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Nikki Bella Publicly Apologizes to 5-Time WWE Champion

By Monika Thapa • Published Sep 08, 2025 08:05 EDT
Nikki Bella

Former Divas Champion Nikki Bella issues a public apology to 5-time champion in WWE, Wade Barrett.

At the WWE Clash in Paris pre-show on August 31, 2025, Wade Barrett, who was sitting in the commentary section, made remarks about Nikki Bella’s status in WWE compared to the current generation. He said she was “desperate to prove she still has it” and that wrestlers like Becky Lynch had raised the bar for women’s wrestling beyond Bella’s era.

These comments were scripted to build drama around the women’s Intercontinental title match, but struck a nerve with Bella herself. Bella addressed these comments on her Nikki and Brie Show, expressing that she was upset and felt disrespected. She also accused Bad News Barrett of avoiding her at the following Monday Night Raw when she tried to confront him in person.

However, Barrett publicly denied avoiding her, stating he was unaware the WWE Hall of Famer was upset and wished she had brought it up to him privately rather than on her podcast. He also expressed willingness to talk and clear the misunderstanding.

Nikki Bella and Wade Barrett Patch Things Up

Following the public back-and-forth, Nikki Bella and Wade Barrett eventually had a conversation behind the scenes. King Barrett announced on social media that they had resolved their issues.

“Great news, fight fans.. @NikkiAndBrie and I have spoken, we’ve smoothed things over, and I’ve graciously been allowed back into the Bella Army. Fully paid-up member since FCW 2008 🤝🏻🍷

“A difference of perspective – to which we are all entitled – but to be clear, some of the personal abuse that gets sent to Nikki on here is reprehensible and completely out of line, so let’s cut that out immediately.”

The Fearless star then issued a public apology for not approaching him first and expressed positive sentiments about their conversation.

lol yes great news! Sorry been off X this week. Thank you Stu!!! This all has been so wild!! Sorry for not coming to you first before chatting with Brie on the pod. Was not expecting any of this. You know how much love I have for you and loved our chat! So excited for you! Enjoy that well deserved time off!

There were rumors that Barrett had been removed from the SmackDown commentary team due to his controversy with Bella, but Barrett clarified that these were false. He revealed that his absence was part of a scheduled personal time off unrelated to the female star or the feud.