5 Shocking Details From Nikki Garcia's Divorce And New Life After Artem Chigvintsev Split

The relationship between Nikki Bella (now Nikki Garcia) and professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev has officially reached its dramatic conclusion in late 2024, but the story is far from over. As of December 18, 2025, the former power couple is navigating a complex new chapter that includes a shocking divorce settlement, a commitment to successful co-parenting, and a very public return to the dating scene for the WWE Hall of Famer. The latest updates reveal a surprisingly amicable post-split life, despite the turbulent circumstances that led to their separation. The celebrity split, which began with a domestic violence call at their Napa County home, has captivated fans of *Total Bellas* and *Dancing With the Stars (DWTS)*. Today, both stars are focused on their five-year-old son, Matteo, and forging individual paths, with Nikki Garcia embracing a new identity and a "slow dating" philosophy. This is the complete, up-to-the-minute breakdown of their divorce, financial arrangements, and the fresh start for both Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia.

The Full Biography and Tumultuous Relationship Timeline

The romance between Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella) and Artem Chigvintsev began on the dance floor and quickly became a staple of reality television. Their journey from professional partners to ex-spouses is chronicled below.

Nikki Garcia (Nikki Bella) Profile

• Full Name: Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace (formerly Bella)
• Born: November 21, 1983 (Age 42 in 2025)
• Birthplace: San Diego, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Professional Wrestler (Retired), TV Personality, Entrepreneur
• Known For: Half of *The Bella Twins* with her sister Brie Bella, WWE Divas Champion, *Total Divas*, *Total Bellas*, WWE Hall of Fame.
• Previous High-Profile Relationship: Engaged to John Cena (2012–2018).
• Son: Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev (Born July 31, 2020).

Artem Chigvintsev Profile

• Full Name: Artem Vladimirovich Chigvintsev
• Born: June 8, 1982 (Age 43 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Izhevsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.
• Occupation: Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Reality TV Star
• Known For: Professional dancer on *Dancing With the Stars* (DWTS), winner of DWTS Season 29, former *Strictly Come Dancing* professional.
• Previous Marriage: Married to Giselle Peacock.
• Son: Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev (Born July 31, 2020).

Relationship Milestones

The relationship between the professional wrestler and the professional dancer was a whirlwind from the start.

• 2017: Nikki and Artem are partnered on Season 25 of *Dancing With the Stars*. Nikki was still with her fiancé, John Cena, at the time.
• Early 2019: After her split from Cena, Nikki and Artem confirm they are dating.
• January 2020: The couple announces their engagement, which had actually happened in November 2019.
• July 31, 2020: Their son, Matteo, is born.
• August 2022: Nikki and Artem marry in a stunning, intimate ceremony in Paris, France, which was documented on the four-part special *Nikki Bella Says I Do*.
• August 2024: Reports surface of a domestic violence call at their home, marking the beginning of the end.
• September 2024: Nikki Garcia files for divorce after just two years of marriage.

The Shocking Divorce Settlement and Financial Fallout

The financial terms of the divorce settlement between Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev have become the most talked-about aspect of their split in 2025. Unlike many high-profile divorces, the details that emerged were completely unexpected, revealing a significant payout to the *DWTS* pro. The most surprising revelation is that Artem Chigvintsev is set to receive a substantial payment of $200,000 from his ex-wife, Nikki Garcia, as part of the final divorce settlement. In addition to the one-time payment, reports indicate that the settlement also includes a provision for child support payments from Nikki to Artem. This arrangement is highly unusual in celebrity divorces and suggests a complex financial dynamic, possibly related to their respective incomes, career structures, or the division of assets acquired during their marriage. Nikki Garcia Breaks Her Silence: In 2025, Nikki addressed the settlement publicly, acknowledging the financial arrangement. While the specifics of the divorce were sealed, the fact that the WWE star is paying the professional dancer a six-figure sum and child support has generated intense speculation regarding the underlying legal agreements and the financial disparity post-marriage. The former couple also jointly selected the elementary school for their son, Matteo, for the 2025 school year, emphasizing their focus on their child's stability despite the legal drama.

Co-Parenting Success and Nikki’s New Dating Chapter

Despite the tumultuous end to their marriage, Nikki Garcia has been vocal about maintaining a positive and successful co-parenting relationship with Artem Chigvintsev. This commitment to their son, Matteo, is a key focus of their life in 2025.

An 'Amazing' Co-Parenting Dynamic

Nikki has repeatedly praised Artem for his role as a father and co-parent. She stated that he is "amazing" and that their priority remains their son. This positive outlook is a testament to their dedication to providing a stable environment for Matteo, even as they navigate their individual lives. The former couple is working together to manage the logistics of raising a child while both maintain demanding careers in reality television and entertainment.

Nikki Garcia’s Return to the Dating Scene

With the divorce finalized, Nikki Garcia has officially re-entered the dating world, sharing candid details about her experiences in 2025. * Slow Dating Philosophy: Nikki has expressed a desire to try "slow dating," focusing on meaningful connections rather than rushing into a new relationship. * Dating Rumors: In a surprising twist, the WWE star has sparked rumors of a potential romance with a much younger athlete: 22-year-old professional footballer Cooper DeJean. The rumors began after the two were pictured together, causing a significant stir among fans and the media. * Candid Confessions: Nikki has also been open about her casual dating life, revealing on her podcast that she has been on a "few" dates and even "made out with him" on a recent outing. She is clearly not "wasting time and energy" on anything that isn't authentic as she moves forward from the marriage to Artem Chigvintsev. The focus on her new identity as Nikki Garcia—a name change that reflects her fresh start—signals a clear separation from her past high-profile relationships with both John Cena and Artem Chigvintsev. Her willingness to share her post-divorce journey, including the shocking financial settlement and her exploration of new romance, keeps her and the Bella Twins brand firmly in the spotlight of reality television and pop culture.