5 Shocking Revelations From Artem Chigvintsev And Nikki Garcia's High-Stakes Divorce

The whirlwind romance between *Dancing with the Stars* pro Artem Chigvintsev and WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella) has reached a dramatic and unexpected conclusion, dominating headlines throughout late 2024 and into the new year. The couple, who first met as partners on *DWTS* and welcomed their son Matteo in 2020, finalized their divorce following a shocking series of events that began just days after their second wedding anniversary. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the complex final chapter of their relationship, revealing the custody arrangements, the surprising financial settlement, and how the former couple is navigating their new reality as co-parents. The public narrative shifted dramatically in late August 2024, when what was expected to be a simple two-year anniversary celebration turned into a major scandal. The subsequent divorce filing and its messy details have provided a stark contrast to the romantic Parisian wedding chronicled in their 2023 E! special, *Nikki Bella Says I Do*.

Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia: Full Biography Profiles

The relationship between the Russian professional dancer and the American wrestling icon was a fusion of two vastly different entertainment worlds, captivating fans from the moment they were paired together.

Artem Chigvintsev

• Full Name: Artem Vladimirovich Chigvintsev
• Born: June 12, 1982 (Age 43 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Izhevsk, Russia (then USSR)
• Profession: Professional Latin Dancer, Choreographer
• Career Highlights:
  • Professional dancer on the UK's *Strictly Come Dancing* (2010-2013).
  • Professional dancer on the US's *Dancing with the Stars* (Joined in Season 18; Won Season 29 with Kaitlyn Bristowe).
  • Broadway appearances, including *Burn the Floor*.
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $4 million.

Nikki Garcia (Formerly Nikki Bella)

• Full Name: Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace
• Born: November 21, 1983 (Age 42 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: San Diego, California, USA
• Profession: Retired Professional Wrestler (WWE Hall of Famer), Reality Television Personality, Entrepreneur, Model
• Career Highlights:
  • Two-time WWE Divas Champion.
  • Longest-reigning Divas Champion in WWE history (301 days).
  • Star of the reality series *Total Divas* and *Total Bellas* (with twin sister Brie Garcia).
  • Co-owner of the Belle Radici wine label and Birdiebee clothing line.
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $8 million.

The Dramatic Timeline: From Anniversary to Divorce Filing

The relationship's sudden collapse in late 2024 shocked the entertainment world, as the couple had publicly presented a united front, particularly while navigating the challenges of raising their son, Matteo. The timeline of their separation is marked by a series of high-profile, devastating events that led directly to the end of their marriage.

The August 2024 Arrest and Allegations

Just days after celebrating their two-year wedding anniversary (August 26, 2024), the news broke that Artem Chigvintsev had been arrested. The *Dancing with the Stars* pro was arrested on Thursday, August 29, 2024, in Napa, California, on suspicion of domestic violence. He was booked on charges related to corporal injury to a spouse, a felony offense. This incident, occurring so close to their anniversary, served as the undeniable catalyst for the divorce proceedings.

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The September 2024 Divorce Filing and Custody Battle

The fallout was immediate and irreparable. Within days of the arrest news going public, both Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia filed for divorce in September 2024. Nikki, whose legal name is Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, was reportedly seeking full custody of their young son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev, who was four years old at the time. The custody battle over Matteo, who was born in July 2020, quickly became a central and emotional component of the legal proceedings.

The Surprising $200,000 Divorce Settlement

One of the most talked-about aspects of the finalized divorce was the financial settlement, which revealed a surprising term: Nikki Garcia was ordered to pay Artem Chigvintsev $200,000. This detail came to light after the divorce was finalized, with Nikki discussing the terms on her SiriusXM podcast. The payment was part of the final settlement agreement, and while the exact legal rationale for the payment was not immediately clear, it is often related to the division of marital assets, property, or buyouts related to their shared home and investments.

Nikki Garcia has since spoken out to "set the record straight" about the payment, addressing the speculation and calling the situation "messy." The substantial sum highlights the complex financial intertwining of celebrity marriages, especially when one partner (Nikki, with an estimated $8 million net worth) has a significantly higher net worth than the other (Artem, with an estimated $4 million net worth).

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Co-Parenting Matteo: A New, Positive Chapter

Despite the incredibly tumultuous end to their marriage, the former couple has made significant efforts to establish a functional and positive co-parenting relationship for the sake of their son, Matteo. This new dynamic has been a source of recent, positive updates from Nikki Garcia.

In interviews throughout 2025, Nikki has praised her ex-husband's commitment to their son, sharing new details about their co-parenting journey. She has emphasized that their focus remains entirely on providing a stable and loving environment for Matteo, even if they are no longer a couple. This shared commitment is a key takeaway from the aftermath of their split, showing a level of maturity and dedication to their child that often proves difficult for high-profile couples following a messy public breakup.

Nikki has been open about how she explained the divorce to their son, highlighting the importance of honesty and age-appropriate communication during such a sensitive time. The former WWE star spent her first Valentine's Day post-split with Matteo, underscoring her commitment to prioritizing motherhood. Their ability to transition from a married couple to effective co-parents represents a significant and commendable step forward, providing a hopeful counterpoint to the dramatic events of their final year together.

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