The Bella Twins Talk Breakups, Fertility Issues, and How They Almost Didn't Become WWE Superstars

Those are just a few of the words that have been used to describe the Bella Twins over the course of their career as arguably the most famous female wrestlers ever. And the descriptions track. Nikki broke her neck in the ring, had surgery, and returned triumphantly to the WWE before retiring for good last March. And Brie’s strength was on display every time she performed their signature Bella Buster move—which involves grabbing someone by the neck and aggressively throwing them down on the mat. But those aren’t the only words that should be used to describe this duo. A few more that are just as fitting: Smart. Ambitious. Kind.

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When it comes to smarts, their résumé speaks for itself. They successfully wrestled with the WWE for close to 12 years. But the twins also knew that with so much wear and tear to their bodies, they wouldn’t be able to do that job forever—so they worked hard to start building businesses that could thrive long after they left the ring. Today, they have a combined Instagram following of nearly 16 million and run multiple companies, including an ever-expanding clothing brand called Birdiebee; a beauty-product line, Nicole + Brizee; and their wine label, Belle Radici. In addition to all of that, they executive-produce and star on one of E!’s top reality shows, Total Bellas—which, given their impressive list of accomplishments, could just as easily be called Total Bosses. And they’re hungry for even more success. “We want to be known as self-made billionaire twins,” says Nikki.

From anyone else, that statement might illicit an eye roll. But not from the Bellas. The 36-year-olds speak with such authenticity that it’s impossible not to believe them. It’s that realness that makes their show must-watch television. As executive producers, they could easily edit out some of the more difficult personal stuff. Instead, they show everything—from Nikki’s tough breakup with fellow wrestler John Cena to Brie’s struggle to balance her career and motherhood. “We aren’t the type to fake anything. The good, the bad, the ugly—you get it all,” says Brie.

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Here, the twins open up about everything from marriage and babies to building an empire.