The Inspiring Journey Of The Bella Twins: From WWE Superstars To Reality TV Icons

The identical sisters in The Parent Trap may have fooled their parents, but the Bella Twins rose to WWE fame switching places in the ring during matches to ensure victory. Whether it was seen as deception or pure wrestling drama, the “Twin Magic” soon gave them a reputation, which they were able to back up with their deft and powerful skills. Now retired, Brie Bella — whose full name is Brianna Monique Danielson — won the Divas Championships in 2011 and sister Nikki — who is Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace — eventually won two titles as well. That paved the way for reality television fame on Total Divas in 2013, followed by their own spinoff Total Bellas in 2016, which has followed them through their relationships, including when they were both pregnant at the same time. They were also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

Growing Up on a Farm: A Humble Beginning

Nikki, who is 16 minutes older, and her sister Brie spent their childhood on a farm in Scottsdale, Arizona. They were raised surrounded by horses, cows, and chickens, which instilled a strong work ethic in them from a young age. Brie recalls, “We’d have to wake up before school and feed the animals, come home and feed the animals, and then go straight to soccer practice.”

Their upbringing was quite sheltered, especially regarding entertainment. Their mother was strict about what they could watch, allowing them limited access to popular shows of the time. “We were lucky if we could watch 90210 or Saved by the Bell,” Brie reminisced, highlighting how their childhood shaped their later careers.

The Unique Bond of Twin Intuition

From a young age, the Bella Twins displayed a remarkable connection that many could only describe as twin intuition. When they were just five years old, they insisted on not dressing alike unless their mom made them. This independence grew as they entered third grade, where their mom placed them in separate classes to foster individuality.

Despite having different best friends, they maintained a close bond, often sensing each other's feelings and sometimes even sustaining similar injuries simultaneously. “They often finish each other's sentences,” noted AZCentral, emphasizing their extraordinary connection that transcends most sibling relationships.

Athleticism in Soccer Before Wrestling

Soccer became a significant part of the Bella Twins' lives. They began playing at a young age and continued to compete for eleven years. Nikki faced a serious injury in high school, which resulted in a rod being placed in her shin. However, her love for soccer never waned. She expressed, “I snapped my tibia on the field senior year in high school which wasn’t fun, but never stopped the love for soccer.”

Nikki played for San Diego’s Grossmont College and led them to a championship. Despite receiving offers from professional leagues in Italy, her sister Brie encouraged her to pursue a career in wrestling, ultimately leading them both to WWE.

Breaking Into the Wrestling World

The twins moved to Los Angeles in 2005 with dreams of becoming professional wrestlers. They recognized that wrestling combined entertainment with athleticism. “Nicole and I felt that was our calling,” Brie shared. The early days were tough; they auditioned for Diva Search in 2006 but did not succeed.

However, persistence paid off, and by 2007, they signed with Florida Championship Wrestling, which served as a developmental ground for WWE. This was the turning point in their careers, allowing them to showcase their talents on a much larger platform.

Identifying Differences: More Than Just Looks

Even though Brie and Nikki are identical twins, there are subtle differences that fans and friends have come to recognize. Brie humorously notes, “I have two beauty marks on my chest, and our faces are shaped differently.” She describes their differences with playful banter, saying, “We joke that I have more of a banana head, and Nikki has an apple head. She has the bigger booty, too, which she’s proud of.”

This lightheartedness contributes to their charm, making it easy for fans to connect with them. These distinctions also serve as a reminder that while they share a bond, they are still unique individuals.

Reality TV and Their Rise to Fame

The Bella Twins were often seen as entertaining personalities, both in and out of the ring. Their journey into reality television began with the show Meet My Folks, a significant step that allowed them to showcase their lives beyond wrestling. “When you’re 19 and they want to give you a paycheck to have some fun? My sister and I were all about it,” Brie recalled.

The success of the show paved the way for their own series, Total Divas, which debuted in 2013 and was followed by Total Bellas in 2016. These shows provided fans with an inside look at their lives, relationships, and struggles, further solidifying their status as reality TV icons.

Creative Beginnings: Freddie Prinze Jr. and Their First Match

When the Bella Twins made their debut in WWE, actor Freddie Prinze Jr. was among the writers. He devised a clever storyline involving the twins that played up their identical appearance. “I feel like the writing team didn’t know exactly what to do with identical twins,” Brie explained during an interview.

The concept involved one sister debuting while the other hid under the ring, allowing for a dramatic switch at the end of the match. This creative twist not only showcased their unique dynamic but also kept audiences engaged week after week.

A Love Story Born from Fiction

As their wrestling career progressed, a fictional storyline developed between Brie and Daniel Bryan, famously known for his chant of “Yes, yes, yes!” What began as a scripted romance blossomed into a real-life relationship. “It actually started as a storyline and then we really hit it off,” Daniel shared in a 2013 interview.

The couple eventually married in 2014 and became parents, navigating the challenges of parenthood together while balancing their careers in wrestling and reality television. Their love story continues to inspire many fans around the world.

Personal Growth and Relationships: Nikki's Breakup with John Cena

Nikki's relationship with John Cena, a famed WWE superstar, shed light on the complexities of personal values. After dating for several years, Nikki ultimately decided to end the relationship due to their differing views on family. Cena had been vocal about his hesitations regarding fatherhood, clarifying, “Just because everyone else is happy with children doesn’t mean that’s how I have to live.”

Even after he expressed a willingness to reconsider having children, Nikki realized that it was not the right fit for either of them. “To force someone to be a father… that’s not what I want,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding in relationships.

Embracing Simplicity: A Move to Napa Valley

During the pandemic, both sisters and their families made a significant lifestyle change by relocating to Napa Valley, California. Brie expressed the desire for a simpler life, saying, “We majorly downsized. We wanted to be more simple.” This decision was spurred by the need to reconnect with their roots and enjoy a more country lifestyle.

Nikki echoed this sentiment, stating, “The one thing COVID taught me was to simplify my life.” The move not only strengthened their familial bonds but also allowed them to create new memories together, highlighting the importance of family and simplicity in their lives.

In conclusion, the Bella Twins have not only made remarkable strides in the wrestling world but have also navigated the complexities of personal relationships and lifestyle choices. Their journey serves as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring bond of sisterhood.