Nikki Bella’s Grand Return Falls Short: Stephanie Vaquer Retains at Survivor Series: WarGames
The air in the arena was electric at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames 2025, a night brimming with high stakes and emotional goodbyes. While fans witnessed John Cena in one of his final historic bouts for the Intercontinental Championship, the spotlight soon shifted to a much-anticipated showdown that had the WWE Universe buzzing: the legendary Nikki Bella, a WWE Hall of Famer and two-time Divas Champion, challenging the reigning WWE Women’s World Champion, Stephanie Vaquer.
A Clash of Eras: Nikki Bella’s Legacy vs. Vaquer’s Dominance
Weeks of simmering tension boiled over as WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, after a dramatic betrayal on “Monday Night Raw,” stepped into the ring to face her former friend, Stephanie Vaquer. Bella’s return wasn’t just about championship gold; it was a powerful statement about legacy and respect, a theme she passionately articulated in a pre-match interview.
“This isn’t about your Women’s World Championship; this is about something bigger: your legacy, and you will respect it. And tonight, you think you’re gonna destroy me? No, I’m sorry, mamacita, I will embarrass you,” Nikki declared, setting the stage for an epic confrontation.
Vaquer, known as “La Primera,” entered the arena with an impressive record, recognized by WWE as the winningest women’s star on the main roster this year. Her meteoric rise and championship reign presented a stark contrast to Bella’s seasoned, yet returning, presence. This match was framed not just as a title defense, but as a symbolic clash between generations of talent.
The War for the Women’s World Championship
From the opening bell, Survivor Series delivered on its promise of intense action. Nikki Bella showcased her veteran prowess, digging deep into her extensive arsenal of moves. She delivered a decent offense, attempting to outmaneuver the younger champion with her signature tactics. The crowd erupted as Bella connected with a devastating Rack Attack, leading to a near pinfall that had everyone on the edge of their seats. However, Vaquer, with incredible ring awareness, managed to get a foot on the bottom rope, narrowly breaking the count and staying in the fight.
The momentum shifted dramatically as Vaquer retaliated with fierce precision. A brutal knee strike to Nikki’s neck on the side apron was followed by a punishing Devil’s Kiss onto the announce table. The physical exchanges continued back in the ring, culminating in another decisive Devil’s Kiss from Vaquer. Seizing the opportunity, “La Primera” ascended to the corner, launching herself with a corkscrew splash to secure the pinfall victory, retaining her WWE Women’s World Championship.
What’s Next for Nikki Bella?
While Stephanie Vaquer celebrated a hard-fought victory, Nikki Bella was left to ponder her next move. This isn’t her first recent championship setback; she was previously unsuccessful in her bid to dethrone Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Clash in Paris. Yet, for a WWE Hall of Famer of Nikki Bella’s caliber, setbacks often fuel a renewed determination.
Her recent appearances demonstrate that the desire for championship gold still burns brightly within the seasoned competitor. Will Nikki Bella continue her quest for another WWE title during this latest run? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: when Nikki Bella steps into the ring, the wrestling world watches.
