WWE SmackDown — Backstage area, moments before the show

The arena was already alive. The sound of the crowd echoed through the walls, production members rushed around with headsets, and wrestlers prepared for their appearances.

But away from the cameras, inside one of the locker rooms, things were much quieter.

The Bella Twins were getting ready.

Nikki Bella was sitting in front of the mirror, fixing her gear while looking over the schedule on her phone. Meanwhile, Brie Bella was organizing their bags, occasionally glancing toward the door.

A knock interrupted them.

Brie: "Come in."

The door opened slowly.

Standing there was a young rookie. He looked nervous, almost like he wasn't sure if he was allowed to step inside. He kept his hands together, avoiding eye contact.

Nikki immediately noticed.

She looked him up and down.

Nikki: "Okay... who are you?"

The rookie hesitated.

Brie gave him a small smile.

Brie: "Relax. You're not in trouble."

Nikki crossed her arms.

Nikki: "Brie..."

She already knew where this was going.

Nikki: "Don't tell me this is about that rookie assistant thing."

Brie shrugged slightly.

Brie: "He's young, he's trying to learn. Everyone starts somewhere."

Nikki let out a small laugh.

Nikki: "Learn? Brie, we're not running a daycare."

She pointed toward the rookie.

Nikki: "I'm not here to babysit someone. I'm not here to change diapers, carry someone through their career, or teach someone basic confidence."

The rookie looked down, clearly uncomfortable.

Brie noticed immediately.

Her expression changed.

Brie: "Nikki."

The tone was different.

Not angry.

A warning.

Nikki looked back at her sister.

Nikki: "What?"

Brie: "You're doing it again."

Nikki frowned.

Nikki: "Doing what?"

Brie stepped closer.

Brie: "Being so focused on making someone stronger that you forget they're already nervous."

The room went quiet.

Brie looked at the rookie.

Brie: "He's not going to improve if he feels like he's being attacked every time he opens his mouth."

Nikki looked away for a moment.

She wasn't used to being called out.

Nikki: "I'm just trying to see if he has what it takes."

Brie: "Then ask him. Don't scare him."

Nikki sighed and looked back at the rookie.

For once, her voice softened slightly.

Nikki: "Okay... fair."

She walked closer, still serious but less intimidating.

Nikki: "Let's start again."

A pause.

Nikki: "What's your name?"

She waited.

Brie stayed nearby, giving the rookie a reassuring smile.

Brie: "Take your time."

Nikki raised an eyebrow.

Nikki: "Yeah. We're listening."

The rookie finally had the attention of both Bella Twins. One ready to challenge him, the other ready to guide him.