The most intriguing aspect of SmackDown Live’s women’s match at SummerSlam, a six-person tag featuring the entire division, was who would fill in for the suspended Eva Marie.
All Red Everything’s troll-y entrance remained, saying she was headed to the British Isles to rest after the fans gave her exhaustion and anxiety. That out of the way, her replacement was announced - and it was none other than the recently cleared Nikki Bella!
With @NatalieEvaMarie on a British Isles vacation, Nikki @BellaTwins makes a surprise return to @SummerSlam! https://t.co/OCbZuH3syX
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2016
Bella teamed with the heels of the blue brand, Natalya & Alexa Bliss, to face Becky Lynch, Carmella & Naomi. Nikki didn’t work a whole lot in his first match since January spinal fusion surgery, but she was involved at crucial elements, breaking up a pin with a dropkick and taking a big Superkick and a Bronco Buster from the Princess of Staten Island.
With the #SnapSuplex, Nikki @BellaTwins is OFFICIALLY back in action! #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/tYxyWIm3u0
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) August 22, 2016
Chaos reigned after that, but it cleared the ring for a Bella Hammer and her new finisher. It looked like she might hit the Rack Attack, but after setting Carmella up in a Fireman’s Carry position, dropped her with a TKO to pick up the win for her team.
Welcome back, Nikkisawa!
For a complete rundown of all the happenings at SummerSlam, head over to our live blog here, and our stream here.