5 Shocking Details From Nikki Garcia And Artem Chigvintsev's High-Profile 2024 Divorce Settlement

The whirlwind romance between former WWE Superstar Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella) and *Dancing with the Stars* pro Artem Chigvintsev has officially ended, culminating in a high-profile divorce settlement in late 2024. After a relationship that captivated reality TV audiences across *Total Bellas* and a romantic Paris wedding, the couple's split has been marked by a series of dramatic and shocking revelations, including a domestic violence arrest and a significant financial settlement. As of December 2025, the focus has shifted entirely to their co-parenting relationship for their young son, Matteo. The split, which followed a seemingly fairytale journey from the ballroom to parenthood, has revealed the complex and volatile nature of their final months together. Court documents and public statements have provided a candid look into the finalization of their marriage, shedding light on the financial arrangements and the contentious legal issues that arose during the process.

Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev: A Complete Biographical Profile

The relationship between Nikki and Artem was a merger of two major entertainment worlds: professional wrestling and competitive ballroom dancing. Their journey began on the set of a major reality competition, leading to a life lived largely in the public eye.

• Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella)
  • Born: November 21, 1983 (Age 42 as of 2025)
  • Birth Name: Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace
  • Hometown: San Diego, California
  • Occupation: Professional Wrestler (Retired), TV Personality, Entrepreneur, Podcaster
  • Career Highlights: WWE Hall of Famer (with twin sister Brie Garcia), two-time WWE Divas Champion, star of *Total Divas* and *Total Bellas*.
• Artem Chigvintsev
  • Born: June 8, 1982 (Age 43 as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Izhevsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
  • Occupation: Professional Ballroom Dancer, Choreographer, TV Personality
  • Career Highlights: Longtime professional dancer on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), winner of DWTS Season 29 with Kaitlyn Bristowe.
• Shared Child: Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev (Born July 31, 2020)
• Relationship Timeline:
  • 2017: Paired as partners on Season 25 of *Dancing with the Stars*.
  • January 2019: Confirmed they were dating after Nikki's split from John Cena.
  • November 2019: Got engaged in France (kept secret until January 2020).
  • July 31, 2020: Welcomed their son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev.
  • August 26, 2022: Married in a private ceremony in Paris, France, documented in the E! special *Nikki Bella Says I Do*.
  • Mid-2024: Announced separation and filed for divorce.
  • Late 2024: Finalized divorce settlement.

The Five Biggest Revelations from the Garcia-Chigvintsev Divorce

The finalization of the divorce settlement in late 2024 brought several contentious and surprising details into the public record. These revelations highlight the tumultuous end to their marriage and the new path they are navigating as co-parents.

1. The $200,000 Settlement Paid by Nikki to Artem

Perhaps the most talked-about detail of the separation was the financial arrangement. Court documents revealed that Nikki Garcia was ordered to pay Artem Chigvintsev a lump sum of $200,000 as part of the divorce settlement.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

This payment immediately sparked public speculation, with many assuming it was a sign of a massive financial loss for the WWE star. However, Nikki later addressed the matter on her podcast, clarifying the context of the payment. She stated that the figure was part of a property and asset division agreement, and by paying the $200K, she was able to retain ownership of the majority of their shared assets, including their primary residence. In her words, she "got a steal" by finalizing the agreement this way.

2. Artem Chigvintsev's Domestic Violence Arrest

The divorce proceedings were overshadowed by a serious legal incident in August 2024. Just days after what would have been their second wedding anniversary, Artem Chigvintsev was arrested in Napa County, California, on suspicion of felony domestic violence.

The arrest sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, especially among fans of *Dancing with the Stars*. However, in a subsequent and crucial update, the Napa County District Attorney’s Office announced that Artem would not face criminal charges in connection with the August incident. While the criminal charges were dropped, the incident remains a significant and sensitive entity in the timeline of their split.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

3. Artem's New Job as a Construction Worker

Another surprising detail that emerged from the court filings was Artem’s employment status. Documents revealed that following his dismissal from a season of *Dancing with the Stars*, Artem had taken on a construction job.

This career pivot was a major change for the professional dancer, who had been a staple on the hit ABC show for years. While some reports, citing Nikki's claims in the documents, suggested Artem felt the construction work was "beneath him," other sources indicated he actually enjoys the DIY and tiling aspects of the trade.

4. Nikki is Seeking Full Custody of Son Matteo

The most important element of the divorce is their four-year-old son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev. Court filings indicate that Nikki Garcia is seeking both legal and physical custody of Matteo.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Despite the legal battles and the dramatic nature of the divorce, both Nikki and Artem have publicly committed to maintaining a healthy, functional co-parenting relationship for their son. Nikki has praised their ability to work together, stating that they are successfully navigating this new chapter for the sake of Matteo.

5. The Volatile Nature of Their Final Relationship Phase

While the couple presented a unified and loving front on reality television, friends and sources close to the pair described the final phase of their relationship as "volatile." The combination of Artem's career uncertainty after being cut from DWTS, the stress of co-parenting, and the eventual domestic incident suggests a high-pressure environment led to the marriage's collapse.

The public narrative has shifted from a story of a beloved reality TV couple to a more candid and complex look at the struggles celebrities face behind the scenes. The transparency regarding the settlement and the legal issues provides a rare glimpse into the true cost of a high-profile divorce.

What is Next for Nikki and Artem? The Co-Parenting Era

With the divorce finalized, both Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev are now focusing on their individual careers and, most importantly, their co-parenting dynamic. Nikki continues her successful ventures in podcasting and entrepreneurship, while Artem is hopeful for a return to the *Dancing with the Stars* ballroom, despite his recent legal and employment setbacks.

The couple's commitment to prioritizing Matteo's well-being is the central focus moving forward. By late 2025, they have demonstrated an ability to put aside their differences to ensure a stable environment for their son, a common yet challenging undertaking for any separated parents. Their story serves as a reminder that even the most picture-perfect reality TV romances can face complex and difficult endings when the cameras are turned off.