Paige WWE Turns into Storyline Conflict as Nikki Bella Attacks Her After SummerSlam Loss

Paige and The Bella Twins' partnership ended in conflict at SummerSlam when Nikki Bella attacked her former tag team partner following a six-woman tag team match loss to Fatal Influence. The assault came after Jacy Jayne secured the pinfall against Paige, leading Nikki to strike from behind with the Rack Attack 2.0 finishing move. The development marks a significant turn in the storyline, with Nikki declaring that no one would take her position within the group.

The Championship Journey and Injury Complications

The path to this conflict began when The Bella Twins initially returned to WWE with the objective of capturing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. Nikki sustained a foot injury in the weeks leading to WrestleMania 42, which prevented her from competing. In her absence, Paige made her return to WWE and partnered with Brie to win the championship in a Fatal 4-Way Match at WrestleMania 42. The two successfully defended the titles over several months before losing them to Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid during Saturday Night's Main Event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with Jacy Jayne providing crucial interference.

SummerSlam Confrontation and Heel Turn

Following the loss of their championship, a six-woman tag team match was booked for SummerSlam, pitting Paige and The Bella Twins against Fatal Influence. Nikki had returned to SmackDown the previous week, setting the stage for her involvement in the bout. During the match, Brie appeared to sustain a shoulder injury, and when Jacy Jayne pinned Paige for the victory, Nikki seized the opportunity to turn on her former partner. The attack, combined with Nikki's declaration that no one would claim her spot, suggests a significant narrative shift within the group dynamic.

SummerSlam aired as a two-night event on August 1 and 2, available through the ESPN App with ESPN Unlimited in the United States and on Netflix internationally.