The WORST Wrestling Story Every Year (1989-2025)

2014 - Nikki Vs. Brie Bella

Brie Bella Nikki Bella
WWE

Daniel Bryan captured the WWE championship at WrestleMania XXX in one of the most earned, euphoric moments in the history of the promotion. It was a victory for a genius in an unfair system, and a win for the fans who steadfastly and very loudly refused to accept the originally planned Randy Orton Vs. Batista main event. Vince McMahon had to sell. It was glorious. It was never going to last, but that night in the SuperDome was the best cliché made real: it was a victory for the little guy.

Sadly, Bryan’s neck was too banged up. He barely held the title before he was forced to vacate it. This was terrible news for us all - particularly Stephanie McMahon, who no longer had anybody to call a little twerp.

Enter Brie Bella, with whom she feuded. It started brightly - fans really got behind her - but the usual uncompromising and ineffective heat soon defined it, as it did most things in the punishment that was the Authority era.

Nikki Bella turned on Brie at SummerSlam, and, when asked to explain her actions, basically said that Brie was mean and jealous. Nikki’s star power dwarfed Brie’s to such an extent that Nikki’s vile line “I wish you’d died in the womb” wasn’t even a kill-shot.

Nikki won their big match - never invest in a babyface, you stupid dumb idiot mark loser! - and Brie entered a fixed period of indentured servitude. Nikki first demanded Brie get her a milkshake, which she then poured over her head. Then, when the 30 day servant service was up, with no explanation, the Bellas simply reunited.

Cheap heat and legendarily awful performances, all for absolutely nothing!

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!