"WWE fan's approved photo no longer viewed as questionable by Nikki Bella, who institutes a new rule"
In a recent episode of her podcast, Nikki Bella defended WWE superfan Brian Lema and clarified that she was comfortable with the controversial prom-style photo that went viral[1][2]. The image, taken over SummerSlam weekend in New Jersey, had sparked a wave of criticism online, with many deeming it inappropriate[4].
Nikki Bella, who goes by Nicole Garcia in her personal life, shared the sweet story behind the interaction. Brian Lema, a long-time fan, had approached her and expressed his admiration, even going as far as buying flowers and writing a letter to express his feelings[6].
Despite the positive intentions, Nikki decided to implement a new rule for meet-and-greet pictures - a "no prom pose" policy[3]. She explained that the photo's distorted appearance and the resulting online backlash made her realise the need for such a rule to avoid misunderstandings or viral moments[3].
Brian Lema, relieved and happy after Nikki's defence, thanked her for setting the record straight[7]. The viral photo, which received almost 100,000 views on Brian's Instagram, no longer casts a shadow over their memorable encounter[5].
Nikki Bella, alongside her twin sister Brianna, addressed the online storm on the most recent episode of the Nikki and Brie show[5]. She expressed that some things go viral for no reason, and she hopes this incident serves as a lesson to everyone to think twice before jumping to conclusions[8].
[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wwe/2021/08/30/nikki-bella-addresses-controversial-prom-photo-fan/5630787001/ [2] https://www.eonline.com/news/1236667/nikki-bella-claps-back-at-critics-of-controversial-prom-photo-with-fan [3] https://www.newsweek.com/nikki-bella-implements-no-prom-pose-rule-fans-after-controversial-photo-1634684 [4] https://www.insider.com/nikki-bella-defends-controversial-prom-photo-with-fan-2021-8 [5] https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/matthewbelloni/nikki-bella-addresses-controversial-prom-photo-with-fan [6] https://www.popculture.com/wwe/news/nikki-bella-addresses-controversial-prom-photo-with-fan-brian-lema/ [7] https://www.hollywoodlife.com/2021/08/31/nikki-bella-defends-controversial-prom-photo-with-fan-brian-lema/ [8] https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nikki-bella-defends-controversial-prom-photo-183414015.html
Football could provide an appropriate setting for Nikki Bella to meet her admirer Brian Lema, considering their shared interest in WWE entertainment. The attention they received from their viral prom-style photo might have catapulted them into the realm of celebrities, albeit briefly.
