WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella Makes Surprise SmackDown Return, Confronts Women's Champion Chelsea Green

The September 18, 2026, episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe as Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, 42, made an unexpected comeback, immediately setting her sights on the reigning WWE Women's Champion, Chelsea Green. In a tense backstage segment, Bella directly challenged Green, asserting her legend status and her intent to capture the coveted title. This week, the 'Fearless One' wasted no time in making her presence felt on the September 18, 2026, edition of SmackDown, interrupting a conversation between Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton to deliver a bold declaration. Did Dwayne Johnson Lose Weight for a WWE Return? The Rock Sets the Record Straight.

Nikki Bella Confronts Chelsea Green

The Confrontation

During the heated exchange, Nikki Bella, an inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2020, told Chelsea Green to "keep her name out of her mouth" after Green had reportedly praised Bella on a recent podcast. Bella then critically remarked on Green's recent title defense, stating that the champion "barely survived Nia Jax" last week. Green, who became the sole WWE Women's Champion on SmackDown after winning the Interim Women's Champion in a Ladder Match at SummerSlam 2026, successfully defended her title against Nia Jax on the September 11 SmackDown.

Bella further emphasized her stature, declaring, "I don't need qualifying matches to get those opportunities because I am a legend, I am an icon, I am Nikki Bella. And I'm coming after that title." This statement clearly signals Bella's intention to bypass traditional routes, such as the upcoming Money in the Bank qualifiers, to challenge for the championship directly. Has Ex-WWE Star The Undertaker Filed for Divorce From Wife Michelle McCool After She Cheated on Him? Fact Check Calls Claim as Fake.

Champion's Reign and Nikki Bella's Legacy

Chelsea Green's reign as WWE Women's Champion began on August 2, 2026, at WWE SummerSlam 2026. Her recent defense against Nia Jax showcased her resilience, solidifying her position at the top of the SmackDown women's division. Nikki Bella, on the other hand, boasts a decorated career, including a record-setting 301-day reign as Divas Champion, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in a ceremony that aired on April 6, 2021.

Nikki Bella's assertive return and direct challenge to Chelsea Green have ignited a new, highly anticipated rivalry in the SmackDown women's division. With Bella's legendary status and Green's current championship dominance, the stage is set for a compelling clash for the WWE Women's Championship in the weeks to come.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2026 04:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).