The WWE Hall of Famer dismissed claims that she was avoiding Paige
Summary
– Nikki Bella fired back after being labeled “Backstabber Bella” online
– Bella denied avoiding Paige and said she was enjoying her spa day
– Their feud continues to grow through social media and WWE television
Nikki Bella is firing back after being dragged into another online exchange involving Paige, making it clear that she was not avoiding her longtime rival.
The latest round started ahead of the August 21 episode of SmackDown when the Nikki & Brie account posted about Paige and questioned whether she would appear on television. Paige responded by asking why Nikki was not there herself, but Bella waited until the following day to answer.
Bella addressed fans, calling her “Backstabber Bella” while joking that she had been trying to enjoy a spa day. She denied running from Paige and said she had been too busy to care about the latest comments directed at her.
The WWE Hall of Famer continued taking shots after watching SmackDown, joking that she needed another Aperol Spritz before sarcastically congratulating Paige for getting back on television. The comment added another layer to a rivalry that has increasingly played out both on WWE programming and social media.
Their issues had already intensified one week earlier when a Paige promo directed at Bella was cut from the August 14 episode of SmackDown. WWE later released the segment online, with Paige accusing Bella of rewriting history, taking credit for helping revive her career, and being jealous that someone else had taken her spot.
Bella previously said on The Nikki & Brie Show that she was prepared to keep the rivalry moving online if WWE continued cutting material from television. She explained that the situation reminded her of dealing with creative changes earlier in her career, when planned segments could be altered or removed at the last minute.
That approach is playing out now as both women continue exchanging comments outside the ring. Bella has made it clear that being absent from SmackDown does not mean she is backing away from Paige, and the “Backstabber Bella” label has only given her more material to fire back with.
I’m over here trying to enjoy my spa day and I’m being called backstabber Bella? lol Ummm no and wasn’t running @Saraya just too busy to care 💋💅🏼🥂 goodness I need another Aperol Spritz after watching last night. Oh and Paige congrats on getting back on TV last night. 🥳👏🏼👍🏼… pic.twitter.com/eDKYgLaHgw
— Nikki & Brie (@NikkiAndBrie) August 22, 2026
