Brie Bella Reveals WWE Return is Facing Major Roadblock

Newsweek

5 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
WWE Hall of Famer Brie Bella has opened up about why she has not returned to the company alongside her twin sister, Nikki Bella. On the latest episode of their podcast, Brie revealed the "roadblock" that she believes is preventing her from making an in-ring comeback.
While her sister, Nikki, made a surprise return at the 2025 Royal Rumble and is scheduled to compete on tonight's Raw, Brie has remained on the sidelines. She explained that the reason has to do with her husband, AEW star Bryan Danielson.
The "Roadblock"
Speaking on The Nikki & Brie Show, Brie addressed the question she is constantly asked about when she will return to a WWE ring. She said that she believes her husband working for a direct competitor makes some people in WWE uncomfortable.
"I know my roadblock is the fact that my husband is with the rival company," Brie said. "For some people, it makes them uncomfortable at WWE, thinking I would be there when my husband is with AEW. You know what, that's okay... Does it bum me out at times that I wish feelings were different? Absolutely, but it doesn't make me angry or bitter."
Bryan Danielson has been with AEW since 2021 and remains with the company in a backstage capacity after retiring as a full-time wrestler.
HAMBURG, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Brie Bella and Nikki Bella (L) are pictured at the red carpet prior to the WWE Live event at O2 World on April 15, 2015 in Hamburg, Germany.
HAMBURG, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Brie Bella and Nikki Bella (L) are pictured at the red carpet prior to the WWE Live event at O2 World on April 15, 2015 in Hamburg, Germany.A Tale Of Two Companies
While WWE has recently opened the "forbidden door" with promotions like TNA, its relationship with its primary competitor, AEW, is very different. In the competitive world of professional wrestling, having a top star's spouse working for the direct rival can create a complicated situation regarding loyalty and the sharing of inside information.
Brie's comments are a candid acknowledgment of these behind-the-scenes politics. She stated that she understands if people in WWE are uncomfortable with the situation and that she has accepted it gracefully, calling it a sign that she is supposed to be in her "Soft Girl Era."
The Bella Twins: Icons Of An Era
The Bella Twins are one of the most successful and influential female acts in WWE history. The duo were cornerstones of the "Divas Era," with both Brie and Nikki holding the Divas Championship. They transcended the wrestling world with the launch of the hit reality shows Total Divas and Total Bellas, which brought a new, mainstream female audience to the WWE product.
Their massive success as brand ambassadors and crossover stars led to their induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020. While fans are enjoying Nikki Bella's current run, it now seems a full in-ring reunion of the iconic team is not in the cards for the foreseeable future.