Nikki Bella left WWE fans stunned with a heartfelt confession about John Cena, her former partner, during a recent interview with The Bella Twins. The revelation, which came as a surprise to many, added new context to their storied history as one of the wrestling world’s most prominent couples and sparked fresh discussions within the WWE community.
Nikki Bella Reveals Her Top Wrestling Idol
At a WWE event, known online personality Franchise Jerry managed to catch up with The Bella Twins for a brief conversation. Given just one question, he asked Nikki Bella and her sister Brie to name their favorite wrestler of all time. Brie was quick to respond, favoring the legendary “Macho Man,” while Nikki gave an answer that drew immediate buzz among fans and industry insiders.
“Brie: Macho Man for sure.Nikki: I think it would be John Cena”
The response was especially significant considering Nikki and John Cena’s history as a power couple in WWE. Though their romance ended years ago, Nikki’s admission that Cena remains her favorite wrestler signaled lingering respect and admiration for the superstar.
The Origin of Nikki Bella’s Signature Submission Move
Speculation surfaced among fans after a recent episode of WWE RAW on December 29, during which Nikki Bella faced off against Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer in a triple threat match for the WWE World Women’s Championship. While competing, Nikki applied a submission hold to Raquel that appeared similar to John Cena’s famous STF. Many spectators wondered if this move was a subtle tribute to Cena, who retired from wrestling on December 13, 2025.
However, Nikki addressed these assumptions on the Nikki and Brie Podcast, clarifying the origins and intent behind her submission maneuver. She emphasized that her hold, known as the Fearless Lock, has roots quite different from Cena’s signature move.
“I think people forgot, not everyone, but I used to do the Fearless Lock. Yes, it was during a period of time when John and I were together, but the Fearless Lock is different from his submission, it really is.He lays on top of people and grabbing the front face. The Fearless Lock is a legit submission Shayna (Baszler) gave me. We named it the Fearless Lock because of Fearless Nikki and coming back from my broken neck, I was training a lot with Nattie, Shayna, and Bayley at the PC.I went to an MMA place with Shayna, and she was teaching me legitimate moves. I said, ‘I want to come back from this broken neck with a submission.’ She showed me this and she’s like, ‘Its not at all what John’s is.’ I get the step in makes peole think that, but I’m on the side and how I lock in, you see it.You’re yanking the person back. Raquel was the first person I did it on over six feet tall and it looks a lot different. It felt different. I wasn’t expecting anything with John so when they start chanting, ‘Thank you Cena,’ the old Nikki came alive, ‘Thank me!’ I loved it.”
According to Nikki Bella, she developed the Fearless Lock through rigorous training sessions with Shayna Baszler, and also received support from Nattie and Bayley at the WWE Performance Center. After recovering from a serious neck injury, Nikki was determined to return with a powerful submission move that marked her comeback, rather than emulating any existing holds already popularized by other wrestlers, including Cena.
Fans React to Nikki’s On-Air Submission and Cena Connection
The televised match saw Nikki apply her Fearless Lock to Raquel Rodriguez, who was notably the tallest competitor Nikki had ever attempted the hold on. This caught the attention of the audience, who quickly drew comparisons to John Cena’s STF. Chants of “Thank you Cena” erupted in the arena, leading Nikki to respond in her own fiery way. Despite speculation about a deliberate tribute, Nikki reiterated that her move was inspired by Shayna Baszler and her determination to forge her own identity after a major injury.
Nikki’s candid reflections on the Bella Twins’ podcast highlighted her personality and competitive drive—she welcomed the fans’ enthusiasm but wanted recognition for her unique style and grit as Fearless Nikki.
The Influence of Shayna Baszler and the Journey Back From Injury
The story of the Fearless Lock underscores Nikki Bella’s dedication to evolving as an athlete and performer. Collaborating with seasoned wrestlers and acquiring real submission skills from MMA training, Nikki transformed her physical setbacks into an opportunity to reinvent her in-ring character. Her willingness to clarify the distinctions between her move and Cena’s STF demonstrated both her technical understanding and her pride in the unique path she has carved within WWE.
Significance for WWE’s Narrative and Fan Community
Nikki Bella’s revelation about naming John Cena as her favorite wrestler renewed appreciation for Cena’s legacy, even among those closest to him in both personal and professional spheres. By separating her identity as a wrestler from her relationship with Cena and openly addressing rumors around her submission hold, Nikki reinforced the importance of self-definition and respect within the wrestling community. This moment, shaped by her honesty and passion, has already reignited conversations among fans about the lasting impact of both Nikki Bella and John Cena on the sport’s ongoing narrative.
With Nikki’s emotional confession and her commitment to individual excellence, the story is likely to inspire numerous WWE followers, highlight the evolving dynamics of superstar identities, and fuel anticipation for whatever comes next in the ever-changing world of professional wrestling.
