Nikki Bella to appear sporadically in WWE, not a full-time return

WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella has not appeared on television since losing to Becky Lynch at the Clash in Paris pay-per-view on August 31, but a recent Q&A with wrestling reporters indicates the company expects her to remain part of its plans on a part-time basis. Bella returned to WWE programming on the June 7 episode of Raw and has been used intermittently since, including a battle royal at a premium live event and a short feud with Lynch that culminated in the Paris title match.

According to the Q&A, WWE views Bella’s latest run as a sporadic engagement rather than a full-time comeback. Insiders told reporters there were no creative plans to include her in the build-up to the recent Crown Jewel event in Australia, which reduced the need to have her on hand for that show. The expectation, the Q&A said, is that Bella will “pop up here and there” for one-off storylines, special appearances and short-term programs tied to marquee events.

Bella herself has framed her return as more than a nostalgia act. In an August interview she said she wants to demonstrate that experienced performers can still contribute to the current women’s division and help elevate younger talent. “Why can’t...