Nikki and Brie say speaking up should not be treated like a flaw
Summary
– Nikki and Brie Bella addressed being labeled “difficult” during their podcast
– Nikki said women often get criticized for caring about their work and having standards
– Brie said setting boundaries and speaking honestly should not be treated as a negative
Nikki and Brie Bella are no longer bothered by being called difficult.
During The Nikki & Brie Show, the WWE Hall of Famers discussed the label after Nikki shared a Jane Goodall quote that resonated with both sisters.
“It actually doesn’t take much to be considered a difficult woman. That’s why there are so many of us.”
Nikki said the quote connected with her because women are often judged harshly for things that should be viewed as positive. She believes caring about work, wanting high standards, and speaking up can quickly lead to unfair criticism.
“The quote hit me hard because sometimes, you know, things we say and we feel like we have to explain. I feel like this is a lot of women and it’s just so funny how immediately you’re considered difficult when I’m like, wait, can we look at the larger picture here?”
Nikki said she has been called difficult simply for wanting to give her best. Whether in business, parenting, or working for a company, she said, having passion should not be seen as a problem.
“So because I care about my work, because I want it to be the best, because I want to give my all and I want to give more to a company that pays me or to this company I run or this as a parent, whatever it is, I’m considered a difficult woman. I mean, well, so be it. But when that popped up, I was like, damn, that’s us.”
Brie agreed and said she has dealt with the same reaction over the years. In her view, having strong opinions or refusing to stay silent does not make someone difficult.
“That’s us. I mean, I feel like a lot of times when I’ve had strong opinions or when I say certain things and it’s like people consider me like, ‘Oh, she’s like bitchy,’ or like difficult…..it’s just like we’re all granted our own opinions and thoughts and can voice them whenever the F we want. And it doesn’t mean you’re difficult.”
Brie also pointed to boundaries as another issue. She said women are often criticized for setting limits, while men are praised for doing the same.
“Or even when you have boundaries. Like I feel like a lot of times when we set boundaries, people would think that’s difficult. I’ve seen people get praised for it. And not that like I want to say like you see men get praised for it, but it’s hard not to say it. Things are slowly changing… but I don’t see men make headlines for stupid stuff. It’s rare. They have to do some big-time shit to make a headline, but a woman can say one thing and we’re a headline or have one thought or whatever.”
At this point, Brie said she is done worrying about what people call her. If being vocal and standing up for herself earns that label, she is willing to accept it.
“So yeah, I love that quote and I don’t care. People can call me difficult. People can call me every bad name in the book. I don’t care because half the time when you’re calling me that, it’s because I’m someone who has a voice who stands up for myself and I don’t back down. So thank you. That’s how I look at it.”
For Nikki and Brie, the discussion was about more than one quote. It was about taking a word that has followed them for years and refusing to let it define them negatively.
The Bella Twins now see “difficult” as a sign that they have voices, standards, and boundaries. They are not apologizing for any of it.
