Nikki Bella Triumphs in First WWE Raw Singles Match in Seven Years

Nikki Bella returned to the squared circle on July 14, 2025, marking her first singles match on WWE Raw in nearly seven years. Competing against Chelsea Green, Bella executed her signature move, the Rack Attack 2.0, clinching a hard-fought victory despite facing post-match ambush from Green and her allies, Alba Fyre and Piper Niven.

The event took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where Bella's performance was met with an enthusiastic response from fans, many of whom had long awaited her return to the ring. This match not only highlights Bella's enduring appeal but also raises questions about the evolving landscape of women's wrestling in WWE.

Bella's last singles match aired in 2018 during the original Evolution event, where she unsuccessfully challenged Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women's Championship. Since then, she has made sporadic appearances, including in the 2022 and 2025 Royal Rumble matches, and more recently in a battle royal where she finished in the final four.

As the match concluded, a post-victory ambush by Green, Fyre, and Niven left Bella vulnerable, but the timely intervention of Stephanie Vaquer, who rushed to the ring to assist Bella, added an unexpected twist to the evening’s events. Vaquer, who had previously eliminated Green from the battle royal, showcased the camaraderie that has become a hallmark of the women’s division.

Experts note that Bella’s return is emblematic of a larger trend in professional wrestling where veteran athletes are given opportunities to reclaim their positions within the industry. According to Dr. Emily Carter, a sports sociology expert at Stanford University, "Bella's comeback not only captivates long-time fans but also reflects WWE's strategic decisions to leverage nostalgia while promoting emerging talent."

Furthermore, the match serves as a reminder of the evolving dynamics within the women's division, where competition intensifies and narratives deepen. Bella's victory may signal a potential storyline leading to a championship contention, especially with the upcoming Clash in Paris event, where alliances and rivalries will play crucial roles.

In conclusion, Nikki Bella's win on WWE Raw is more than just a personal triumph; it is a significant moment within the broader context of women’s wrestling, highlighting both the ongoing legacy of established stars and the rise of new talent. As the industry continues to evolve, Bella's presence will likely remain influential in shaping the future of women's wrestling in WWE.