Brie “Bella” Garcia surprised fans by returning to the wrestling ring alongside her twin sister, Nikki Garcia, during an electrifying WWE match at the women’s Royal Rumble on January 31. The announcer excitedly proclaimed, “Brie Bella is back,” as the 42-year-old entered the ring donned in a striking red latex jumpsuit, marking her first appearance since the Royal Rumble in 2022.
The event, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw Brie showcasing her remarkable skills by taking down several competitors. Nikki, also 42, soon joined her for a dynamic performance, but the duo was ultimately eliminated by Lash Legend. This event was particularly notable as both sisters had officially retired from in-ring competition in 2023, stepping away from their “Bella Twins” persona.
The Garcia sisters have embarked on a new chapter in their lives, focusing on motherhood and entrepreneurial pursuits. Nikki, mother to 5-year-old Matteo, expressed mixed feelings about her son following in their wrestling legacy, while Brie, who has two children with husband Bryan Danielson, embraced the freedom that comes with their decision to move beyond WWE. “We were just craving a new chapter in our lives and we knew… we had to go back to who we were,” Brie shared in May 2023.
Nikki echoed sentiments of liberation, noting, “It’s not only been freeing but it’s almost like we can do whatever we want without asking permission.” Their retirement from wrestling has allowed them to explore various opportunities as mothers, entrepreneurs, executive producers, and hosts.
The twins remain open to the idea of their children potentially entering the wrestling world. Nikki playfully remarked on the potential of Matteo teaming up with Brie’s son, Buddy, in the future, describing them as a “pretty bada** tag team.” Brie reaffirmed this, mentioning her son’s fearless nature and how he has inherited a blend of traits from both parents.
Despite their commitment to their new endeavors, fans can look forward to impactful moments from both Brie and Nikki, with Nikki recently making her solo return to WWE during the women’s Royal Rumble in February 2025. The sisters continue to inspire as they navigate their journeys post-wrestling, leading by example for the next generation.