Edited by Michael Ingbian
Photo: Miguel Discart / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
For many years, the Bella Twins were some of the biggest stars on WWE’s women’s roster.
They were fan favourites, reality television stars, and helped usher in a new era that brought more attention to women’s wrestling.
But before they became one of WWE’s most beloved Hall of Fame inductees, Nikki and Brie Bella were some of the company’s most effective villains.
And they remind us exactly why at SummerSlam 2026.
What seemed like an emotional reunion turned into one of the night’s most shocking betrayals as the Bella Twins attacked Paige, who had welcomed them back to the WWE Universe. It was an act that will have implications beyond the show.
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More Than Just a Return
Return appearances for former stars always elicit excitement from the WWE Universe. When those stars have a historical significance for a company like WWE, those returns can create truly memorable moments.
The Bella Twins’ entrance this past Saturday received that very same reception. The crowd saw two women who have, undoubtedly, changed the course of women’s wrestling within the company for good and the world beyond over the years. Between their championships, iconic rivalries, and global mainstream popularity, Nikki and Brie Bella have proven they are among the biggest names to ever grace a WWE ring, ever.
And, at least for the first few minutes of their appearance, that is why this next move proved to be so shocking. Instead of standing shoulder to shoulder with a recently victorious Paige, the sisters attacked their counterpart. Cheers turned quickly into boos.
Why Paige?
The immediate and obvious question following the betrayal at SummerSlam: “Why Paige?” From a narrative standpoint, Paige has always been the yin to The Bella Twins’ yang. She fought her own path; she challenged a system many assumed represented women’s wrestling, and in many ways, her persona at the start of the Women’s Revolution was a direct challenge to everything the Bella Twins represented.
By attacking Paige, the sisters instantly made themselves the most important story in the entire women’s division and positioned themselves back where they want to be front and centre.
This was not simply a heel turn but a statement of intent; The Bella Twins were never here to relive glory days. They are here to create a new, dominant chapter.
Back with a Purpose
One of the most challenging aspects of any wrestling promotion in booking veteran talent is finding the right way to integrate them back into the narrative. A surprising return will garner headlines and attention for a few days, but a solid storyline will keep fans engaged for months. The Bella Twins’ heel turn on Paige achieves this perfectly. Instead of just riding a wave of nostalgia into Hall of Fame inductions and one-off appearances, WWE is giving them a purpose with real heat and stakes involved. This positions them at the heart of the most prominent division in the company’s history.
A Collision Course History Has Been Waiting For
As the Bella Twins know, Paige has been a thorn in their side since she arrived. They have crossed paths many times throughout history, but those contests typically ended as contests where one of the two had to prove themselves. This new chapter of The Bella Twins’ rivalry with Paige ensures a narrative built not around proving what they can do in terms of individual skill, but rather around who is the dominant power in the current generation of WWE women’s wrestling. While Paige must defend her position, the Bellas are asserting that they are more than just Hall of Fame legends who have proven their worth; they can still take and dominate one of WWE’s most active and exciting divisions.
Not Just Your Standard Heel Turn
WWE has produced more than its fair share of memorable heel turns through its history. Some have been legendary, others have fallen flat. The Seth Rollins heel turn on the Shield, The Undertaker turning on WWE.com, Kevin Owens joining forces with AJ Styles and then attacking Zayn, and Dominik Mysterio abandoning his own father. These highlight some of the biggest, most impactful betrayals in WWE.
The Bella Twins’ sudden decision to attack Paige does not quite fit that mould just yet. However, with how easily The Bellas flipped their alignment and how they targeted WWE.com’s darling, could it be a top contender by year-end for this spot?
You simply wouldn’t expect what took place next, but WWE has once again done a brilliant job of weaving history back into compelling storylines by showing that The Bella Twins are not here to give up their throne; they are here to claim it again.
What Now?
SummerSlam’s shockwaves are just now starting to settle; however, it very well may have been the spark that starts the next great rivalries of WWE history.
Can she win against two women who, in their former heel incarnations, have proved that they could take on anyone on the WWE women’s roster for years?
Have the Bella Twins proved they are more than capable of dictating the pace once again in WWE’s women’s division?
Only time will tell. For now, it’s abundantly clear the Bella Twins are back, and they aren’t going into business for just nostalgia. They are going into business for themselves, and it feels as if business is about to pick up with WWE’s female Superstars.
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