Nikki Bella gave fans plenty to talk about on the December 29 episode of WWE RAW, delivering a moment that blended in-ring strategy, personal history, and crowd-driven nostalgia, all in one unexpected sequence.
The final RAW of the year aired live from Orlando, Florida, and carried added weight as the road to WrestleMania took shape. With major matches and storylines unfolding, the show felt important. Still, one subtle moment involving Bella stole the spotlight.
Early in the night, Bella competed in a high-stakes triple threat match for the Women’s World Championship against Stephanie Vaquer and Raquel Rodriguez. Although Bella failed to secure the title, the rivalry was far from over. When Rodriguez, called “Big Mami Cool” by fans, later challenged Vaquer, Bella reinserted herself into the chaos, turning the situation into an ongoing three-way feud.
The real surprise came mid-match. With Vaquer temporarily taken out, Bella went straight after Rodriguez and locked in the STF submission, a move long associated with her former fiancé, John Cena. The crowd immediately caught on, erupting into loud “Thank you, Cena” chants.
Bella’s response added to the moment. Breaking character just enough to address the arena, she shouted back at the fans, telling them to thank her instead. It was brief, sharp, and impossible to ignore.
Given Bella and Cena’s highly publicized breakup in 2018, the use of his signature submission felt loaded with meaning, even if unintentional. Whether it was a conscious nod, coincidence, or simple muscle memory, fans interpreted it as a rare and subtle tribute that blurred the lines between past and present.
Away from the ring, Bella is also generating headlines. The WWE Hall of Famer has been open about reentering single life after her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, and her recent social media activity has fueled speculation about a possible connection with Cooper DeJean of the Philadelphia Eagles.
A recent Instagram reel showing Bella wearing DeJean’s jersey at Lincoln Financial Field intensified the chatter. Now, Bella remains firmly in control of her narrative, inside and outside the ring. On a night meant to close the year strong, one well-timed submission hold showed everyone why Nikki Bella continues to be one of WWE’s most talked-about figures.
