Nikki Bella's Costly Freedom: 4 Shocking Financial Details Of Her Divorce Settlement With Artem Chigvintsev

The finalization of Nikki Garcia’s (formerly Nikki Bella) divorce from professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev has been one of the most talked-about celebrity splits of December 18, 2025, revealing a surprising financial arrangement that has captivated fans and legal analysts alike. The former WWE superstar, a successful entrepreneur and reality television personality, is reportedly on the hook for a significant financial package to her ex-husband, a move that starkly contrasts with typical high-net-worth divorce narratives. This settlement puts a definitive end to the couple’s two-year marriage and their highly public relationship journey, which began on the set of *Dancing With the Stars*.

The settlement details, which became public in mid-2024, confirm that the financial burden of the split falls heavily on Garcia, who has a substantially higher net worth than Chigvintsev. The agreement, centered around the care of their young son, *Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev*, solidifies a new financial chapter for both stars as they navigate co-parenting and their respective careers in wrestling, reality TV, and professional dance.

The Financial Breakdown: Key Terms of the Nikki Garcia-Artem Chigvintsev Settlement

The divorce between Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev, finalized following her filing, brought a close to their relationship which had been documented extensively on reality shows like *Total Bellas* and *Nikki Bella Says I Do*. The financial terms of the settlement were notable, primarily due to the direction of the payments, with the higher-earning spouse, Nikki, making substantial payments to Artem. These payments are structured into two main categories: child support and a lump-sum settlement.

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1. $3,500 Per Month in Child Support

One of the most concrete details of the settlement is the mandatory monthly child support payment. A judge ordered Nikki Garcia to pay Artem Chigvintsev $3,500 per month for the care and upkeep of their son, Matteo. This figure is a standard calculation based on California’s child support guidelines, taking into account the income disparity between the parents and the needs of the child. Given that Matteo was born in July 2020, this monthly obligation will continue for many years, providing a consistent financial foundation for his well-being.

2. The $200,000 Lump Sum Payout

Perhaps the most surprising element of the agreement is the substantial lump sum payment. Nikki was ordered to pay Artem a total of $200,000 as part of the overall settlement. This significant amount was reportedly structured to be divided into two equal payments, a detail that provided a clear, final financial break from the marriage. While the specific legal reasoning for this payout has not been fully disclosed, it is common in divorces involving a significant difference in marital assets or to finalize the division of community property.

3. Nikki Retains Full Control of Her Business Empire

A crucial win for Nikki Garcia in the settlement was the retention of her extensive business interests. The agreement specifically ensured that she maintains full control and ownership of her various ventures, which she has meticulously built alongside her twin sister, Brie Garcia (Brie Bella). These businesses include the successful clothing and lifestyle brand *Birdiebee*, their joint wine label, and their various media and television production deals. This provision protects her estimated net worth, which hovers between $8 million and $12 million, from being significantly diluted by the divorce.

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4. Financial Context: Net Worth and Income Disparity

The financial arrangement is largely explained by the difference in the former couple’s earning power. Nikki Garcia, a WWE Hall of Famer, reality TV star, and entrepreneur, commands a significantly higher income and net worth. Her estimated net worth is reported to be between $8 million and $12 million. In contrast, Artem Chigvintsev, a professional dancer best known for his long tenure on *Dancing With the Stars* (*DWTS*), has an estimated net worth of approximately $4 million to $6 million. This financial disparity is the primary factor driving the settlement terms, where the higher earner pays the lower earner, especially when child support is involved.

The Turbulence Leading to the Final Split

The divorce filing by Nikki Garcia in September 2024 came after a period of highly publicized tension and conflict. While the couple had a fairytale romance that started after they were partnered on *DWTS*, their marriage faced significant challenges. Nikki had publicly discussed the difficulties of balancing their careers, the demands of new parenthood, and the emotional toll of their relationship.

The separation was not without drama. Reports indicated that a restraining order request was part of the initial separation proceedings, which brought to light allegations of domestic issues. While these specific allegations were part of the tumultuous period, the final settlement focused on the financial and custody agreements necessary for a clean legal break. The focus remains on co-parenting their son, *Matteo*, and moving forward as separate individuals.

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The relationship timeline for Nikki and Artem was a whirlwind: meeting on *DWTS* in 2017, getting engaged in 2019, welcoming *Matteo* in 2020, and finally marrying in a private ceremony in Paris in August 2022. The marriage lasted just over two years before the legal separation process began, culminating in the costly settlement for the former WWE Diva.

A Contrast in High-Profile Splits: Cena’s 75-Page Agreement

For many fans, the financial terms of Nikki Garcia’s divorce from Artem Chigvintsev were viewed in the context of her previous high-profile relationship with wrestling icon *John Cena*. While Nikki and Artem were legally married, the relationship with Cena never reached that point, but it involved a famously detailed cohabitation agreement.

During their six-year relationship, which was chronicled on *Total Divas*, Cena made Nikki sign a 75-page cohabitation agreement before she moved into his Tampa, Florida mansion. Cena, known for his meticulous financial planning after a previous divorce, insisted on this "guest" contract to protect his substantial assets. The agreement stipulated the terms of their living arrangement and the financial protections in place should they separate. This document ensured that when Nikki and Cena eventually split in 2018, there was no complex divorce settlement, as the financial separation was pre-determined and legally binding.

The contrast is stark: the *John Cena* split was financially clean due to a preemptive, detailed agreement, whereas the *Artem Chigvintsev* divorce, despite a shorter marriage, resulted in a significant financial outlay for Nikki Garcia due to community property laws and child support obligations. This history provides a compelling narrative for Nikki, highlighting the complexities of navigating relationships and wealth in the public eye.

The Road Ahead for Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev

With the financial settlement finalized and the legal proceedings concluded, both Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev are now focused on their individual careers and the shared responsibility of co-parenting. Nikki continues to build her *Bella Twins* empire with her sister, *Brie Garcia*, expanding their lifestyle brand and media presence. Her business acumen and successful transition from the wrestling ring to a media mogul were key factors in her ability to absorb the financial cost of the settlement while retaining her core assets.

Artem Chigvintsev, an Emmy-nominated choreographer, is expected to continue his career in professional dance, particularly with the *DWTS* franchise. The monthly child support payments and the lump sum settlement provide him with the resources necessary to ensure a stable environment for their son, *Matteo*. This finalized agreement provides both parties with a clear path forward, allowing them to move past the financial and emotional entanglement of their marriage and focus on their future success.