WWE: Rumors Indicate Nikki Bella's Next Opponent

At Survivor Series, the Smackdown Live team was suddenly shorthanded when an unknown assailant took out Nikki Bella before the match started. Recent rumors have pointed to a fellow Smackdown Live team member being the culprit.

Many assumed it was another step in the ongoing feud with Carmella, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Others thought it might've been a tactic ordered by Team RAW leader Charlotte Flair, as she viewed the ongoing drama backstage with an unhidden amount of glee. Some even figured the whole thing was a work to hide a very real injury, but that isn't the case either.

According to sources from the Wrestling Observer (via Inquisitr), Nikki's assailant was, in fact, Team Smackdown Live captain Natalya. Natalya was at Nikki's side right after her attack along with Smackdown Live general manager Daniel Bryan. She then joined Team Smackdown Live for the 5 on 5 Elimination Tag Match, with Team RAW coming out on top.

Nikki will no doubt blame Carmella for the injury, and the two have a match slated for the upcoming TLC: Tables, Ladders, & Chairs pay-per-view. After that storyline reaches its conclusion, don't be surprised to see Natalya's involvement revealed, leading to another program between the two superstars, which should be quite entertaining, especially since the two are both involved with Total Divas as well.

Of course, WWE is known to swerve these types of things at a moment's notice, and so could very well have the culprit end up being a returning Eva Marie, who hasn't been on television in some time. That would prove an easy way to get Marie immediate heat with fans, though she's never really had a problem doing that on her own. As for the matches themselves, though, a Nikki Natalya feud would be a better quality program.

More WWE: Cesaro Unhappy With His Spot In The WWE? / Legendary Voice Of The WWE Jim Ross Comments On His Future Plans / WWE Changes Plans For Orton And The Wyatt Family / 5 Former WWE Stars Who Deserve The Goldberg Treatment / 5 Worst Deals In Wrestling History / WWE Might Be Turning A Popular Superstar Heel Soon