Nikki Bella Hails Becky Lynch as “One of the Greatest” Ahead of Clash in Paris

August 31, 2025 - As WWE’s Clash in Paris Premium Live Event ignites the City of Lights today, former Divas Champion Nikki Bella offered effusive praise for her opponent, Becky Lynch, ahead of their Women’s Intercontinental Championship match. Speaking to Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown, Bella reflected on Lynch’s rise and impact in WWE.

“I did see potential, but I’ll admit it was definitely overshadowed,” Bella said of Lynch’s early career, noting that stars like Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks commanded attention in that era. “Don’t tell her this, but I think she’s one of the greatest superstars ever. When some of us are overshadowed and held back, it gives us a certain kind of fire to prove ourselves”.

Bella drew parallels between Lynch’s transformation into “The Man” and her own evolution into “Fearless Nikki”, crediting both character shifts with elevating their careers. “When I became Fearless Nikki, that’s what took me to the next level. Same with The Man. When Becky Lynch finally became The Man, that just took off,” she explained.

Meanwhile, rumors swirled around a potential heel turn by Bayley, who many speculated might interfere in Bella’s title bid. Bayley, however, took to social media to dismiss those whispers and reaffirm her friendship with Bella. “Omg Nikki is a bestie of mine,” Bayley wrote, effectively quashing talk of her costing Bella the championship tonight.

Clash in Paris airs live this afternoon at 2 p.m. ET on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally.