to be having an aperol spritz, I got myself some bonita Bonita rose. I was out of jalapenos, but this was a perfect celebration drink. So cheers.

[Bri]

So cheers. I mean, how does it feel?

[Nikki]

It feels so good. No, I feel amazing. I'm still on a high. It's like what only been not even 24 hours. It's, you know, on comebacks as you know, you never know what to expect and all the different things. And the crowd was so amazing. That pop was so amazing. I loved just every moment of it. What we all did in the ring to be back with you and Paige. I just had so much fun with you. And Paige yesterday, the Internet's been incredible, like, to trend number seven worldwide, right under LeBron James because he's going the 76ers and then you and I trending number one in sports. It like the love, obviously the discussions because of what I said, you know, it was just great to see it all go viral. And then, you know how WWE does their top 10 show. That moment was number five, which, you know, it should have been number one, but should have been number five's a very, very high number. And I'm grateful. And look, we're on the road to SummerSlam. We're literally like five days away. And to be back in SummerSlam is like just a dream with you and page two. It's like dream.

[Bri]

Well, let's take it. Let's go through the day. Because I feel like a lot of times people don't understand what goes into day on a return. There's a lot of back and forth decision making. There's a lot of nerve. There's a lot of chaos. So what time did you get to the building?

[Nikki]

Okay, so it was in Oakland. So as you all know, Oakland from Napa is about like an hour and 15 minutes, give or take. And it. Bri, you've been here. Well, I think you've been in this position. Well, you kind of were yesterday, but on full on mom mode. You know, the night before, I'm trying to prep for the show and you know, Tayo's helping me pick my outfits out. Cause I knew I was dropping that new shirt. And I'll get to that. But so it was like, okay, trying to pick my outfit, make sure we have bedtime routine in lock. And then in the morning, you know, Remy has diarrhea. So clean up diarrhea. Making sure I get Mateo's breakfast and yeah, making his snack and lunch for camp. Getting glam. Because I just. On these kind of days when I know they're going to be chaotic, I like to have my hair makeup done before I show up to the building. So, you know, doing all that. But it was really cute because Mateo just really wanted to be with me the whole time. So as I'm doing like my hair makeup, I have a stool with like his breakfast, my coffee. And then he's in a chair cross for me because he wants his feet on me. Remy wants to be sitting on me. So it's like the cutest morning. But it's funny because I'm just so in mom mode. But then I got excited because I'm like, okay, I Got to drop Mateo off at camp. Then I got to go to my favorite coffee shop. And then I was, like, en route to Oakland with my coffee. Showed up to the building around 11am Ready to do it. Ready to just, you know, cause some chaos with you.

[Bri]

Yeah, well. And it was funny because I was like, listen, Nikki. Well, I call her Nicole, but I'm like, listen, Nicole. And Birdie was with me, you guys. So I was like, take your daughter to work day. But when Birdie and I came in, because I got there around 10:30, but I immediately called Nicole and I was like, there's a bunch of fans at the first gate of the Coliseum. Yeah, please hide. But once you get through that gate, then you can park down by the loading docks and then pop out because no one can see you. Like, we can't ruin this surprise. Like, we need to keep it a surprise. And I think we did good doing that. But it was so funny because when I saw her, I don't think people

[Nikki]

were expecting it at all.

[Bri]

No. Because I think they thought we're so close to SummerSlam. Of course, Nikki would probably come back at SummerSlam on that type of stage, which is perfect to throw everyone. But it was funny because when I saw you, I could, like, I even said. I was like, are you nervous? Because I could, like, feel your energy. But what was crazy was there was, you know, we're on the. Oh, Remy. Oh, my. Remy.

[Nikki]

He's a little. He's dirty right now.

[Bri]

Oh, my. He's so cute. But we're on the west coast. So our show goes live at 5, and there was just a lot of. Just a lot of back and forth deciding what to do and who my opponent was going to be. Like, we're. There was a lot of stuff. Uncertainty. And that always builds the nerves, I feel like, because you're just like, okay, when are we gonna know? When are things gonna get set in stone? And we knew we were gonna be in the beginning of the show. So it's like, you got to be ready by 4:30. We were like, what time was it? Was it like 2 o'?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Clock?

[Bri]

And there was still a lot of uncertainty. And I'm like, I gotta get my gear on. I need to do hair and makeup. A lot of kind of freaking out before we went out. But then. So I'm just gonna give my perspective real quick, and then we're gonna get some of yours. But obviously, y' all saw I had a match against Lainey Reed, and it was really fun for me, by the way.

[Nikki]

An incredible match. And you know, so much of it was in the break, but you guys had the crowd like it was. And people have seen it online. Wish the TV viewers got to see it, cuz it was a good match. Really good match.

[Bri]

Thank you. And you know, it's crazy cuz being back, I've wrestled a lot through commercial breaks, which is definitely kind of foreign how it's been, but it's still fun. It almost feels like you can get a little live eventy through commercial breaks, but, you know, it was. The crowd was on fire. We really took it to each other. I was so happy I got my quick pin on her after what they did to Saturday night main event. But this is probably the feeling you had at the Royal Rumble with me. But I loved being in the ring and then I got to hear your music and hear the crowd go crazy. And I was like, trying to peek, but it's like, it was so cool because, you know, last time this happened, roles were reversed and. But I mean, the crowd went wild. Like, how did that feel? And girl, you ran really fast.

[Nikki]

Oh, well. Like, let me tell you something about this comeback now. If it's different, everything just feels different. The preparation, the mindset, the confidence, the. You know what it is. Remembering who the F. I am. Like, no, no, no, you are that bad bitch Nikki Bella. And no more being like, nice and yay. I'm excited to like, be here and be in this or you're gonna remember who you are and that's who's showing up. So when you were in there celebrating and I was like, back there, I mean, my whole way driving to Oakland, I kept playing, playing, let's hear the song list. I. I had it on repeat because I just knew it would get me there. And I literally had. Was playing it in my. In headphones before I ran out. But I don't with you. Featuring E40 by Big Sean.

[Bri]

Oh, yeah.

[Nikki]

That. I was like, that's my. That's what I'm listening to and that's what I'm gonna do and that's gonna be the vibe. But, you know, I told myself before going out there because sometimes I feel like in the past I would forget to talk to myself about this, but I was like. Because people don't understand how hard that run is. Because, you know, in the past they'd want you to, like, look a certain way and blah, blah, blah. But like, that run, you know, especially as women, it's like, do you make it look cute? Do you give it a moment? It's just awkward. And also then your timing has to be so right to sleep slide in. Like, we've seen people accidentally fall. It happens. It's to slow down on momentum like that.

[Bri]

It's very normal.

[Nikki]

But I tell myself, you're gonna run like the track superstar you used to be, and you're gonna run fast. And whatever you decide to do in that ring, you're just. You are gonna do it, and you're gonna remember who you used to be. So. And then, you know, having that song in my head and then, like, going in, and that's how I did it. I ran so fast, I was on a full sprint.

[Bri]

Well, it's funny because Paige a couple of weeks ago when we did a run in, and she's like, dude, you're so fast. And I was like, no, I just jogged. She goes, no, I felt like you were sprinting. I'm like, we're just fast runners.

[Nikki]

Well, you and I, we. We are, like, naturally fast, right?

[Bri]

Yeah.

[Nikki]

And then we're power walkers on top of it. So you tell us to do a jog. Our jogs, I think, kind of run to some people. So, you know when you have, like,

[Nicole]

those crazy days and mornings, you know it's going to be a packed day and you have to rush out the door and you just need to grab a quick snack and just throw it in your bag.

[Bri]

Oh, yes.

[Bree]

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[Nicole]

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[Nicole]

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[Nicole]

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[Narrator/Advertiser]

This episode is supported by FX's the Shards, a seductive drama from executive producer Ryan Murphy set in 1980s Los Angeles. The series follows a group of glamorous, deeply entangled high school seniors drawn into a life of wealth, beauty, parties, and excess. At its center is Brett, whose reality begins to unravel when the arrival of a new student coincides with a series of mysterious murders. FX's the Shards premieres August 5th on FX and Hulu.

[Nikki]

But, you know, so I've been a lot of people, you know, we're talking about my style in New York. Like, girl, you know, even people at work were asking me, and I've been. You guys, I. I think I told you on the last episode, I got a new stylist, and her name's Nikki Amodeo. I think I'm saying Nikki Amodeo. If you could look her up at Styling with Nikki on Instagram. But last night, at first, she and I had a really good debut comeback outfit, because I was like, it's gonna be happening soon, so I want to make sure I look like Dupar. But I had been working on that. You can look, but you can't touch your. Originally, I supposed to debut that shirt at Wrestlemania, and then when everything happened, we put it on hold. Now, the shirt was supposed to be a crop. So when I got to TV and it was men's, there was a miscommunication. So crops are coming, everyone, but still, there's the men's shirt, but there's also gonna be crops for men and women. It's just, you know, I wanted really, that version of, like, give it to me shorts. So the cutest thing, I was like, shoot, what I'm gonna do. So the seamstress are like, we're gonna help you. But then Birdie wanted to be involved. So it's so precious for me to know that that comeback shirt that I'm gonna just keep forever. Birdie, you guys helped do all that.

[Bri]

Like, dude, like, the knots in the back. It was so cute.

[Nikki]

She was.

[Bri]

She was in heaven.

[Nikki]

Heaven. And she was like, I want to make one for my mommy. And then she's like. And then it was cute because she made a cute. And then she goes, well, actually, do you think I could wear this? Like, I would like to wear this.

[Bri]

Oh. And she told me in the car, she goes, you don't care that this will be my shirt. Like, you can get one, right? I'm like, I'll get one. You keep that. She's like, yeah, because I did it.

[Nikki]

Yes. No, that was so cute because it's always, you know about the outfit and, like, right, Birdie? Helped me with my pant choices. I had a few pant choices. She kind of preferred the sparkly denim, but I went with the sequins because I just. Yeah, it just, you know, makes more of a statement for sure, always. But, you know, you know, and I just had to, like, do the verbiage from the heart.

[Bri]

And you definitely did. And I felt like there was a lot of debate about it, but I think it's always great.

[Nikki]

The Internet is a very funny place. I mean, don't get me wrong, a lot of people liked it, and I love what they're saying to 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 onto and. And what was crazy about that is I'm thinking, like, you're even missing the point big time.

[Bri]

They missed it. They missed the point.

[Nikki]

The point the heel team came in. That was their thing when they came in. They were sneak. They sne. Sneaked up on everyone, so was to give them the heat back. But anyways, sometimes you're just too smart for people. And you know what?

[Bri]

I know I'd rather be too smart for people or people are too dumb when they talk, you know? Yeah, no, I saw a lot of dumb, dumb people talking, but a lot of people loving it. And I think what you said really sold the match. I think it was great. I feel like.

[Nikki]

But that's. So you want to know it?

[Bri]

What?

[Nikki]

No, you go, Bri. I interrupted you.

[Bri]

No, you go. No.

[Nikki]

Okay, so what I was going to say to you is that's exactly what I was thinking in my head. We have no, no, no. 2. Two TVs to sell this match. And I'm like, So I knew, and I wanted to be the old Nikki Bella. I'm gonna hit it where it makes people rattle a bit. And I'm gonna sell this because we're gonna 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 gonna sell that. We're gonna do it. And by the way, everyone, our outfits that we're already.

[Bri]

That are getting made right now, so they're unreal. They're so good. You guys are all gonna freak out over that. But also, I will say this. You and I and Paige look really good together.

[Nikki]

We do look good together.

[Bri]

Do you know what I mean?

[Nikki]

Paige has been cracking me up on Twitter today because.

[Bri]

Oh, really?

[Nikki]

You know, everyone's talking about this heel turn. We know Nikki's gonna turn on page at SummerSlam. The Bella twins are gonna turn on Paige. And Paige tweeted today. And so everyone's talking about it. She goes, there'll be no heel turn. H E A L because she's healed. And then it went over a bunch of people's heads. And she goes, wow, guys, like, how did you not pick up on? Even when I read it, I'm like, duh. But I like go back to 100. Yeah. So. But I right now, why I don't have makeup on. And it's crazy, Bri, because I just feel like I've been in a whirlwind, which I've been so grateful for because the comeback has made so much noise. All of us have made so much noise. There's so much preppy. SummerSlam literally is in like what, five days? So I'm just been like, oh my gosh. I mean, I woke up. I. I haven't. I barely slept because you know when your adrenaline cortisone levels. So like I went to bed late, but then I Woke up at 4:30, but then knew I needed to go back to bed because then I was thinking about Mateo's stuff. But I just got back from wrestling practice because you guys. So I've been wrestling. So Bri has her coach who's Brian. So my coach has been Aaron solo. And Aaron is amazing. So when Bri was coming back, Aaron worked a lot with Brian and Bri and. Cause he's over in San Francisco. He's been coming and coaching me and training me. So I just got done with him and it like felt so good. But it was cool to hear what they were like saying about the comeback last night.

[Bri]

Oh, I bet they loved it.

[Nikki]

Yeah. And your guys match. Loved it. Loved all of it. And I was just having. So it was just. I mean, I'm not gonna lie. I'm tired right now. I'm like. We went three hours. It was great. But anyways. But yeah, so it felt good being. This was my fourth practice with Aaron and I'm gonna make sure. We're gonna get two more big practices in before summer slam, but I think that's why too. It also felt so different coming in last night because I. I felt super confident and I think you could tell how strong I was. But like weightlifting, because we've been on, you and me have been on that

[Bri]

journey for a while.

[Nikki]

So we constantly are going up in weight and sore. Like even today in practice. And you know, Bri, when you feel it, which you like it, but you know when you feel it underneath your butt cheek, Hard.

[Bri]

Oh, yeah.

[Nikki]

Like from when you're squatting heavy, which is great, then you, you know, you did it right. But. But I think, you know, it's the PT that I have to say has helped me tremendously too because you're focusing on making things right and you know, you have to do that stuff when you're at home. Like, you don't just go to your appointment and then that's it. You're like getting checked up on and then, you know, you're going back to your point and they're going to see, they're going to test you how far you've come. And I think that's because been the really big difference is having. When it's your ankle, they have to look at your knees, your hips. They look at everything. And I feel like what I've like, I really busted my ass. Like, one of our trainers yesterday goes, I can't. Like, you look so great for being three months in surgery. Like, you can tell how hard you've been working because that's the one thing that you can't hide from that kind of injury. You, you can't fake hard work. You either show up and they could tell you've done the hard work or you haven't. And it's been really hard. That's why everyone's like, how was it having three months off? I'm like, I feel like I had three months off between Bonita, Bonita being instantly busy. Let me like, kind of not the traveling. But then I'm like, fanatics fest. Then I did a few Vegas trips to Nashville. Like, and then I took Mateo to like Virginia. We did Tahoe. Like, it's. I'm like, yeah, the three months kind of went by fast. I don't know, between that and all the training and everything, it's just kind

[Bri]

of how our lives are.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Bri]

Like, we've always had crazy lives.

[Nikki]

Yeah. But like, it was just so. It was so fun. I was so nervous, but I was like, it was once I was out there. I didn't want to leave. And Oakland, thank you, Oakland, for like, making me feel so special. Yeah, Oakland made me feel so amazing. And then everyone online, like, did you see even the Saudi Bella Army? They're just our Saudi Bella army are so amazing and special. They did a whole, like, video compilation. Right? That's how you say it for me on, like, how they were also shocked when they watched because they weren't expecting it. But then the Bella army, just worldwide, they stick up for me. They love me. They appreciate me. I love being called mother. I love being called, like, I ate, I did all those things. Like, I feel so good when I see all those lingos and I just. Yeah, I just feel so blessed. Like, I just feel great. So, you know when you have, like

[Nicole]

those crazy days and mornings, you know it's going to be a packed day and you have to rush out the door and you just need to grab a quick snack and just throw it in your bag.

[Bri]

Bag. Oh, yes.

[Bree]

That feels like Monday through Friday, right?

[Nicole]

Well, Nutrigrain is the perfect on the go snack for wherever life takes you.

[Bree]

Made with 10 grams of whole grains, 10 vitamins and minerals and no high fructose corn syrup, Nutri Grain nourishes and hits the spot with delicious flavors you love.

[Nicole]

We're talking favorites like strawberry, apple, cinnamon, and blueberry flavors.

[Bree]

And there's a new Nutrigrain option shaking up the snack world. The crisp, satisfying, delicious Nutrigrain Crunchy.

[Nicole]

It comes in new flavors like Chocolate Chip Chia and Honey Oat Flax.

[Bree]

Each Nutri Grain Crunchy bar contains at least 23 grams of whole grains and provides a good source of fiber.

[Nicole]

Oh, yes. I mean, I've already had the Chocolate Chip Chia. And let me tell you, you're going to want to go grab those Nutrigrain Crunchies because they taste so good.

[Bree]

Find nutritious and always delicious Nutri Grain bars at your favorite favorite store or online retailer today.

[Nicole]

And look for new Nutri Grain Crunchy bars in stores near you. Bri, you know, I've kind of change

[Nikki]

up some of the rooms in my

[Nicole]

house now that I have the upstairs office. I also kind of want to make it a space for Mato, but where mom can also get work done.

[Bri]

Yeah, I get that. I mean, when it comes to revamping a room or outdoor space without breaking

[Bree]

the bank, nothing beats Wayfair.

[Nicole]

Wayfair has thousands of products to help make your space feel like you.

[Bri]

And don't forget to shop Wayfair Verified

[Bree]

their specialist hand vet items, checking quality, functionality, features, and even how long things take to build.

[Nicole]

No wonder wayfair has over 20 million five star reviews. So, as I've been thinking of this office space, I'm very big on having large bulletin boards for what's going on with Mateo's school and camps, workout schedules. And so I added that to my office and it's already feeling like Mato and me space. So, ready to upgrade your home for way less?

[Bree]

Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home and get your space ready for less.

[Nicole]

That's W-A-Y-F a I r.com way fair.

[Nikki]

Every style, every home. And like, I'm gonna just say this, okay, you know, well, you and me will always get shit, no matter what I'm wrestling. That's just a given. No matter.

[Bri]

But it's good. But it. But it means we're doing something right, because they're talking.

[Nikki]

But even watching your match last night, I'm like, I can't. I don't want to hear anything. I don't hear anything anymore. Hanging, age, this, why that and everything in between. Because if I didn't know age, if I didn't know, whatever, whatever, whatever, that was damn good match. And so you're welcome. But let's just appreciate great, you know, just really great talent, for sure. Oh, I'll end it at that. There's so much more.

[Bri]

Yeah, well, and always. But we'll save that for a happy hour. But, you know, I think what's really cool is you broke your ankle wrestling in the ring. Continued on for eight minutes with a broken ankle, then went to New York from Pittsburgh to do a run in, knowing it was taped up. And you in your heart knew and in your gut it's broken, but hoping maybe it was a sprain or something. No. Then you end up going, realizing not only did you break your ankle, you tore ligaments and you had a high sprain. You did three things, got surgery.

[Nikki]

You never have said what the doctor told you when you picked me up.

[Bri]

I didn't. The doctor literally, he had to go, what? Oh, the doctor literally, when I picked her up from surgery, she was all out of it. Well, one, he's like, holy shit. Pretty much. You guys look so much alike, I can't believe it. And he goes, I had to go watch that match back 20 times because I don't know how she kept wrestling with everything she did to her ankle. He goes, and I'm watching a girl, she picks up A girl. You come. The heart attack move. And he's like describing it to me. I'm like, oh, the heart attack. He goes, how'd she do that with a broke. He goes, everything, I think double duplex. Oh, yeah, that put it through my brain.

[Nikki]

That was.

[Bri]

He was tripping out. I mean, he literally said he had to watch the match 20 times. This is a high level surgeon who works on pro baseball players, pro football players, like, you name it. You fly to Birmingham to go to this guy. And Nicole literally was like blowing his mind. But I think that's really cool. And I think when you think of it, not a lot of people. Like, that is very hard to even mentally come back from. I think sometimes people forget what we do in wrestling. A lot of people go, oh, it's fake, it's fake. No. We might be storylines, we might be entertainment, but what we do is real. And for Nicole to have to even get through the mental to breakthrough of just jumping off a turnbuckle onto her ankle, like, think when you do all that stuff to your ankle and you're all sudden two months in from healing, from surgery, and they're asking you to jump on it, what do you think that does to your brain? So you really had to push through, through physical things, mental things. And so it says a lot that three months later, I can see why our doctors at WWE are like, holy crap, you're so strong. Because that's hard to do.

[Nikki]

Hard to do. And thank you, Bree. That's so sweet of you. I remember in the beginning when I was healing, how many times I would cry in the day of being in pain and being like, dude, this is going to be really hard. Like, I just. I knew it. And I would. At times I'd get so frustrated and be like, why me? Like, the times when I had to be on my back for like two weeks, I just was like this. Oh, you know, I try not to go down the road. It's unfair. And this. And why. But I remember just crying going, is this ever gonna feel better? Because I was in. It was just so painful. And yeah, it's just I cried.

[Bri]

When I took my first back bump back, I was like, oh, no. With Brian.

[Nikki]

I'm like, I was bumping. And I was like, oh, man.

[Bri]

I'm like, my brain just did a 360 ten times. I was like, Ryan, I mean, I just think I started way.

[Nikki]

My moms will understand this one. I was telling Brie today, I was like, when I first started bumping, I'm like, oh, why? I go, my kegels were so strong. And why was it like. I took, like, three months off, and all of a sudden I'm like, but, like, I can't even hold my pee.

[Bri]

I was like, I felt like that wheeze the first couple times.

[Nikki]

Gotta get back on Kegel exercises.

[Bri]

No. But then it was weird how it went away for me, but I felt that the first couple times where I told Brian, I'm like, I think I might have just peed myself. But it's crazy.

[Nikki]

I was like, oh, my gosh.

[Bri]

When your body's been out of it, it's wild. I'll never forget my first time weightlifting with you. And I thought, oh, yeah. I go, oh, no, this ain't for me. Because the way. And then I couldn't sit on a toilet for, like, four days after without being in pain. But now I squat. I've gone up in weight, and I can't believe how good I feel. Like. And even wrestling, like, all the things I felt in the beginning of training, I don't feel any of that now. So when you think you're not capable or something of anything, you're very. Or. And when you. It's so hard in the beginning and you're feeling the pain, and you're like, I can't do this. Like, I can't. You can. Because I look at myself now. I literally walk into a gym and I see the squat rack. And I don't care if there's 20 dudes around, I, like, go to that squat. And I do it with such confidence because I, like, feel it. I would have never done that. I, like, it's crazy. I look at me now and I'm like, who am I? I was never this girl. And even seeing myself in the wrestling ring, like, in the beginning, I didn't know if I'd be able to keep up. It's tough. And now I'm like, let's go more. I need more. Give me more time. I got it. I got it.

[Nikki]

You know, it's funny because on this injury with my neck, I had Rob and I, you know, kept working out. Remember he would do all those cool exercises, right? You know, here, the ankle, you're holding weight. And I remember when my PT said, with your trainer, you can do assisted squatting. And I was like, what? I'm like, but I haven't had my X rays. And he goes, if you're going up and down, no, your body can do it. And all that pushing and like, oh, my gosh. But I have to say that's. I know, is what helped make me stronger. And it's all in the mindset. It's all in keeping my body moving. And who cares about the weight? Just move. And it's. It's been. It's just after last night and doing some of the things I've been doing, I'm like, I'm so happy that I pushed myself and I stayed positive and. And I stuck with everything I needed to. And even days that it was really hard, I just kept pushing because it's made. It's made the comeback better. But also, I keep thinking of longevity.

[Bri]

And then, you know, one thing I have to say before we let you go celebrate with mom, because I know you guys have a little wine date, but Birdie. You guys, I have to tell you. So Birdie was backstage, and there was three people who haven't seen her since she was a toddler. And I remember I was walking and one person, the first one was like, that's not Birdie, right? I'm like, no, it is. They go, no, but, like, she shouldn't be this old. I'm like, no, she's nine. They go, where did time go? Like, it was tripping people out. They were like, no, like, literally, where did time go? How was she? Nine?

[Nikki]

Yeah. How many kids do we see yesterday? Like, so people were tripping out left and right because Birdie showed up, and everyone's tripping out. Like, wait, what? Then Rick Lawn and his kids show up, and then we're all tripping out. And then Peaches brought in his daughter, and I. Like, when she said Nicole, I was. I go, wait, Nicole, last time I saw you, I was holding you as a baby.

[Bri]

Her and I. Last time I saw her, we in catering. I was chatting with her forever. And I go, you still have that same face. I go, yes. I'm like, this is freaking me out. We're, like, talking about college.

[Nikki]

Yes. Yeah.

[Bri]

I go, girl, I still feel like I'm in my 20s. I'm like, what?

[Nikki]

Wait, what? No.

[Bri]

I was like, no way.

[Nikki]

Dom still trips me out when I look at.

[Bri]

I know.

[Nikki]

I just see him as a little boy.

[Bri]

Dominic Mysterio, she's talking about. I know.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Bri]

It was funny because in Europe, he and I were talking. I go, I just remember when your dad would bring you. And I'm like, like, what the heck? Like, and here you are, and he was so crushing. So, I mean, oh, my gosh. But you know what? That's the beauty of the wrestling business, is we're a big family, and as we're growing up, our kids are growing up in it and we all stay connected and aligned in some way. Like, it.

[Nikki]

It was.

[Bri]

It's so brie.

[Nikki]

It was like. Did I tell you about how I saw fit when I was at the PC?

[Bri]

No.

[Nikki]

Yeah. I saw fit and fit. I saw fit every day. And we would just talk and chat and I was like, fit. You have an age. And he's like, well, I have, but he's like, you have an age. And I'm like, but how I looked at. Yeah, looked at fit. And everything is doing. I'm like, dude, this is taking me back. But then seeing Regal yesterday and chatting with Regal, and I'm like, we just kind of get in, like this time warp here. Wwe like, we all either don't age. I mean, we do like age, but I think we're just. We do, but. And that's why it was fun to be back yesterday and to see all my Samoans. I just love all.

[Bri]

Oh, the Simones are the greatest. I like you.

[Nikki]

And I were saying they're the best part of TV right now. I'm.

[Bri]

Oh, don't get started.

[Nikki]

Like, I just love.

[Bri]

But even like Chelsea Green and Tiffany's pre tape, I was dying laughing. Chelsea Green just makes me so hard.

[Bree]

Yeah.

[Nikki]

So you know when you have, like

[Nicole]

those crazy days and mornings, you know it's going to be a packed day and you have to rush out the door and you just need to grab a quick snack and just throw it in your bag.

[Bri]

Oh, yes.

[Bree]

That feels like Monday through Friday, right?

[Nicole]

Well, nutri grain is the perfect on the go snack for wherever life takes you.

[Bree]

Made with 10 grams of whole grains and 10 vitamins and minerals and no high fructose corn syrup, Nutri grain nourishes and hits the spot with delicious flavors you love.

[Nicole]

We're talking favorites like strawberry apple, cinnamon and blueberry flavors.

[Bree]

And there's a new nutrigrain option shaking up the snack world. The crisp, satisfying, delicious nutrigrain crunchy.

[Nicole]

It comes in new flavors like chocolate chip chia and honey oat flax.

[Bree]

Each nutrigrain crunchy bar contains at least 23 grams of whole grains and provides a good source of fiber.

[Nicole]

Oh, yes. I mean, I've already had the chocolate chip chia. And let me tell you, you're going to want to go grab those nutrigrain crunchies because they taste so good.

[Bree]

Find nutritious and always delicious nutrigrain bars at your favorite store or online retailer today.

[Nicole]

And look for new Nutri Grain Crunchy bars in stores near you.

[Bree]

Today's episode is brought to you by Muscle Milk Protein.

[Nicole]

It's all anyone is talking about.

[Bree]

And with Muscle Milk, getting enough protein doesn't have to be stressful.

[Nicole]

Muscle Milk has a great tasty new formula, perfect for life on the go.

[Bree]

Whether you're commuting, stuck in back to back meetings, or need some post workout recovery, you'll love Muscle Milk's new taste. Made with no artificial sweeteners, flavors or added colors.

[Nicole]

And it comes in four delicious flavors. Chocolate, vanilla, cream, cookies and cream, and strawberries and cream.

[Bree]

I have to say, the great thing about Muscle Milk is when you're so busy on the go, especially Nicole, with you and I traveling so much, going to workout to the tasting room, I feel like sometimes we forget about eating. And Muscle Milk, it's the one thing that's satisfying, holds me over until my next meal. And I also feel like I get all the nutrients I need.

[Nicole]

And hello, the delicious flavors. Obviously I'm always a chocolate girl. Love me chocolate. But that cookies and cream, oh, yes.

[Bree]

And they make non dairy, which is a plus for me.

[Bri]

And me, you know.

[Bree]

Try the new great tasting Muscle Milk today. Available in stores nationwide.

[Nicole]

Muscle milk protein. Protein for all.

[Bri]

So Birdie is obsessed with the Spice Girls. And we listened to Wannabe like a hundred times on her way to the building, but she saw Chelsea in her outfit and she was like. And then we're talking and I go, she looks like a Spice Girl, huh? So then we were saying hi to Chelsea and then we were telling her about the Spice Girls and she's like, wait, I was obsessed with that. She's like, birdie, who's your favorite Spice Girl? And Birdie's like, ginger spice. And it was like, Chelsea was so cute with her. I mean, Birdie had a lot of cute moments. Yeah. But how hot was Chelsea's outfit? Did you see it yesterday?

[Nikki]

It was unreal.

[Bri]

I know. I was like, you go, girl. I'm like, oh, yeah. All right.

[Nikki]

And you know what else I loved? Did you see Mia's post with I really want to do that where you film like your co workers and put music. Yeah, yeah. Dude, that was so good. Kathy Kelly's was probably like my. The best one that I for sure like, was so good. But she's so good at that stuff. I just love her.

[Bri]

I know I should have been more.

[Nikki]

I made it.

[Bri]

Shakira. No, write it, write it. Go I me and she'll do it on you.

[Nikki]

I Loved it. Yeah. It was all just so good. And it was so good to see Maxine.

[Bri]

I know.

[Nikki]

I always love reading and Maxine.

[Bri]

Well, I really love to see the girls that came into Gorilla because they were so excited for you to, like, watch you.

[Nikki]

I know, right? Well, Mickey, like, special.

[Bri]

I feel like, like we asked, did

[Nikki]

you see our rivals drinking Bonita Bonita. First of all, we need to get Blake Monroe into this picture somehow. I really need a. I really want to go after her or she joins our team. But they were all drinking Bonita Bonita Shard last night.

[Bri]

Oh.

[Nikki]

Even though they're making fun of us or not. But I. I went back and I go. That 90 point chardonnay.

[Bri]

You know, a girlfriend.

[Nikki]

No. Lake is such a supporter of us. It's been unreal.

[Bri]

She's.

[Nikki]

We need to send her a bunch of stuff because she actually. Bree, you know, she actually buys Bonita Bonita and supports us.

[Bri]

I know, but I also sent her some too.

[Nikki]

Natty does. Nick Nemeth does. Yeah.

[Bri]

No, we have a lot of people. It's really sweet. We're lucky.

[Nikki]

We're.

[Bri]

It's been blessed. But, Nikki, like, we ask a lot of people who are in your position. What do you want out of your. You came back, you went through a major injury. You're back. You're no stranger to injury, let's be honest, but you're back.

[Nikki]

Queen of it.

[Bri]

What do you want out of this run? Like, what? And maybe it's not even a run. What do you want out of this moment in your life?

[Nikki]

You know, I'm coming close to the end. Like, and I know I've talked about this, but I am like. And I'm very great with that. Like, you know, year and a half, like, whatever it is, the end of 2027, and I really just want to finish this out exactly how I want it. I want, you know, if I gotta break rules, I'm gonna break rules. But I wanna end it how I see it so I don't look back and go, what if, like, creatively, if I feel a certain way, I wanna do it. I don't wanna, like, sit there and go, oh, but follow the rules and be a good girl. Like, I wanna challenge myself. I wanna fight for myself. I wanna stick up for what I believe in. And I also wanna be. Yeah. And then I also wanna be super impressive. And 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, because.

[Bri]

And that right there is what it's all about.

[Nikki]

It's what it's all about. I don't just speak the talk of empowering women. I truly love to empower women, and it's such a great group right now. And whatever I can give while also being a bad bitch, I'm all game.

[Bri]

I love that. And it'll be fun and for all

[Nikki]

of you and to finally start to have some fun traveling with you. Yes.

[Bri]

And I want it to be fun, fun, fun. All fun. Because that's what life's about.

[Nikki]

Life is way too short. And I know I'm going to get to a certain age and I won't be able to throw on the snapback, the jersey, the kicks. I'm just getting there. And that's okay for sure. So I want to enjoy where I can.

[Bri]

I definitely agree. And for all of you listening, if you guys are at all in the Minneapolis area, please come to SummerSlam this weekend. You will see Nikki Paige and I take on Fatal Influence. It's going to be a moment, especially live in person. So buy your tickets. Also, Nikki, I say so. Why? We get into some inspiration, affirmation. I was in the makeup chair last night begging them. I'm like, I only have an hour till I have to be in gorilla, so hurry up and do my makeup. Oh, you all were tripping me out. Yeah, I know. And then I was like, we got in this talk about Pinterest. I'm like, oh, I scroll Pinterest more than anything. And it was funny because Ian, who doesn't? He was doing my makeup. He's like, well, what do you look at? And I'm like, chicken coops. Have I ever wanted to remodel a bathroom? And quotes. And he's like, you can find quotes on Pinterest. I'm like, are you kidding? So I open up Pinterest. My first, like, thing you see on top is a quote. And I go, literally last night, go, ooh, I like that. I'm gonna say it on the podcast. I'm going to say, this is what I saw in the makeup chair was, like, my first thing. And I'm like, this is so perfect from Pinterest. Don't know who wrote it, but here we go. And this is. This is it. What we give doesn't always return, but what we give is always what we are. And that, like, literally, when I was in the makeup chair. I got goosebumps. Because sometimes we can hang on on what the return is and what we feel we deserve back. But when you think about it, we don't need the return. What we do, like, even for you, just breaking your ankle, tearing your ligaments, high sprain. For you, whether there's no return from what you did last night, you prove to yourself that you can. With the dedication, the drive, you can come back in three months and be stronger than you were before you broke that ankle. And I just think, like, you proved something to yourself, and that can take you through any door. It doesn't have to be a wrestling door. That can take you through any door in life. And so when I saw that quote, I'm like, oh, my gosh, that has so much meaning for tonight. But what do you feel? What do you feel when you hear that?

[Nikki]

Repeat it one more time.

[Bri]

Ready? What we give doesn't always return, but what we give is always what we are.

[Nikki]

You know, it just immediately makes me feel. I mean, everything you said. But, yeah, what. What it makes me feel is don't. When you give, don't have the intention to be recognized or what you can gain from it. Give because you know you're going to make something better. So when I. Coming into my comeback, don't make it just about like, how can Nikki Bella be the best and the baddest? But how can I give to so many that can make it better? I mean, that's. That's not the best, but pretty much it's just about.

[Bri]

I agree.

[Nikki]

Give, but you know what I mean? Give. And don't care about the return of the recognition. Give, because you just know whether it's one person or it's a group or it's company or whatever it is is just going to be better because of what you gave. And that's whether it's time, kindness, money, a helping hand, whatever it may be, just give. But this is what we're going to

[Bri]

go out on, Bri, and do it for you. Oh, you got a quote. Do it. Yeah, for you. Oh, we're gonna listen to music. All right.

[Nikki]

That's Fatal Influence right there.

[Bri]

I got a military case I'd rather do. Well, there we go. All right, everyone, you can see videos of today's episode on all of our social media platforms. That's our Instagram at the Nikki And Bree Show, YouTube, Facebook, you name it, we're on it. Tik Tok. And you can also Hear us on SirusXM Stars109. And please, if you can't make it to SummerSlam, make sure to tune in as Paige, Nikki and I take on Fatal Influence. You won't want to miss it this weekend.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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