5 Shocking Revelations From Nikki Bella's Messy Divorce And Her Unexpected New Romance
The tumultuous and highly publicized marriage of WWE star Nikki Bella (now known as Nikki Garcia) and Dancing With the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev has officially concluded, with the final divorce decree issued in May 2025, marking the end of a relationship that began as a fairy-tale romance on the dance floor. This recent separation, however, was anything but a quiet parting of ways, involving police intervention, restraining orders, and a dramatic financial settlement that has stunned fans and the media alike.
This article dives deep into the complex details of Nikki Garcia's latest marital split, the surprising financial terms of the divorce, the explosive incident that triggered the separation, and her current relationship status as of late 2025, including the unexpected rumors surrounding a young NFL star. The narrative of Nikki Bella's love life continues to be one of the most captivating stories in celebrity and wrestling news.
Nikki Bella: Full Biography and Profile
Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, globally recognized by her ring name Nikki Bella, is an American professional wrestler, reality television star, and entrepreneur. Her career, alongside her twin sister Brie Bella, has cemented her status as one of the most recognizable female figures in modern wrestling and pop culture.
- Real Name: Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace (Now Nikki Garcia)
- Born: November 21, 1983
- Birthplace: San Diego, California
- Age (as of late 2025): 42
- Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
- Career Highlights: Two-time WWE Divas Champion, longest-reigning Divas Champion in history (at the time), WWE Hall of Famer (with Brie as The Bella Twins), star of the reality shows Total Divas and Total Bellas.
- Prior High-Profile Relationship: Engaged to WWE superstar John Cena (2017–2018).
- Ex-Husband: Artem Chigvintsev (m. 2022; div. 2025).
- Child: Matteo Chigvintsev (born July 2020).
The Tumultuous Artem Chigvintsev Divorce: From Dance Floor to Courtroom
Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev's relationship began after they were paired together on Dancing With the Stars in 2017, following her high-profile breakup with John Cena. They welcomed their son, Matteo, in 2020 and married in a stunning Paris ceremony in August 2022. However, the honeymoon phase was short-lived, with the marriage officially dissolving in May 2025.
The separation process, which began in August 2024, was far from amicable, characterized by a series of public disputes and legal filings that shocked their fan bases. The core issues that led to the split appear to be rooted in the intense pressures of balancing a demanding career, family life, and high-profile celebrity status.
1. The Explosive Police Incident and Dual Restraining Orders
The catalyst for the divorce filing was a dramatic incident at the couple's Napa, California home in August 2024. Police responded to a domestic violence call, which led to the arrest of Artem Chigvintsev, though he was later not charged.
The situation escalated when both parties filed dual restraining orders against each other, each claiming the other was the aggressor. Reports indicated that Nikki Garcia accused Artem of domestic violence, while Artem, in a 911 call, claimed that Nikki had thrown shoes at him.
This public fallout—a stark contrast to their televised romance—highlighted the severe breakdown of their marriage and was the final straw that led Nikki to file for divorce in September 2024.
2. The Shocking $200,000 Divorce Settlement Payment
One of the most surprising details of the finalized divorce settlement, which was reached by November 2024, was the financial arrangement. Nikki Garcia was reportedly ordered to pay Artem Chigvintsev a significant lump sum of approximately $200,000.
Furthermore, the settlement included a provision for Nikki to pay Artem $3,500 per month in child support for their son, Matteo.
The financial terms were widely discussed in the media, with many speculating on the reasons behind the large payment from the higher-earning celebrity to her ex-husband. Artem Chigvintsev later claimed he had lost over $100,000 in income following the August 2024 incident and the subsequent legal entanglements.
The Shadow of the John Cena Split
While the divorce from Artem Chigvintsev is the most current and dramatic event in Nikki's personal life, her previous breakup with wrestling icon John Cena remains a major point of interest for fans and a key part of her relationship narrative. The former couple, who were together for six years and engaged at WrestleMania 33, ended their relationship in 2018.
The primary and well-documented reason for the split was their fundamental disagreement over starting a family. Nikki Bella had a strong desire to become a mother, a wish that clashed directly with John Cena’s long-standing reluctance to have children.
Nikki later stated that she knew "deep in my gut" that she needed to end the relationship because her desire for a family was non-negotiable, even though it was one of the hardest decisions of her life.
The contrasting outcomes of her two major relationships—leaving Cena to have a family, and then divorcing the father of her child—underscore the complex journey Nikki Garcia has taken to find personal happiness and stability. This history adds significant topical authority to discussions about her relationship choices.
3. Nikki Garcia's Post-Divorce Relationship Status and Rumors
Following the finalization of her divorce in May 2025, Nikki Garcia has been open about her new chapter. She confirmed on her podcast that she is officially ready to date again but, as of late 2025, is not in an exclusive relationship.
However, the world of celebrity gossip quickly ignited with speculation when rumors surfaced in August 2025 linking Nikki to a much younger NFL star: Cooper DeJean.
Cooper DeJean, a rising star and a defensive back for a major NFL team, is significantly younger than Nikki, sparking widespread discussion about the potential romance. The rumors began after Nikki made a public trip to Philadelphia, fueling the speculation that the two were an item.
While Nikki Garcia has not confirmed any official dating status with DeJean, the rumors highlight her return to the dating scene and her newfound freedom following the finalization of her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev. This potential new romance with a professional athlete adds another intriguing layer to the ongoing story of the former WWE Diva.
4. The 'Total Bellas' Legacy and Future
The personal lives of Nikki and Brie Bella, including the highly public nature of the John Cena relationship and the subsequent drama with Artem, were the central focus of their hit reality series, Total Bellas. The show, which documented everything from proposals to breakups and the birth of their children, contributed significantly to the topical authority and public interest surrounding Nikki's relationships.
The decision to end the show and step away from the WWE spotlight was reportedly part of a larger plan to gain more control over their personal narratives. However, the dramatic nature of the Artem divorce, including the police involvement and financial settlement, has once again brought their private lives into the public eye, proving that the interest in the 'Bella Twins' remains exceptionally high.
5. The Final Takeaway: A New Chapter for Nikki Garcia
The divorce from Artem Chigvintsev was a painful and expensive conclusion to a relationship that produced her son, Matteo. The $200,000 payment and $3,500 monthly child support, coupled with the domestic incident, closed a volatile chapter in her life.
Now operating professionally under her birth name, Nikki Garcia, she is actively redefining her identity outside of her wrestling persona and her past relationships with Artem Chigvintsev and John Cena.
Whether the rumors of a romance with Cooper DeJean are true or not, Nikki Garcia’s journey through two very public and very different breakups—one for the sake of a family, and one to escape a volatile situation—positions her for a compelling new phase of her life as a single mother and independent entrepreneur in late 2025.
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