Names are heavy. For nearly two decades, Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace and Brianna Monique Danielson carried a name that wasn't legally theirs but defined every ounce of their public existence: Bella. It was a brand, a powerhouse, and a literal WWE trademark that launched them from Hooters waitressing to the Hall of Fame. But then 2023 happened, and the world woke up to find the "Bella Twins" were gone. In their place? The Garcia Twins.
Honestly, people were confused. Why ditch a million-dollar brand when you’re still at the top of your game?
If you’ve been following Nikki Garcia and her sister Brie, you know the transition wasn't just some random marketing pivot. It was a messy, liberating, and totally necessary break from a corporate identity that no longer fit who they are as mothers and entrepreneurs in 2026. Transitioning back to their roots—their Mexican-Italian heritage—was about reclaiming a narrative that WWE had owned since 2007.
The WWE Breakup and the Garcia Rebrand
Leaving the nest wasn't easy. When their WWE contracts expired, it wasn't a "peace out, see ya never" situation. It was mutual, sure, but it was also about ownership. Under the WWE banner, "Nikki Bella" and "Brie Bella" are intellectual property. The company owns the merch, the names, and arguably a huge chunk of the persona.
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By reverting to Nikki Garcia and Brie Garcia, they basically told the world they were done being characters.
"We're almost 40," Nikki shared during the launch of their rebranded podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show. She pointed out that they are mothers, executive producers, and business owners now. Staying "Bellas" felt like staying in high school forever. Plus, there's a sentimental layer. Their grandfather used to call them his "Bellas," but "Garcia" is their father’s name. Reconnecting with their dad and their Mexican culture became a huge driver for the change.
It’s kinda wild to think about. Imagine spending half your life being called one thing, then deciding to just... stop. It takes guts.
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What Nikki Garcia and Her Sister are Doing in 2026
If you think they’ve slowed down since leaving the ring, you haven't been paying attention. They are busier now than when they were taking bumps on SmackDown. Between the podcast, their wine label Bonita Bonita, and various TV gigs, they’ve built a legitimate empire.
- The Podcast Renaissance: The Nikki & Brie Show on SiriusXM is basically their therapy session and business meeting rolled into one. They talk about everything: biohacking, the struggles of "Dry January," and the constant scrutiny of being "boy moms."
- Reality TV & Beyond: They recently premiered on Celebrity Beast Games, proving they haven't lost that competitive edge. Nikki also hosted Barmageddon, leaning into that fun, "life of the party" energy she’s always had.
- The 2025 Royal Rumble Shock: Just when everyone thought the wrestling boots were gathering dust in the back of the closet, Nikki made a massive return at the 2025 Royal Rumble. It wasn't just a cameo; she looked better than ever. She later admitted it was about "getting her groove back" after a rough couple of years personally.
Dealing With Life in the Public Eye: Divorce and Dating
Nikki’s personal life has been a rollercoaster, to put it lightly. Her 2025 divorce from Dancing with the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev was a tabloid firestorm. People had opinions on everything—the settlement, the custody of their son Matteo, and why it ended.
Nikki hasn't held back. She’s been open about paying the majority of the bills and how the $200k settlement was actually a "steal" in her eyes to keep her peace. Recently, she’s had to shut down rumors about dating Philadelphia Eagles player Cooper DeJean. Being a 42-year-old mogul linked to a 22-year-old athlete? The internet went into a meltdown.
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Meanwhile, Brie is living a much quieter life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, wrestling legend Bryan Danielson (fka Daniel Bryan). They’ve always been the "yin" to each other’s "yang." While Nikki is the high-glam, Vegas-residing fashionista, Brie is the one talking about IV drips, "romanticizing rest," and watching her son Buddy play flag football.
Why the "Bella" Legacy Still Matters
Even though they go by Garcia now, you can't talk about Nikki and her sister without acknowledging what they did for women in sports. They weren't just "divas." They were the ones who pushed for longer match times and more complex storylines. They bridged the gap between the "bra and panties" era and the serious "Women's Evolution" we see today.
- Nikki’s 301-day reign as Divas Champion remains a benchmark.
- Total Divas changed how the world viewed pro wrestlers, making them mainstream celebrities.
- The Hall of Fame induction in 2021 solidified them as icons, whether they use the name or not.
People love to hate on them, calling them "failed wrestlers" or "reality stars first." But look at the numbers. Their YouTube channel has millions of subs. Their wine sells out in hours. They aren't just following a blueprint; they’re the ones who drew it.
Lessons from the Garcia Era
If there’s one thing to take away from the transition of Nikki Garcia and her sister, it’s that you’re allowed to outgrow your old self. You don't have to stay in the box people built for you when you were 23.
- Control your brand: If you don't own your name, you don't own your future.
- Authenticity over ego: Reclaiming "Garcia" was a move for their family and heritage, even if it meant losing some brand recognition.
- Pivot with purpose: They didn't just quit WWE; they launched five businesses and a top-tier podcast.
To keep up with them in 2026, the best thing you can do is tune into their podcast on Mondays and Thursdays. It’s where the filter actually comes off. Whether you knew them as the Bella Twins or you’re just getting to know them as the Garcia Twins, one thing is certain: they aren't going anywhere. They’re just getting started on their own terms.