WWE News: Nikki Bella says lack of respect from fans makes her sad
What's the story?
Former WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella announced several months ago that she is officially retired from in-ring action, citing ongoing back and neck issues as the reason why she was forced into early retirement.
Bella last competed for WWE at the first-ever all women's PPV event, Evolution, and lost her RAW Women's Title match against Ronda Rousey.
It looks like Nikki had plans to continue her in-ring career following Evolution. However, during the most recent episode of The Bellas Podcast, Nikki revealed that she was informed before WrestleMania this year that she would need to hang up the boots for good.
In case you didn't know...
Nikki Bella has been battling neck and back issues for several years now, and while Nikki was able to make a triumphant in-ring comeback in the first-ever Women's Royal Rumble match, she was only able to compete sporadically that year, and her career ultimately ended following her bout against Ronda Rousey at Evolution in 2018.
While dealing with injury related issues last year, Nikki Bella was also dealing with personal issues outside of the ring, as she and her ex-fiancee John Cena had a very public breakup which played out on the Total Bellas reality show.
The heart of the matter
While speaking on the latest episode of The Bellas Podcast, Nikki Bella revealed the emotional toll that WWE in-ring retirement took on her.
"I love wrestling," admitted Bella (h/t to EWrestlingNews.com for the transcription). "I gave 13 years of my life. I beat my body up. I I just, I mean it was my world. And it’s so sad sometimes when I see the lack of respect or like, not the appreciation, like you know how badly I wish I could go out there and wrestle again and do it for the fans, and do it for us like I have risked my life and I will never get."
Nikki went on to say that she will never have a final moment to stand in the ring and get a "thank you, Nikki" chant from the fans, and it upsets her that some of the WWE fanbase accuses her of not caring because she has attempted to move on with her life outside of the ring.
What's next?
Despite Nikki Bella's in-ring career being over, her time with WWE continues as it was recently announced that a new season of her reality show, Total Bellas, will premiere this year and will feature the return of numerous cast mates including Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan.
Do you think Nikki Bella deserves one final appearance in a WWE ring to get a proper sendoff from fans? Let us know in the comment section!