Nikki and Brie Garcia say the restaurant industry got them ready for the ring ... claiming they learned all about confidence while slinging wings for man-favorite Hooters!
The retired WWE stars -- who went by the moniker "The Bella Twins" while competing -- opened up about working in the restaurant in an interview with the New York Post ... and, they swear it taught them some valuable wrestling listens.
Brie says working at the restaurant down in San Diego instilled them with confidence to go up and chat with the customers .