In May 2012, Brie and Nikki were fired from WWE by John Laurinaitis' Executive Administrator Eve Torres. The sisters did not stop traveling, nor did they step away from the wrestling business. They appeared at conventions, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans that had supported them throughout the first-half of their WWE careers. They stayed active on social media, staying relevant even when they were no longer on television. On March 11, 2013, they made their return to WWE, appearing in a backstage segment with Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow, known collectively as Rhodes Scholars. The team was in the midst of a rivalry with Brodus Clay Tensai and headed for a WrestleMania 29 showdown with the team. The introduction of the twins gave Rhodes and Sandow their own set of Divas to offset the Funkadactyls, Naomi and Cameron, who escorted Brodus and Tensai to the ring every week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUxWr5lAN-c While the huge 'Mania contest pitting Rhodes, Sandow and the Bellas against Brodus, Tensai and the Funkadactyls was cancelled at the last moment due to timing concerns, the program reintroduced Brie and Nikki to the WWE Universe.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
