Nikki Bella has publicly addressed her recent disagreement with Wade Barrett, posting a message on X (formerly Twitter) apologizing for discussing their backstage issue on her podcast rather than speaking to him privately. Her post also wished Barrett well on the temporary WWE hiatus he had announced earlier the same day.
Bella later criticized these comments on her podcast and claimed Barrett avoided her backstage at the following night’s episode of Raw, an assertion Barrett publicly denied.
Before Bella’s latest message, Barrett had already stated that the two had spoken and “smoothed things over,” and he also used the platform to condemn personal online abuse being directed at her.
The timing of the exchange coincided with Barrett addressing his own status with WWE. He confirmed he is taking a pre-approved two-week personal leave, a request he made nine months ago. His clarification came after a PWInsider Elite report suggested he was being taken off the road, with speculation fueled by the announcement that Michael Cole and Corey Graves would be handling commentary for both Raw and SmackDown during his absence.
Barrett had posted, “Great news, fight fans.. @NikkiAndBrie and I have spoken, we’ve smoothed things over, and I’ve graciously been allowed back into the Bella Army. Fully paid-up member since FCW 2008 A difference of perspective – to which we are all entitled – but to be clear, some of the personal abuse that gets sent to Nikki on here is reprehensible and completely out of line, so let’s cut that out immediately.”
In her response, Nikki Bella wrote, “lol yes great news! Sorry been off X this week. Thank you Stu!!! This all has been so wild!! Sorry for not coming to you first before chatting with Brie on the pod. Was not expecting any of this. You know how much love I have for you and loved our chat! So excited for you! Enjoy that well deserved time off!”