By Rowan Forster
Thousands of wrestling fans flooded Fountain Gate on Thursday afternoon to catch a glimpse of their idols – the Bella Twins.
The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) brought the smack-down to Narre Warren ahead of Melbourne’s Super Showdown blockbuster at the MCG on Saturday.
Iconic athletes and reality TV stars Nikki and Brie Bella drew a jam-packed crowd near Myer, interacting with their admirers and promoting Australia’s rendition of “Wrestlemania”.
Fanatics were overcome with emotion, some screaming their lungs out and others even shedding tears of joy.
During their only public appearance in Australia this year, the American-based sisters said they had fallen in love with Melbourne.
“The Melbourne Bella Army has been incredible,” Brie Bella said.
“We love this place.
She described the event as a must-see for Melburnians.
“It’s so exciting, there’s something so special about coming to see wrestling live and being part of the crowd,” she added.
“I’d urge them to get up and close and personal with what we do – it’s so much fun.”
Her sister, Nikki Bella, said she and Brie were thrilled to be teaming with former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey at the MCG.
“I am so excited to perform and to team with Ronda, who is one of the strongest women I’ve ever met,” she said.
During a quirky admission during a questions and answers segment with the crowd, the twins conceded that they had used each other’s likeness to break up with ex-partners.
“It was the best way to do it,” Nikki said.
“We’d break up with each other’s boyfriends so we’d never have to go through the heartache or the crying.”
One super fan, Caitlin Crofts, travelled from Moorabbin to see the twins, decked out in Bella merchandise and wielding a replica championship belt.
She said it was “amazing” to see the famous women take time out of their hectic schedules to visit Melbourne’s south east.
“I waited here for three hours to get up close and see them,” she said.
“They’re so inspirational – they help motivate me to achieve things that I want to achieve.”
Forming one of the most powerful relationships in wrestling, Brie Bella is married to submission specialist and former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan.
Nikki recently endured a high-profile split from WWE’s leading megastar, John Cena.
While they are two of the squared circle’s leading competitors, Nikki and Brie are also stars on E!’s Total Divas and Total Bellas reality TV shows.
They will team with Ronda Rousey to take on the Riott Squad at WWE Super Showdown.
The event – headlined by Triple H vs Undertaker for the last time ever – takes place at the MCG from 6.30pm on Saturday.
Tickets are available from Ticketek.
