Nikki Bella breaks silence after John Cena reference in ongoing feud with Paige on WWE SmackDown
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Nikki Bella addresses Paige’s personal John Cena reference.
Nikki Bella has addressed Paige bringing John Cena into their ongoing WWE SmackDown rivalry. During Friday’s episode, Paige took a personal shot at Nikki during a backstage confrontation, referencing her past relationship with the WWE legend.
Paige told Nikki that she built her career on “hustle, loyalty, and respect,” before claiming that Nikki simply “slept with it.” The remark immediately added a more personal element to their feud, while continuing WWE’s recent use of Nikki’s history with Cena in storylines.
Nikki’s relationship with Cena has been referenced several times since her WWE return in 2025. The latest moment was subsequently discussed by Nikki and her sister, Brie Bella, on The Nikki & Brie Show, where they addressed why Cena and their past relationship remain part of the current storyline.
Nikki Bella says she embraces personal moments that get a reaction
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Brie explained why she believes references to John Cena continue to resonate with wrestling fans, noting that his name can still generate a strong response from the audience.
“For some reason in wrestling, the John zinger still zings. For some reason it still pops us all,” Brie said.
Nikki acknowledged that fans have been divided over the repeated references but made it clear that she is comfortable with using personal elements when they contribute to the story and generate a reaction from the crowd.
“I know people can feel both ways. Believe me, I get it. I’m all for what entertains the crowd and helps make the crowd react. I always love bringing something personal into it,” Nikki said.
She explained that the situation developed naturally after fans began chanting about Cena in Canada, saying the chants ultimately influenced what happened during the promo.
“It all got stirred up from what they were chanting in Canada. If they never chanted that, none of the stuff in the promo would’ve ever happened. It’s just falling into place that way,” Nikki added.
Nikki Bella reacts to divided fan response
Nikki also praised the live audience reaction, particularly because the segment was filmed live. She said hearing the response in the arena made the moment even more effective and acknowledged the debate that followed online.
“The crowd being there, because it shot it live, it was amazing to hear the reactions. It is funny to see the reactions online. They are very torn. It’s great,” she said.
Interestingly, the John Cena reference did not appear on Netflix’s version of the SmackDown broadcast, with the line edited out. Viewers watching the USA Network broadcast, however, were able to hear Paige’s original remark.
Nikki is now set to face Paige on Friday’s episode of SmackDown. With the rivalry becoming increasingly personal, their upcoming confrontation could add another significant chapter to the feud.
Why did Paige mention John Cena?
Paige referenced Nikki Bella’s past relationship with Cena while taking a personal shot at her during their confrontation.
What did Nikki Bella say about the John Cena references?
Nikki said she supports whatever entertains the crowd and enjoys incorporating personal elements when they help generate a reaction.
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