Will Paige replace Nikki Bella in tag title match at WWE WrestleMania 42?
(Courtesy : WWE)
Nikki Bella is yet to receive medical clearance ahead of WrestleMania.
Doubts continue to mount regarding Nikki Bella’s involvement in the scheduled Fatal Four-way match for the WWE Women’s title on Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Bella suffered a sprained ankle injury during the March 27 edition of SmackDown and has been in rehab since. However, according to the latest report, she is likely not going to be medically cleared, but WWE might have a surprise up its sleeve for fans.
Paige has signed a new contract with WWE
According to a report from PWInsider, Paige, fka Saraya, has signed with the WWE and is anticipated to return and partake in Saturday’s Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way Match. The report stated that Paige is expected to step in for Nikki Bella, who has yet to receive medical clearance for the ankle injury.
The outlet also noted that WWE quietly brought Paige into Las Vegas ahead of the event, where she was spotted taking part in a match run-through earlier this week.
If true, this will be Paige’s first WWE appearance since 2022, when she departed WWE and signed with AEW. It will also be her first in-ring appearance in WWE since December 2017.
Regarding her contract with the promotion, BodySlam has reported that Paige has signed a new multi-year deal with the company.
Will Paige replace Nikki Bella at WrestleMania?
Following the reports fans started to speculate if Paige is really going to replace Nikki in the Women’s Tag Team titles match. However, Brie Bella, during a promo on the April 17 edition of SmackDown, said that Nikki Bella is rehabbing her ankle injury and doing everything possible to be ready for WrestleMania 42 so she can compete alongside her twin sister.
Furthermore, Nikki Bella confirmed during an appearance at the WWE Hall of Fame 2026 ceremony, in a conversation with Big E, that she will be at the match tomorrow. She added that she is currently wearing a walking boot to give her ankle extra rest and be ready for the event.
Nikki’s comments shut down the idea of Paige replacing her at WrestleMania, and more than likely, this might not be a ruse from WWE, as they can use Paige in a much more meaningful way than to break the Bella Twins for one match.
Notably, AJ Lee is defending the Women’s Intercontinental title against Becky Lynch, Paige can make her return during the match, and maybe kick off a feud with either AJ or Becky.
What is the latest update on Nikki Bella?
Nikki Bella during an appearance at the WWE Hall of Fame 2026 ceremony, confirmed that she will be at the match tomorrow.
Has Paige signed a contract with WWE?
Yes, per Bodyslam, she has signed a multi-year deal with the company.
When and where will WrestleMania 42 take place?
The 42nd edition of WWE WrestleMania will take place as a two-night event on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.