Nikki and Brie Bella aren’t bothered by being called “difficult” anymore. In fact, they see it as a compliment.
While speaking on The Nikki & Brie Show, the WWE Hall of Famers opened up about the label after Nikki read a Jane Goodall quote that immediately struck a chord with both sisters.
“It actually doesn’t take much to be considered a difficult woman. That’s why there are so many of us.”
Nikki said the quote perfectly summed up what she’s experienced throughout her career. In her eyes, women are often branded as “difficult” simply because they care about their work, expect high standards or aren’t afraid to speak up when something isn’t right.
“The quote hit me hard because sometimes, you know, things we say and we feel like we have to explain. I feel like this is a lot of women and it’s just so funny how immediately you’re considered difficult when I’m like, wait, can we look at the larger picture here?
So because I care about my work, because I want it to be the best, because I want to give my all and I want to give more to a company that pays me or to this company I run or this as a parent, whatever it is, I’m considered a difficult woman. I mean, well, so be it. But when that popped up, I was like, damn, that’s us.”
Brie didn’t need much convincing. She said she’s heard the same criticism for years whenever she’s voiced a strong opinion or refused to stay quiet, even though she believes everyone has the right to speak their mind without being labeled for it.
“That’s us. I mean, I feel like a lot of times when I’ve had strong opinions or when I say certain things and it’s like people consider me like, ‘Oh, she’s like bitchy,’ or like difficult…..it’s just like we’re all granted our own opinions and thoughts and can voice them whenever the F we want. And it doesn’t mean you’re difficult.”
Brie also pointed to boundaries as another reason women are often criticized. She argued that setting limits or standing up for yourself is frequently treated as a negative, while men are often praised for doing exactly the same thing.
“Or even when you have boundaries. Like I feel like a lot of times when we set boundaries, people would think that’s difficult. I’ve seen people get praised for it. And not that like I want to say like you see men get praised for it, but it’s hard not to say it. Things are slowly changing… but I don’t see men make headlines for stupid stuff. It’s rare. They have to do some big-time shit to make a headline, but a woman can say one thing and we’re a headline or have one thought or whatever.”
At this point, Brie says she’s stopped worrying about the label altogether. If speaking up, setting boundaries and refusing to back down makes people call her “difficult,” she’s perfectly happy to wear it.
“So yeah, I love that quote and I don’t care. People can call me difficult. People can call me every bad name in the book. I don’t care because half the time when you’re calling me that, it’s because I’m someone who has a voice who stands up for myself and I don’t back down. So thank you. That’s how I look at it.”
For Nikki and Brie, the conversation wasn’t really about a quote—it was about reclaiming a word they’ve both heard throughout their careers. Rather than seeing “difficult” as an insult, they now view it as proof that they’re willing to stand up for themselves, speak honestly and refuse to apologize for it.
Do you agree with Nikki and Brie Bella’s take on being labeled “difficult,” or do you think the word is used fairly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
