5 Shocking Details About Nikki Bella's Divorce: Is She Still Married To Artem Chigvintsev?
The question of whether Nikki Bella is still married to professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev has a definitive and recently updated answer: No, the couple is officially divorced. As of late 2024 and confirmed into the current date of December 23, 2025, the former WWE star, who now primarily goes by her birth name Nikki Garcia, and the *Dancing with the Stars* pro have finalized their separation, bringing an end to their two-year marriage. The split, which began with her filing for divorce in September 2024, concluded with a settlement that included surprising financial and custody details that have captured the attention of fans and the media.
This high-profile separation marks a significant turning point in the life of the reality TV star and entrepreneur, following her previous highly publicized relationship with John Cena. The divorce from Artem Chigvintsev was not a quiet affair, involving disputes over spousal support, child custody, and even allegations of domestic issues. This article breaks down the full timeline, the shocking settlement details, and what the future holds for both Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev.
The Official Profile and Relationship Timeline: Nikki Garcia & Artem Chigvintsev
To fully understand the context of their separation, it is essential to look at the professional backgrounds and the timeline of the relationship between the two stars.
Nikki Garcia (f.k.a. Nikki Bella) Biography
- Full Name: Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace
- Date of Birth: November 21, 1983
- Place of Birth: San Diego, California, USA
- Occupation: Professional Wrestler (Retired), TV Personality, Entrepreneur, Podcaster
- Career Highlights: Two-time WWE Divas Champion, longest-reigning Divas Champion (301 days), WWE Hall of Famer (as part of The Bella Twins with her sister Brie Bella), Star of reality shows *Total Divas* and *Total Bellas*.
- Previous High-Profile Relationship: Engaged to John Cena (2017–2018).
Artem Chigvintsev Biography
- Full Name: Artem Vladimirovich Chigvintsev
- Date of Birth: June 12, 1982
- Place of Birth: Izhevsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)
- Occupation: Professional Dancer, Choreographer
- Career Highlights: Professional dancer on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), winner of *Strictly Come Dancing* Series 8 (UK version), competed on *So You Think You Can Dance*.
The Bella-Chigvintsev Relationship Timeline
Their relationship began in the high-stakes environment of reality competition and quickly evolved into a family unit, documented extensively on their show *Total Bellas*.
- 2017: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev are partnered on Season 25 of ABC’s *Dancing with the Stars*. At the time, Nikki was still engaged to John Cena.
- April 2018: Nikki and John Cena call off their engagement.
- January 2019: Nikki and Artem confirm they are officially dating.
- January 2020: The couple announces their engagement, which actually took place in France in November 2019.
- July 31, 2020: They welcome their first child, a son named Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev.
- August 2022: Nikki and Artem secretly marry in Paris, France, a wedding that was later featured in a four-part reality special.
- September 2024: Nikki Garcia files for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, citing irreconcilable differences.
- Late 2024/Early 2025: The divorce is officially finalized, with a court-approved settlement.
The Shocking Divorce Settlement: $200,000 Payout and Custody Battle
The finalization of the divorce confirmed that Nikki Bella is no longer married to Artem Chigvintsev. However, the details of the settlement were far from standard, revealing a contentious legal battle over finances and their young son, Matteo.
1. The $200,000 Lump Sum Payment
In a surprising turn, the court ordered Nikki Garcia to pay Artem Chigvintsev a substantial lump sum of $200,000 as part of the financial settlement. This detail quickly became a major headline, leading to widespread speculation about the reasons behind the payment.
Nikki later addressed the public reaction, expressing frustration over the narrative that she "lost" money. She clarified that the payment was part of a broader, favorable agreement, telling her sister, Brie Bella, on their podcast, "I got a steal." The payment was reportedly a settlement to resolve all financial claims, including any potential spousal support, allowing both parties to move forward cleanly.
2. The Domestic Abuse Allegations
The court proceedings were reportedly complicated by accusations made by Nikki against Artem. Initial reports suggested that Nikki had made accusations of domestic abuse against her ex-husband. However, subsequent reports indicated that these accusations were later proven false in court. This legal finding is believed to have significantly influenced the final terms of the settlement, including the financial payout to Artem, as the judge reportedly dismissed the claims.
3. Shared Legal and Physical Custody of Matteo
The former couple reached an agreement regarding their son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev. The final ruling granted both Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev shared legal and shared physical custody of their son. This ensures that both parents remain equally involved in major decisions regarding Matteo's upbringing, health, and education, despite the end of their marriage. The focus on co-parenting appears to be a priority for both stars moving forward.
Life After Marriage: Nikki Garcia's Current Status in 2025
With the divorce finalized, the focus has shifted to the new chapters in both Nikki and Artem’s lives. For Nikki Garcia, this means a return to the dating world and a renewed focus on her career and personal identity.
Moving Forward as Nikki Garcia
Since the finalization of the divorce in late 2024, Nikki has officially embraced the use of her birth name, Nikki Garcia, a move that symbolizes a new beginning and a separation from her past wrestling persona, Nikki Bella, and her married life. She has been vocal about the emotional toll the divorce took, but also the relief that came with closing that chapter. Her twin sister, Brie Bella, has been a major source of support throughout the process, as the two continue to co-host their popular podcast, where they often discuss personal updates.
Has Nikki Bella Started Dating Again?
The answer is yes. As of early 2025, Nikki Garcia confirmed that she has begun dating again. The former WWE star has made it clear that while she is focusing on herself and her son, she is open to finding love again. This news puts to rest any lingering questions about her being single and officially moving on from her marriage to Artem Chigvintsev. Fans are eagerly following her journey, hoping for a happy and stable future for the star.
The separation from Artem Chigvintsev is a definitive end to a high-profile relationship that began on the dance floor of *Dancing with the Stars*. While the marriage was short-lived, the details of the divorce—the six-figure payout, the custody arrangements, and the public allegations—have cemented it as one of the most talked-about celebrity splits of the past year. Nikki Garcia is now officially single, co-parenting her son, and navigating a fresh start in her personal and professional life.
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