When you think of women’s wrestling in the 21st century, few names carry as much weight as Nikki Bella. From dominating WWE rings to building a multi-million-dollar empire off-screen, Bella has redefined what it means to be a female wrestler. But her legacy extends far beyond her own achievements—today, rising stars like Stephanie Vaquer are taking cues from Bella’s playbook, blending in-ring excellence with personal brand power to carve their own paths in the industry. This article explores Nikki Bella’s journey, her impact on women’s wrestling, and how Stephanie Vaquer is continuing that tradition of breaking barriers.
Nikki Bella’s Wrestling Career: Breaking Barriers in WWE
Nikki Bella’s wrestling story began in 2007 when she debuted alongside her twin sister Brie as the Bella Twins. What started as a tag team act quickly evolved into a solo career that would make her one of WWE’s most iconic female stars. Her 301-day reign as Divas Champion—once the longest in WWE history—showcased her athleticism and ability to carry main-event storylines, even before the official Women’s Revolution of 2015. Bella’s matches against Paige, AJ Lee, and Charlotte Flair were pivotal in shifting perceptions of women’s wrestling from a sideshow to a main attraction.
Beyond her in-ring success, Bella’s role in reality TV shows like Total Divas and Total Bellas brought wrestling to a mainstream audience. These shows humanized Bella, allowing fans to connect with her struggles, triumphs, and personal life. For many women, Bella was the first wrestler they saw who was both a fierce athlete and a relatable person—someone who could balance a demanding career with family and personal goals.
Beyond the Ring: Nikki Bella’s Entrepreneurial Empire
Nikki Bella didn’t stop at wrestling; she turned her fame into a multi-faceted empire that spans fashion, food, and media. In 2016, she co-founded Birdiebee, an athleisure brand designed to empower women through comfortable, stylish clothing that celebrates body positivity. The brand quickly gained popularity, thanks to Bella’s authentic connection with her fans and her commitment to inclusive sizing.
In addition to Birdiebee, Bella launched Nicole + Brizee, a wine label with her sister Brie, which has become a hit among fans and critics alike. The duo also hosts The Bellas Podcast, where they discuss everything from their wrestling days to motherhood, entrepreneurship, and mental health. The podcast attracts millions of listeners each week, further solidifying Bella’s status as a thought leader and influencer.
Bella’s success as an entrepreneur has shown young wrestlers that there’s life beyond the ring. She’s proven that with hard work, creativity, and a strong personal brand, wrestlers can build long-lasting careers that extend far beyond their time in competition.
Stephanie Vaquer: Rising Star Taking Cues from Nikki Bella
Stephanie Vaquer is one of the most exciting rising stars in professional wrestling today. Hailing from Mexico City, Vaquer cut her teeth in Lucha Libre promotions like AAA before signing with AEW in 2024, where she’s quickly made a name for herself with her technical precision and high-flying maneuvers. But Vaquer’s journey isn’t just about in-ring skills—she’s also building a personal brand that echoes Nikki Bella’s approach to stardom.
Who Is Stephanie Vaquer?
Vaquer’s career in Lucha Libre began in her teens, and she quickly rose through the ranks thanks to her dedication and talent. She’s known for her signature moves, like the “Vaquer Bomb” and her technical submission holds, which have earned her respect from fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Since signing with AEW, Vaquer has competed against some of the top female stars in the industry, including Britt Baker and Hikaru Shida, and has already become a fan favorite.
How Nikki Bella Influences Vaquer’s Journey
In interviews, Vaquer has cited Nikki Bella as a major inspiration. She notes that Bella’s ability to balance wrestling with entrepreneurship and mainstream appeal opened doors for women like her. “Nikki showed me that you don’t have to be just a wrestler—you can be a brand, a role model, and a businesswoman all at the same time,” Vaquer said in a recent interview.
Vaquer has adopted Bella’s approach to connecting with fans. She uses social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of her training, personal life, and match highlights. This has helped her gain a global following, as she aims to bring Latinx women’s wrestling to the forefront of the industry. For Vaquer, Bella’s legacy is a reminder that women wrestlers can be both top-tier athletes and relatable, multi-dimensional personalities.
Empowerment Through Wrestling: Nikki Bella and Stephanie Vaquer’s Shared Mission
At the heart of both Nikki Bella and Stephanie Vaquer’s careers is a commitment to empowerment. Bella has long been an advocate for body positivity, opening up about her struggles with self-image early in her career and encouraging women to embrace their bodies. She’s also involved in numerous charities, including those that support women and children facing adversity.
For Vaquer, empowerment means creating more opportunities for Latinx women in wrestling. In a region where female wrestlers were once sidelined, Vaquer has become a role model, showing young girls that they can pursue careers in Lucha Libre and beyond. She often collaborates with female stars from around the world, using her platform to lift others up.
Both women understand the power of representation. Bella’s mainstream success made wrestling accessible to a wider audience of women, while Vaquer’s rise gives Latinx fans someone to look up to. Whether it’s through their matches, their businesses, or their advocacy, Bella and Vaquer are proving that wrestling is more than just a sport—it’s a platform to inspire change.
Conclusion
Nikki Bella’s journey from WWE superstar to entrepreneurial icon has left an indelible mark on women’s wrestling. She broke barriers, redefined what it means to be a female wrestler, and paved the way for the next generation of stars. Stephanie Vaquer is one of those stars—taking Bella’s lessons and adding her own unique voice to the industry.
Together, they represent the evolution of women’s wrestling: from being seen as secondary attractions to becoming the face of the sport, both in and out of the ring. As Vaquer continues to rise, and as Bella’s legacy grows, one thing is clear: the future of women’s wrestling is bright, and it’s in the hands of trailblazers like these. Whether you’re a fan of Nikki Bella’s classic matches or Stephanie Vaquer’s high-flying style, there’s no denying that these two women are changing the game—one match, one brand, and one empowered woman at a time.