WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella Sets 2027 Retirement Goal and Returns Ahead of SummerSlam
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella returned to the roster on the July 24 episode of SmackDown after a three‑month ankle injury lay‑off, rescuing her sister Brie Bella and Paige from a post‑match assault by the trio Fatal Influence. She subsequently challenged the group to a six‑woman tag match at WWE SummerSlam, which the company confirmed for Night 1 on August 1‑2, 2026 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Speaking on The Nikki & Brie Show, Bella announced she plans to end her in‑ring career by the end of 2027, saying she wants to “finish this out exactly how I want it” and that she is willing to “break rules if I have to.” She emphasized a desire to empower women’s wrestling, to continue elevating the division, and to depart without regrets. Bella also revealed that AEW wrestler Aaron Solo helped coach her during the comeback preparation.
Bella’s stated timeline and her upcoming SummerSlam appearance mark the final chapter of her WWE tenure, with the retirement target firmly set for late 2027.
Entities: Aaron Solo · Brie Bella · Fatal Influence · Nikki Bella · Paige
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] AEW wrestler Aaron Solo coached Nikki Bella for her WWE comeback. (abf39b95-62f9-4e6b-b470-433650066ce0)
- [● 4 SOURCES] She said she is “coming close to the end” and will break rules if necessary. (all articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Nikki Bella announced she plans to retire by the end of 2027. (all articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] She saved Brie Bella and Paige from a post‑match attack by the trio Fatal Influence. (all articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Fatal Influence consists of Jacy Jayne, Lainey Reid, and Fallon Henley. (all articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nikki Bella’s ankle injury kept her out of action for three months beginning in March 2026. (all articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] She is scheduled to compete in a six‑woman tag match at WWE SummerSlam on August 1‑2, 2026. (all articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Nikki Bella returned to WWE on the July 24 episode of SmackDown after a three‑month ankle injury lay‑off. (all articles)