WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella added a dose of wrestling glamour to the college football spectacle at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Her appearance on the field during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl was a significant moment, underscoring the deepening partnership between World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and sports broadcasting giant ESPN.
Star Power on the Field
Bella, radiating excitement, was present at the heart of the College Football Playoff Semifinal action. Her central role involved the unveiling of a custom-designed College Football Playoff Championship belt. This specially crafted belt, showcased on the field, prominently featured branding from both WWE and ESPN, symbolising the fusion of sports entertainment and collegiate athletics.
Her fashion choice for the event was both stylish and symbolic. She sported a black satin bomber jacket adorned with the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal logos on the back. The jacket, with red and yellow striped cuffs and collar, was paired with a white crop top and pale yellow trousers. A standout piece of her attire was a large beaded sun pendant, a jewellery style often gifted by Arizona's tribal communities and representing the state's 22 tribal nations during Fiesta Bowl events.
Beyond the Game Day Spotlight
Nikki Bella's connection to the Fiesta Bowl extends far beyond a single appearance. In a significant honour, she was named the grand marshal for the 2026 VRBO Fiesta Bowl Parade on December 10, 2025. A native of Scottsdale and a graduate of Chaparral High School, Bella has frequently expressed her deep affection for Arizona.
"Oh my gosh, so exciting and the biggest honor ever. Like I am so fired up for this," Bella exclaimed about her grand marshal role. She praised Arizona's culture, people, and passionate sports scene, calling it "one of the most gorgeous backdrops ever." In a personal reflection, she also shared a touching family tradition, vowing to continue it for future generations despite the recent passing of her grandmother.
A Strategic Collaboration Unfolds
Bella's high-profile participation is part of a broader strategic initiative by WWE and ESPN. The alliance aims to deliver immersive, fan-focused experiences throughout the remainder of the College Football Playoff. The custom championship belt she revealed is a key artifact of this collaboration.
The belt itself is a detailed masterpiece, incorporating co-branded design elements and inspiration from Miami Gardens and Hard Rock Stadium. In a nod to the breadth of college football, it is studded with 136 diamonds, each symbolising one of the Football Bowl Subdivision teams. This activation demonstrates how both organisations are leveraging their star power and production expertise to enhance major sporting events.
This event at the Fiesta Bowl marks another successful step in blending the scripted drama of WWE with the live, unscripted excitement of college football, creating unique moments for fans of both worlds.
