Controversy between Nikki Bella and Wade Barrett over a comment on the Clash in Paris pre-show

During the preview of Clash in Paris, an event held last weekend in Paris, France, Wade Barrett hinted that the WWE women's division had left Nikki Bella behind since she stopped competing regularly. In other words, Barrett suggested that Nikki Bella had become outdated. The comment didn't sit well with Nikki Bella, who stated on her podcast that Barrett had been avoiding her on Monday Night Raw to avoid giving her explanations.

Bella explained that she understands the role of a heel commentator, but considered Barrett's words crossed the line. "Michael Cole does it brilliantly: he knows how to bring a life story into the ring because that's real. We don't come out as robots or superheroes, we are professional athletes going through real things, and that has to be part of it," she declared. Despite everything, she added that it didn't bother her too much and she took it calmly while preparing in the locker room.

Barrett didn't take long to respond through his social media. In a message posted on X, the British denied avoiding Nikki on Raw and assured that they even greeted each other. "I don't understand that accusation, it's simply not true. I would have liked to have had that conversation in person on Raw, when we saw each other, instead of finding out through her podcast," he wrote on X. Additionally, he expressed willingness to talk to her at any time to clarify the situation.

For now, the tension seems more media-driven than personal, although it highlights how the comments of heel commentators can generate reactions beyond the broadcast table. It remains to be seen if this situation will remain an anecdote or if it will lead to some television development in WWE programming.

At Clash in Paris, Nikki Bella faced Becky Lynch in a match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Nikki Bella did not perform well and lost the opportunity to become the new champion.