Full Breakdown
Paige’s SmackDown Promo Cut Sparks Online Feud with Nikki Bella
8/17/2026, 12:04:28 AM
Core Event: Segment Cut on August 14 SmackDown
On the August 14 episode of WWE SmackDown, a pre-recorded promo in which Paige was slated to address Nikki Bella’s attack was omitted from the broadcast. The segment was promoted in the show’s preview but did not appear when the program aired.
Background & Context: Recent Feud and Tag-Team History
The omission follows a storyline that began at WrestleMania 42, when Paige substituted for an injured Nikki Bella and teamed with Brie Bella to capture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. The duo later lost the titles to Fatal Influence on “Saturday Night’s Main Event.” At SummerSlam, the Bella Twins attacked Paige, setting up a personal rivalry. Nikki Bella subsequently delivered a backstage promo accusing Paige of being the “weak link” and stealing the Hall of Famer’s spotlight. WWE advertised that Paige would respond on the following SmackDown, but the segment was cut.
Timeline
- July 3 – SmackDown shifted to a two-hour format, a schedule that remains in place.
- August 14 – Planned Paige response segment was not aired on SmackDown.
- August 15 (scheduled) – Paige posted a response on X, referencing the cut segment.
Data & Statistics
- Show length: Two-hour SmackDown episodes have been in effect since July 3.
- Segment removal date: August 14 (the episode on which the promo was omitted).
- Social-media response date: August 15 (the day Paige’s X post was scheduled).
Official Statements & Responses
- Nikki Bella used her X account to taunt Paige, asking “What was that, Paige???” and suggesting she missed Paige’s intended remarks.
- The post was scheduled for August 15.
No formal comment from WWE management regarding the decision to cut the segment has been released.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source indicates that the omitted promo later appeared as a WWE digital-exclusive video, while another source states the segment never aired at all. WWE has not confirmed either scenario, leaving the exact fate of the footage unclear.
What’s Next
Both Paige and Nikki Bella are slated to appear on the upcoming SmackDown episode, suggesting the rivalry will continue. The show’s future card lists CM Punk defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens, but no official schedule for a follow-up segment between Paige and Nikki Bella has been announced.
