The wrestling world loves a good comeback story, but what happens when the cameras stop rolling? Nikki Bella just pulled back the curtain on her recent WWE RAW appearance, delivering a refreshingly honest take on the backstage jitters and live television pressure that even seasoned veterans face.
The Name Game: When Preparation Meets Performance Anxiety
During her latest podcast episode, the former Divas Champion addressed the elephant in the room—her mispronunciation of Stephanie Vaquer’s name during the June 9, 2025 RAW broadcast. What makes this story compelling isn’t the mistake itself, but the mental gymnastics that led to it.
Bella revealed she had done her homework, practicing Vaquer’s name multiple times backstage and even getting direct confirmation from the wrestler herself. The preparation was solid, but live television has a way of scrambling even the best-laid plans.
“Oh my gosh, and then even though it’s only a few people that have said stuff, but I can’t tell you how many times I went over Stephanie Vaquer. I feel like I’m still saying it wrong. Her last name. I even was asking her, but she says that of course in a beautiful Latina accent… when I would repeat it after her, she’s like, ‘Perfect.'”
The Overthinking Trap
Here’s where Bella’s honesty becomes particularly relatable. She explained how second-guessing herself created a domino effect of doubt, despite initially nailing the pronunciation during rehearsals.
The veteran performer found herself caught between wanting to honor Vaquer’s heritage with proper pronunciation while managing the mental bandwidth needed for a multi-name promo. It’s a balancing act that showcases the behind-the-scenes complexity of what appears effortless on screen.
“I was saying it amazing, but then you get in your head and then I’m like, ‘Wait, I can’t let myself be hooked on just one last name or then I’m going to mess everything up,’ because you know, I wanted to say a bunch of people’s names, and so I didn’t want to get too hooked on hers.”
Ring Rust Reality: The Comeback Struggle
Bella didn’t shy away from discussing the genuine nerves that come with returning to WWE’s main stage after an extended absence. The transition from retirement to live television isn’t just about remembering how to work a crowd—it’s about managing the psychological pressure.
Interestingly, she credited her recent hosting experience and live podcast work as crucial preparation tools. This insight reveals how today’s wrestlers leverage diverse media experiences to maintain their performance edge, even during time away from the ring.
“I mean, of course [I was nervous]. You know, this is my thing is, I haven’t been on that kind of stage in so long, but I think what was helping me feel like relaxed the nerves a little bit is like the fact that we’ve done, you know, quite a few live podcast shows, as well as hosting shows that that helps, so that relaxed the nerves a bit.”
Liv Morgan’s Fiery Impact
When discussing her on-screen confrontation, Bella had nothing but praise for Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan’s intensity. The segment clearly benefited from Morgan’s commitment to bringing authentic energy to their interaction.
Bella’s reaction to Morgan’s entrance speaks to the unpredictable nature of live wrestling, where even veterans can be caught off guard by their colleagues’ performances. This dynamic energy transfer is what separates great wrestling segments from forgettable ones.
“But of course, it’s because I really wanted to deliver. I wanted to be great. I wanted, you know, the crowd to really feel it. I wanted everyone in TV land to really feel it and it went off great and I mean, you know me. I was shocked when Liv came out like a fireball. It was like incredible. I was like, ‘Oh shoot. Whoa.’ You felt that. I mean, she came to the ring so fast. It was insane.”
The Authenticity Factor
What makes Bella’s podcast confession particularly valuable is her willingness to discuss the imperfect moments alongside the successes. In an era where wrestling content often focuses on manufactured drama, hearing genuine behind-the-scenes vulnerability creates a different kind of connection with audiences.
Her openness about pronunciation struggles, performance anxiety, and the mental challenges of live television provides insight into the human side of sports entertainment that fans rarely see. This transparency could actually strengthen her connection with viewers who appreciate authenticity over perfection.
Bella’s RAW return may have included some stumbles, but her honest reflection afterward shows the kind of self-awareness that could make future appearances even more compelling. The question now becomes: will WWE capitalize on this genuine vulnerability, or will they stick to the scripted perfection that sometimes lacks the emotional authenticity fans are craving?
