Nikki Bella revealed that she was the most searched performer following last week’s SmackDown, emphasizing that the live audience made it very clear what they want from her time on the show. Speaking on the latest episode of The Nikki and Brie Show, she reflected on a segment where she responded to comments Chelsea Green made about her on Watch What Happens Live the previous night.
“Chelsea mentioned me during her Watch What Happens Live appearance, so when I was on SmackDown that Friday, I incorporated her remarks,” Nikki explained. “I loved it because some people on Twitter got the reference, while others didn’t. But some fans were like, ‘Wow, she threw back exactly what Chelsea said about her the night before.’”
What stayed with her most was the crowd’s reaction. “The crowd in Corpus Christi was incredible. They really want me to be the champion, Brie,” Nikki said. “The fans cheered loudly and showed real excitement. Live reactions are what truly matter to us.”
Nikki was surprised by just how many people searched for her after the segment. “I was the most searched individual, even more than the men from Friday Night SmackDown,” she noted. Despite this, she avoids reading the comments. “I don’t look at them because I don’t want to bring that energy into my space. I’m sure there were those who said ‘2026 Nikki Bella going for the title’ – that’s always the joke. But since you’re talking about it, yes, I am going for it. You’re welcome.”
She believes much of the criticism she receives is just for show. “People tend to exaggerate their feelings about me because they think they’ll get high ratings if they bash me,” Nikki remarked. “A girl made a video about this ‘forced hate’ toward me, which we often discuss. I don’t care, though—keep talking.”
When Brie encouraged fans to keep watching SmackDown, Nikki had her own message. “Keep talking about me, because I’m loving the attention and it’s helping,” she said. Nikki also credited the Bella Army, her fanbase, which she saw described online as the largest female wrestling fandom worldwide, though she couldn’t verify that claim.
The title Nikki is aiming for is currently held by Chelsea Green, who successfully defended it against Nia Jax on the September 11 SmackDown in Mexico City, the same night WWE removed the interim status from the championship. Nikki and Green have history, including a singles match on Raw in July that Nikki won, and Green has expressed that she enjoys their rivalry.
Nikki has also teamed up with Nia Jax in a series of comedic segments and social media clips, which she says has been very enjoyable. “I had a blast with Nia. We traveled together and had tons of fun,” Nikki revealed. “We joked about starting to reenact the fights from the Total Divas era every week.”
More content is in the works, but she kept the details under wraps. “We already have fun plans but I won’t spill the beans just yet. Nia is hilarious and really talented at it.” Brie shared that she initially didn’t recognize Nia’s impression of her in one video. “It was funny—I first wondered whose voice that was, then realized it was supposed to be me,” Brie said.
Nikki also praised rapper Lil Yachty, who appeared in one of the videos, saying he nailed his role in a single take. The sisters joked about creating a petition to Triple H to make Nikki champion but agreed the only real way that happens is through hard work. “I’m putting in the effort,” Nikki confirmed.
Fan Take: Nikki Bella’s growing buzz and strong fan support could signal a big push for her character in WWE, adding fresh excitement to the women’s division. This momentum not only energizes her storyline but also underscores the importance of fan engagement in shaping wrestling narratives today.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
