KEY POINT
- Brie Bella returned at the Royal Rumble after a four year absence from in ring competition.
- The Bella Twins briefly reunited and worked together before being eliminated simultaneously.
- Brie Bella return at Royal Rumble reinforced WWE’s focus on legacy performers and women’s division depth.
Brie Bella made a surprise return to World Wrestling Entertainment at the Royal Rumble on Saturday, reentering the ring for the first time in four years and reuniting with her twin sister Nikki Bella in one of the event’s most closely watched moments, according to WWE.
The Brie Bella return at Royal Rumble marked a significant moment for WWE’s women’s division, blending nostalgia with current roster power.
Entering the match wearing a red Bella Twins bodysuit, Brie Bella arrived four slots after Nikki Bella, echoing her sister’s surprise comeback at the Royal Rumble one year earlier.
The appearance immediately drew attention from fans inside the arena and global audiences watching WWE’s flagship premium live event.
Brie Bella, forty-two, last competed in a WWE ring in early 2022 before stepping away to focus on family life and business ventures.
Alongside Nikki Bella, she helped define WWE’s “Divas to Superstars” transition during the mid 2010s, playing a role in expanding match lengths, storylines and visibility for women wrestlers.
Nikki Bella returned to WWE competition at the 2025 Royal Rumble, setting expectations that her twin sister might eventually follow.
WWE did not publicly confirm Brie Bella’s participation ahead of the event, maintaining the Royal Rumble tradition of unannounced entrants.
According to WWE, the Bella Twins worked together fluidly during their brief run, demonstrating familiarity despite extended time away from full time competition.
“The Royal Rumble is WWE’s most effective platform for reintroducing legacy performers without long term commitment,” said Brandon Thurston, editor of Wrestlenomics, a wrestling business analysis outlet.
“The Brie Bella return at Royal Rumble fits a broader strategy of blending established names with newer talent to maximize audience engagement.”
Paul Levesque, WWE chief content officer, has previously said the company views women’s wrestling as “a cornerstone of its future,” emphasizing depth across generations. WWE declined to comment on whether Brie Bella’s appearance signals additional matches.
Sports media analyst David Bixenspan noted that nostalgia driven returns often deliver measurable digital engagement. “Moments like this spike social interaction and keep the women’s division in cultural conversation beyond weekly programming,” he said.
“The crowd reaction showed how strongly fans still connect with the Bella Twins,” said Alfred Konuwa, senior contributor covering WWE for Forbes. “Even a short appearance carries emotional weight because of their role in modern women’s wrestling.”
Lash Legend, who eliminated both twins simultaneously, later told WWE digital media the moment was “about respect and competition,” adding that the current roster “stands on what came before.”
WWE confirmed both eliminations occurred without injury and were planned as part of the match’s broader storytelling.
WWE has not announced whether Brie Bella will compete again beyond the Royal Rumble. Historically, similar returns have ranged from one off appearances to short term programs depending on performer availability and audience response.
Industry analysts caution against assuming a sustained comeback without formal confirmation from WWE.
The Brie Bella return at Royal Rumble underscored WWE’s continued use of legacy stars to enhance major events while spotlighting newer competitors.
Though brief, the appearance reinforced the Bella Twins’ lasting influence and highlighted the evolving balance between past and present within WWE’s women’s division.
1: When did Brie Bella return to WWE?
Brie Bella made her surprise return at the 2026 Royal Rumble event.
2: Did Brie Bella team up with Nikki Bella at the Royal Rumble?
Yes, Brie Bella briefly worked together with Nikki Bella during the Royal Rumble match.
3: Who eliminated the Bella Twins at the Royal Rumble?
Both Brie Bella and Nikki Bella were eliminated at the same time by Lash Legend.