Several reports from sources within WWE and the superstars themselves have provided some backstage news on AJ Lee and Paige vs. The Bellas at WrestleMania 31 on March 29. As previously reported, the tag team bout is supposed to take place on the grandest stage of them all, and Lee’s return on the March 2 edition of “Monday Night Raw” to save Paige from the Bellas appears to have set the match up.
Lee returned from a three month absence to assist Paige during WWE’s flagship Monday night program as the Bellas were methodically attacking the former WWE Divas Champion in the middle of the ring. The duo then discussed their relationship backstage, where Lee told Paige that since the enemy of her enemy is her friend, that she and Paige are now friends.
Many were concerned with how Lee’s return would affect things backstage, given her recent interaction with Stephanie McMahon on Twitter. However, many of the girls in the locker room were appreciative of Lee speaking up on their behalf during the “#UseYourVoice” movement recently, and Lee was said to be welcomed back with open arms by most in the back.
McMahon herself is said to still be upset with Lee embarrassing her on Twitter, but knows that Lee’s return is good for business. Lee’s return, and her recent comments about how WWE treats the Divas division, basically assure a decent amount of time for a women’s match at WrestleMania.
Although there isn’t bad blood amongst Paige, Lee, and the Bellas behind-the-scenes, Nikki and Brie are not looked at as legitimate competitors like their potential opponents are. Many look at the Bellas as two girls who got placed in the spots that they’re in right now thanks to their backstage relationships with Daniel Bryan and John Cena.
Lee broke the fourth wall and acknowledged this view-point during a promo with Bella before she left for a three month sabbatical. She told the Bellas that talent is not, “sexually transmitted.” However, both Bellas have been training very hard to get better in the ring, which is beginning to gain the respect of their peers.
Nikki Bella published a picture through Instagram following the altercation with Paige and Lee on March 2, revealing a bruised and battered nose. While some are claiming the injury came at the foot of Paige, others are referencing the stiff forearm shots from Lee upon her return as the culprit. Regardless of how it happened, Bella is a little roughed up, but is said to be ok and ready to compete.
The tag team match between Paige, Lee, and the Bellas should be announced officially for WrestleMania 31 soon.
Editor’s Note:
So Nikki gets busted up, there’s some respect, and some sense of entitlement involved, and ALL four women want to show out at the big show to prove the Divas can do something. This match could be stiff and interesting.