The former WWE star, popularly known as Nikki Bella, says she is recovering well after ankle surgery but does not want to rush her comeback ahead of WWE Night of Champions.
Nikki Garcia has shared an encouraging update on her recovery process following the ankle injury that forced her out of WWE action earlier this year.
The WWE Hall of Famer, widely known among fans as Nikki Bella, revealed that she is steadily regaining strength after undergoing surgery a month ago. However, the 42-year-old admitted she is still not fully fit and does not want to rush her return to the ring.
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Auo3Mm5I0s
— Nikki & Brie (@NikkiAndBrie) April 19, 2026
Speaking to E! News, Nikki Garcia said she is currently focused on rehabilitation and rebuilding strength in her injured ankle.
“I’m working on getting strong,” she said, while adding that she still cannot “go side to side yet or run.”
Waiting For Medical Clearance
Garcia also revealed that her next major medical evaluation will take place in mid-June, when doctors will assess how well the injury has healed.
“I’m getting my X-rays in a few weeks—mid-June,” she said. “So, then we’ll see the growth.”
The injury occurred during the March 27 episode of WWE SmackDown. Nikki and her twin sister Brie Garcia were competing against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss when Nikki suffered the ankle injury.
Since then, she has remained out of in-ring competition and was forced to miss the Women’s Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania 42 — an appearance that would have marked her first WrestleMania match since 2017.
Nikki Garcia Earlier Revealed Extent Of Injury
Back in April, Nikki shared details about the seriousness of the injury in a post on X.
“Fractured, tore and sprained my ankle. It’s been a painful two weeks,” she had written alongside a recovery video.
During her absence, Brie Garcia reportedly chose Paige as her new tag team partner. The duo successfully defended the Women’s Tag Team Championship after winning the titles at WrestleMania 42.
Although Nikki attended the event to support the team, she admitted feeling disappointed at not being able to compete herself.
Targeting WWE Return By End Of June
In a recent interview with USA Today, Nikki Garcia said she hopes to return to WWE programming by the end of June, but only if she feels fully ready physically.
“I’m hoping, for me in my head, end of June would be incredible, but I also don’t want to go back too early,” she said.
The WWE legend explained that regaining complete strength is essential before stepping back into the ring.
“I need to make sure the calves, the quads, glutes, I need to make sure they’re all built up,” Garcia added, noting that returning too soon could increase the risk of another injury.
A late-June comeback could potentially align with WWE Night of Champions, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 27. However, WWE has not officially confirmed any return date yet.
Fans continue to wait eagerly for the comeback of one of WWE’s most popular women superstars, whose return could add major star power to the women’s division once again.