The landscape of professional wrestling has undergone a seismic shift as the final months of 2025 unfold, marking a transformative era for WWE as it settles into its new home on global streaming platforms. At the heart of this cultural and athletic revolution is the resurgence of one of the most polarizing and successful figures in the history of the women’s division. Nikki Bella, a name synonymous with both the glitz of reality television and the grit of the squared circle, has found herself back in the thick of the championship hunt, reminding the world that her competitive fire has never truly been extinguished. As the calendar edges closer to the new year, the stakes have reached a fever pitch for the veteran superstar. She is not merely returning for a nostalgic victory lap or a series of ceremonial appearances; rather, she is positioning herself to reclaim the gold and cement her legacy in an entirely different epoch of the industry. The opportunity ahead of her is as daunting as it is prestigious, involving a high-stakes encounter for the WWE Women’s World Championship that promises to be a defining moment for the division as it enters the Netflix era.
To understand the magnitude of Nikki Bella’s current trajectory, one must look at the formidable obstacles standing in her path. The reigning champion, Stephanie Vaquer, represents the vanguard of modern international wrestling, bringing a lethal combination of lucha libre agility and technical precision that has made her a cornerstone of the current roster. Since capturing the title, Vaquer has been a fighting champion, elevating the prestige of the belt with every successful defense. Alongside her in this upcoming triple threat match is the powerhouse Raquel Rodriguez, a woman whose sheer physical dominance and "Big Mami Cool" persona have made her a perennial threat to anyone holding gold. For Nikki Bella, entering a ring with two athletes of this caliber, both of whom are in the prime of their careers, requires more than just veteran savvy or the support of the Bella Army. It requires a complete physical and mental recalibration, a return to the fundamental roots of professional wrestling that forged her into a champion years ago. This realization has led the longest-reigning Divas Champion in history back to a place where reputations are secondary to the work put in on the mats.
In a move that has resonated deeply with longtime fans of the industry’s technical heritage, Nikki Bella has sought out the expertise of one of the most respected figures in the locker room: Natalya Neidhart. The Hart family legacy is woven into the very fabric of professional wrestling, and Natalya, a certain future Hall of Famer, continues to uphold the standards of excellence established by her ancestors. The "Dungeon" is a term that carries immense weight in wrestling lore, originally referring to the basement of the Hart family home in Calgary where Stu Hart put aspiring wrestlers through grueling, often painful, training sessions. In 2025, Natalya has kept this tradition alive with the "Dungeon 2.0," a modern sanctuary for those looking to sharpen their skills and find their fighting spirit. It was here that Nikki Bella chose to spend her final hours of preparation before the massive championship match on RAW. The decision to train with Natalya is a strategic masterstroke, as the "Queen of Harts" possesses a depth of knowledge regarding submissions, leverage, and ring awareness that is virtually unparalleled. By subjecting herself to the rigorous demands of a Neidhart-led session, Nikki is signaling to her opponents and the fans alike that she is willing to endure whatever physical toll is necessary to reach the mountaintop once again.
The training sessions between Nikki and Natalya are described not as mere rehearsals, but as genuine tests of endurance and willpower. On social media, Nikki shared her enthusiasm for the grueling nature of the work, emphasizing that there is nothing quite like the physical challenge provided by a session with Natalya. This brand of "tough love" is exactly what a returning veteran needs to bridge the gap between their storied past and the high-speed, high-impact reality of today’s women’s division. Natalya, ever the professional and the mentor, expressed her pride in Nikki’s dedication, noting that every drop of sweat in the Dungeon is earned through hard work. This mutual respect between two women who have shared the ring for over a decade adds a layer of emotional depth to Nikki’s comeback story. It is a testament to the sisterhood that exists behind the scenes, where even the fiercest rivals understand the importance of being at one’s absolute best when the world is watching. For Nikki, the time spent in the Dungeon is about more than just cardio or technique; it is about reclaiming the "Fearless" identity that made her a household name, proving that she can still hang with the best in the world.
As the flagship program RAW prepares to broadcast live on Netflix, the global audience is bracing for a triple threat match that offers a fascinating clash of styles. Stephanie Vaquer’s approach is rooted in the fast-paced, high-risk world of international wrestling, where one mistake can lead to a lightning-quick submission or a devastating strike. Raquel Rodriguez, conversely, utilizes her height and strength to overwhelm her adversaries, turning the ring into a territory where only the physically strongest can survive. Nikki Bella must find a way to navigate these two extremes. Her own style has evolved over the years, transitioning from the athletic basics of her early career to a hard-hitting, forearm-heavy offense that earned her respect during the Women’s Evolution. The influence of the Hart family training could be the "X-factor" Nikki needs, perhaps introducing a new level of grappling proficiency to her arsenal that Vaquer and Rodriguez might not expect. In a triple threat environment, the rules are famously lax—no disqualifications and the constant threat of being pinned without even being involved in the final sequence—making tactical intelligence just as important as physical prowess.
The timing of this championship opportunity is particularly significant as WWE navigates its first year on a major streaming platform. The move to Netflix has changed the way the product is consumed, reaching a broader and more diverse audience than ever before. For Nikki Bella, this is a chance to reintroduce herself to a new generation of viewers who may only know her through her reality television ventures or her past accolades. Winning the WWE Women’s World Championship in this new era would not only be a personal triumph but a statement of longevity. It would silence the critics who suggested her best days were behind her and reaffirm her status as a premier athlete. The pressure of performing on such a massive stage, at 8:00 PM EST on a Monday night, is something Nikki has handled many times before, but the landscape has never been more competitive. The women’s roster is deeper and more talented than it has ever been, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Beyond the championship implications, Nikki’s return and her intense preparation highlight the evolving nature of the wrestling business. In previous eras, a veteran of her stature might have relied on her name alone to carry her through a high-profile feud. However, in 2025, the expectations for in-ring quality have reached an all-time high. The fans demand excellence, and the wrestlers themselves are more committed than ever to the craft of storytelling through physical performance. Nikki’s willingness to "grind away" in the Dungeon, to take the "ass-kicking" from Natalya, and to openly embrace the struggle of preparation shows a profound respect for the business. It also sets a powerful example for the younger talent in the locker room, demonstrating that no matter how much success one has achieved, there is always room to grow, to learn, and to push the boundaries of what is possible.
As the wrestling world counts down the hours until RAW, the conversation remains centered on whether Nikki Bella can actually pull off the upset. Stephanie Vaquer is a formidable champion who has shown no signs of weakness, and Raquel Rodriguez is a literal mountain of a woman who can end a match with a single power move. Yet, there is a palpable sense of momentum behind Nikki. The "Bella Army" is out in full force, their voices amplified by the digital reach of the modern era. The narrative of the returning legend seeking one last moment of glory is a timeless one in professional wrestling, and Nikki Bella is playing her part to perfection. Whether she leaves the arena with the title around her waist or not, her journey back to the main event scene has already been a compelling saga of resilience and reinvention.
The role of Natalya in this story cannot be overstated. As a veteran who has seen the industry change multiple times, she serves as the bridge between the past and the present. Her endorsement of Nikki’s work ethic carries weight with the fans and the locker room alike. When Natalya says she is excited to watch Nikki "soar," it isn’t just empty praise; it is a professional validation of the work that has been put in behind closed doors, away from the cameras and the bright lights. This preparation is what separates the great from the legendary. The Dungeon 2.0 has become a symbol of this dedication, a place where the frills of the entertainment industry are stripped away, leaving only the raw essence of the sport. For Nikki Bella, the sweat earned in that environment is the foundation upon which she hopes to build her next championship reign.
The upcoming title match is more than just a contest for a belt; it is a collision of three different philosophies of wrestling. It is the international flair of Vaquer, the brute force of Rodriguez, and the resilient stardom of Bella. As the 2025 season of WWE programming reaches its climax, this match stands as a testament to the strength and diversity of the women’s division. The road to the championship has been paved with grueling training sessions, strategic planning, and an unwavering desire to be the best. Nikki Bella has done the work, she has taken the hits, and she has prepared herself for the fight of her life. When the bell rings on RAW, the world will see if the lessons learned in the Dungeon are enough to carry her to the top of the mountain once more. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the WWE Women’s World Championship hangs in the balance, waiting for the woman who wants it the most to step up and claim it in front of a global audience.
