WWE Scraps Paige's SmackDown Response to Nikki Bella, Releases Footage Online

Key points

• WWE cut a pre-recorded segment featuring Paige from the August 14, 2026, SmackDown broadcast, citing 'logistical reasons' related to the show's reduced two-hour runtime.
• The cut segment, released online shortly after the broadcast, featured Paige directly addressing Nikki Bella's recent attacks, including claims that Paige was 'leeching' off the Bella Twins and that Nikki had single-handedly revitalized Paige's career.
• Paige's promo, which ran for 1 minute and 29 seconds, referenced her eight-year absence from WWE, her return at WrestleMania 42, and her defense of Brie Bella during their tag team run.
• The feud originated at SummerSlam, where Nikki and Brie Bella turned on Paige after losing the women's tag titles to Fatal Influence; Brie Bella was injured during the match, leaving Nikki to carry the storyline alone.
• Despite the segment being cut, WWE's official preview had not listed the promo, and both Paige and Nikki Bella are confirmed to appear on SmackDown next week, ensuring the rivalry continues.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of WWE cutting women's segments from SmackDown since the show reduced from three to two hours in July 2026. Previous cuts include Brie Bella's singles match and unused European tour appearances. The feud began at SummerSlam 2026, where the Bella Twins turned on Paige after losing the women's tag titles, with Brie Bella sustaining an injury that sidelined her from active competition.

How outlets are covering it

Cageside Seats and twnpnews.com emphasize the 'logistical reasons' as a direct result of SmackDown's two-hour format, noting this is a recurring issue for women's programming. Bleacher Report focuses on the narrative impact, highlighting that Paige's online response and social media exchange with Nikki Bella kept the feud alive despite the TV cut. All sources agree that the segment was released online but differ on the severity of the snub, with twnpnews.com framing it as a repeated disrespect to Paige's status as a Hall of Famer.

Why it matters

The cutting of Paige's segment underscores ongoing concerns about women's TV time and scheduling priorities in WWE's current programming structure. It also tests the resilience of the Paige vs. Bella Twins storyline, which is expected to continue until Brie Bella's recovery, potentially leading to a future match involving AJ Lee.

What to watch

Paige and Nikki Bella are set to appear on SmackDown next week, continuing their feud. WWE may book a match between Paige and AJ Lee against the Bella Twins once Brie Bella recovers from her injury. The outcome of the feud will likely be influenced by whether WWE restores SmackDown to a three-hour format in early 2027.