Nikki Garcia (formerly known as Nikki Bella) opened up about her divorce from ex-husband Artem Chigvintsev and admitted that she feels “stronger” while going through public heartbreak.
“I’m definitely finding more moments of joy,” Nikki, 41, told Us Weekly in a story published on Tuesday, January 28. “[I’m] excited to just live this new era of me.”
Although the former WWE star remains optimistic about her future, she still experiences moments of sadness while looking back on her August 2024 separation from Artem, 42. The former Dancing With the Stars partners’ divorce was finalized in November 2024.
“I still get moments of heartache for sure, when an event comes up, or you drive by something or a song comes on,” Nikki shared with the publication. “I know in time that will get better. But overall, I feel a lot of joy in my heart and feel so grateful. I have so much gratitude [for] my family, my health.”
Despite ending their marriage, Nikki and Artem coparent their 4-year-old son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev. In fact, the estranged family came together on Christmas morning in 2024 to ensure their son experienced the holiday surrounded by both parents and endless love.
“On Christmas, we made sure we were both there when we baked Santa’s cookies. Matteo went to bed and we both were there when he woke up,” the Total Bellas alum explained to the outlet. “Because he’s our focus, we want to keep those moments.”
The Traitors star also revealed how she explained the divorce to Matteo, but “only when he’s asked” her.
Nikki and Artem reached the breaking point in their relationship after the family patriarch was arrested on domestic violence charges days after celebrating their two-year wedding anniversary. Artem was arrested following a dispute with Nikki at their home in Napa, California, on August 29, 2024, with Matteo inside the residence. He was released from custody later that day after making bail for $25,000 and the charges against him were later dropped.
“I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped. This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed,” Artem said in a statement to multiple outlets on September 25, 2024, after his arrest.
Nikki later filed a restraining order against Artem, which was granted in October 2024.
“Due to the incident that led to Artem’s arrest on August 29, 2024, Nikki has decided to file for a temporary Domestic Violence Restraining Order to protect herself and her son,” Nikki’s rep told Us Weekly in a statement on October 4, 2024. “Although Nikki requested that the Napa District Attorney not file charges against Artem as she did not want him to go to jail, he must still be held accountable for his actions, and Nikki and her son must be protected.”
Artem also filed a restraining order against Nikki in October 2024.
Nikki and Artem settled their divorce through private mediation on November 20, 2024, choosing to drop their dual restraining orders.
Although the “Nikki & Brie Show” podcast cohost shared that she found strength following her divorce, she’s also opened up about “super weak moments” she’s faced.
“I just know that situations like this or divorce or whatever it may be, it takes a piece of you,” Nikki said during the December 16, 2024, episode of the podcast. “It takes a piece of your heart that will never grow back or never be replaced, but it’s how do we make that piece of you that’s gone strong.”
