Watch: Nikki Garcia Gives Update on Ankle Injury Ahead of WWE Event (Exclusive)
Nikki Garcia is tackling her recovery with optimism.
One month after the WWE Hall of Famer known as Nikki Bella underwent surgery for an injured ankle, she provided a positive update on her healing progress.
“I’m working on getting strong,” Nikki told E! News in an exclusive interview at a Las Vegas Sam’s Club, where she and sister Brie Garcia were hosting an activation for their wine brand Bonita Bonita. “I just can’t go side to side yet or run.”
Still, the 42-year-old said, “But I’m straight, standing tall. Getting there.”
As for when the Bella Twins member is expected to receive her next ankle update? Not before the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship on Saturday Night Main Event May 23.
“I’m getting my X-rays in a few weeks—mid-June,” Nikki added. “So, then we’ll see the growth.”
Last month, Nikki—mom to son Matteo, 5, with ex Artem Chigvintsev—shared a look at her foot, which she injured while appearing on the March 27 broadcast of SmackDown.
“Fractured, tore and sprained my ankle,” Nikki captioned an April 18 video on X. “It’s been a painful two weeks.”
In the meantime, Nikki’s twin Brie—known in the ring as Brie Bella—has tapped fellow WWE star Paige (real name Saraya-Jade Bevis) to step in as her wrestling partner. The pair are currently defending champions after winning the Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 42 amid Nikki’s recovery.
At the event, Nikki made an appearance and told the crowd she wished she could participate.
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“I tried really to overcome this injury and unfortunately, I couldn’t get medically cleared today,” she said onstage before introducing Paige. “I wasn’t going to ruin Brie’s WrestleMania moment. So, to take my place, I called an old friend.”
And Brie is planning to work with Paige until Nikki returns to the ring.
“Paige and I are gonna work really, really hard to keep those titles until Nikki comes back,” she told E! during their joint appearance in Las Vegas, to which her sister responded, “That’s right.”
For more stars who have detailed their health scares through the years, keep reading…
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