At the 2026 Royal Rumble, Brie Bella nearly did not perform one of her most recognizable moves — the Yes! kicks — which she is well known for. Returning to the ring after several years, Brie faced hesitation about including the move, which had become strongly associated with her husband, Bryan Danielson. She did not want the moment to feel artificial or risk falling short of fan expectations.
Brie revealed on The Nikki & Brie Show that she had avoided doing the kicks for years, not having performed them since before the pandemic. Without her kick pads and lacking regular practice, she felt unprepared physically and preferred to focus on her usual moves, teamwork with Nikki Bella, and simply delivering a solid match.
Producers urged her to bring the Yes! kicks back, anticipating a powerful reaction from the audience, but Brie resisted their suggestions for several days. Hours before the event, however, she reconsidered her stance. Embracing the full significance of her return, Brie practiced the kicks repeatedly to regain confidence, despite knowing it was a risk.
Once in the ring, any lingering doubts vanished as the crowd erupted in chants. Encouraged by the energy of the fans in Saudi Arabia, Brie gave in to the moment and performed the signature kicks naturally, without concern over flawless execution or comparison. The overwhelming fan response validated her decision to reintegrate the iconic move.
Speculation Grows Over WrestleMania 42 Tag Team Match Featuring The Bella Twins
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, plans involving the Bella Twins have begun to take shape, with discussions centering on a possible WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match. Sources from WrestleVotes Live on Fightful Select indicate Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY could challenge the Bella Twins in a featured tag team bout on the event’s card.
This potential matchup addresses WWE’s need for a prominent women’s tag team title contest, since the singles championship bouts are expected to proceed on separate storylines. The tag team division is viewed as the most logical focus for Ripley and IYO SKY at WrestleMania, creating a high-profile, competitive showcase.
Brie Bella’s role is anticipated to extend beyond just a single appearance, with reports suggesting she will stay active throughout the WrestleMania season. The reunion of The Bella Twins on a recent episode of RAW included their announcement to pursue the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, emphasizing their status as the original women’s tag team.
Significance of Brie Bella’s Royal Rumble Moment and Future Prospects
Brie Bella’s choice to ultimately include the Yes! kicks during her Royal Rumble return demonstrates the deep connection between a wrestler’s signature moves and their fanbase. Overcoming anxiety and physical uncertainty, Brie reaffirmed why she remains a significant figure in WWE. The enthusiastic crowd response illustrated how important authentic moments are in wrestling storytelling, particularly during comebacks.
Looking forward, The Bella Twins’ potential involvement in WrestleMania 42 signifies WWE’s intent to elevate the women’s tag team division with established stars and compelling rivalries. With Brie expected to remain a key competitor, the tag team championship storyline could provide memorable matches and extend the Bella Twins’ impact on the WWE landscape throughout the season.
