Nikki Bella Says Social Media Hate “Gets Her Really Down” During Her WWE Return

Nikki Bella has been candid about the specific type of online criticism she’s been dealing with since returning to WWE after seven years away — and she made clear on The Flying Felon that the hate is both constant and genuinely painful, even when she tries to rise above it.

“In this industry, I feel like the hate that can happen and the trolling is just so wrong,” Bella said. She gave context to why the criticism stings particularly hard given what she is juggling simultaneously. “I knew coming back and not having a match in seven years — I am working my ass off and I’m trying, but I’m also a single mom. So it’s like I can give so much, and then I’ve got to give over here too.”

Nikki Bella Directly Addresses Rumors That Her WWE Success Comes From Who She Has Dated

Among the criticisms that bothers her most is the persistent narrative that her position in WWE is tied to past relationships rather than her own hard work. “They’ll just say these things about you or start rumors about you. ‘She only got to where she’s at because of who she used to date,’ or ‘she’s only here because of this.’ And I’m working really hard.” She acknowledged that while she tries not to let the negativity get to her, it does — and sometimes the only solution is stepping away entirely. “I have to, at times, take social media breaks and not read the comments, because they do affect me and they’ll get me really down. People are brutal. There are a lot of miserable people in this world, and I do believe that social media kind of sucks our soul energy.” Nikki and the Bella Twins are scheduled to compete in the Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way at WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18 and 19.