What Happened to Nikki Bella?
The Short Answer
Nikki Bella has been through a lot. The 42-year-old WWE Hall of Famer divorced Artem Chigvintsev in 2024, made a triumphant WWE return at the Royal Rumble in February 2025, and is now focused on her son Matteo and her expanding business ventures.
Born Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace on November 21, 1983, in San Diego, California, Nikki, alongside twin sister Brie, became one of WWE's most popular Divas, holding the Divas Championship and headlining the reality shows Total Divas and Total Bellas.
Her divorce, following Chigvintsev's 2024 arrest, was painful and public. But her in-ring return proved the Fearless One still has plenty of fight left.
Who She Was: WWE Superstar
As Nikki Bella, she was a two-time WWE Divas Champion, with her 301-day reign standing as the longest in the title's history. Her "Fearless" persona, twin magic with Brie, and athleticism made the Bellas cornerstones of WWE's women's evolution.
With Brie, she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021, cementing their legacy. Their reality shows drew millions of viewers and made them E! stars beyond wrestling.
Neck injuries forced her initial retirement from full-time wrestling in 2019, but she never fully left the WWE orbit.
Marriage and Divorce From Artem Chigvintsev
Nikki married dancer Artem Chigvintsev, her former Dancing With the Stars partner, in 2022. Their son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev, was born in July 2020, just a day before Brie's son Buddy.
In August 2024, Chigvintsev was arrested on a domestic violence allegation in Napa Valley. Nikki filed for divorce on September 11, 2024, and it was finalized on November 20, 2024.
Reports described a six-figure divorce settlement and a co-parenting arrangement for Matteo, now 6. Nikki has spoken about prioritizing her son's well-being through the turmoil.
Royal Rumble Return 2025
In February 2025, Nikki made a surprise return to WWE at the Royal Rumble, entering to a massive ovation. The comeback reminded everyone why she was a star: charisma, athleticism, and connection with the crowd.
Her return opened the door to part-time WWE appearances, with fans hoping for a final run. At 42, she proved she could still go in the ring.
The Rumble moment was also symbolic: the Fearless One, reclaiming her spotlight on her own terms after a devastating personal year.
John Cena: The Earlier Engagement
Before Artem, Nikki was engaged to John Cena, WWE's biggest star. Their relationship, chronicled on Total Bellas, ended in 2018, reportedly over disagreements about marriage and children.
The split was heartbreaking for fans who had rooted for the power couple. Both have since moved on: Cena married Shay Shariatzadeh, while Nikki built her family with Artem.
Nikki has reflected on the Cena chapter with maturity, describing it as a necessary ending that led her to motherhood.
Son Matteo
Matteo, born July 31, 2020, is now 6 years old and Nikki's top priority. She shares custody with Chigvintsev and has emphasized shielding Matteo from the divorce's fallout.
Her social media is filled with proud mom moments, and she has spoken about wanting Matteo to grow up with stability and love despite the public nature of the split.
Cousin Buddy, Brie's son born a day apart, remains Matteo's closest companion, continuing the Bella twin tradition into a new generation.
What She's Doing Now
At 42, Nikki Bella is rebuilding: part-time WWE star, entrepreneur with her wine and lifestyle brands, podcast host, and devoted mom. She has been candid about dating again, telling outlets in 2026 she is taking it slow.
Her resilience through divorce, single motherhood, and career reinvention has only deepened fans' admiration.
Fearless has always been more than a nickname. Nikki Bella is living proof.
Total Divas Stardom
Total Divas (2013-2019) and Total Bellas (2016-2021) made Nikki and Brie E! reality stars, drawing millions of viewers into their lives.
The shows chronicled Nikki's engagement to John Cena, her neck injury, her pregnancy, and her wedding planning, reality TV at its most personal.
Total Bellas gave the twins their own spotlight, showcasing their business ventures and family dynamics.
The shows' success proved the Bellas transcended wrestling, becoming mainstream celebrities.
Business Empire
The Bellas built a business empire: Belle Radici wine, Birdiebee activewear, and various lifestyle brands.
Their entrepreneurial instincts, honed through reality TV fame, created diversified income beyond wrestling.
Nikki's business acumen is formidable; she approaches branding with the same intensity she brought to the ring.
At 42, her empire provides stability as she navigates single motherhood.
Hall of Fame Induction
In 2021, Nikki and Brie were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as women's wrestling pioneers.
The induction recognized their championships, their longevity, and their role in WWE's women's evolution.
Nikki's 301-day Divas Championship reign remains a record, a testament to her dominance.
Hall of Famers at 37, the Bellas' place in wrestling history is secure.
Early Life and Modeling
Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace was born November 21, 1983, in San Diego, minutes before twin sister Brianna. The twins played soccer at Scottsdale Community College before pursuing modeling.
They moved to Los Angeles, working as models and aspiring actresses, their twin appeal a natural marketing hook.
WWE's 2006 Diva Search led to developmental contracts, and the Bella Twins were born.
Their athleticism, honed through soccer, translated to the ring, where they became genuine wrestlers, not just models.
The twins' journey from Scottsdale soccer fields to WWE Hall of Fame is a testament to hustle.
At 42, Nikki's origin story still inspires: twins with a dream who outworked everyone.
Twin Bond With Brie
Nikki and Brie Bella share one of entertainment's closest sibling bonds, twins who became business partners, co-stars, and best friends.
Their Twin Magic wrestling gimmick, switching places mid-match, was ingenious and beloved.
They gave birth a day apart in 2020, Matteo and Buddy, extending the twin magic to motherhood.
Their podcast and businesses are joint ventures, their lives intertwined by choice as well as birth.
Through Nikki's divorce, Brie was her rock, the sister who understands without explanation.
The Bella twins' bond is the real love story of Nikki's life, unbreakable and enduring.
Total Bellas and Reality TV
Total Bellas (2016-2021), the E! reality series following Nikki and Brie, was a hit, offering fans an intimate look at the twins' lives, loves, and businesses.
The show documented Nikki's breakup with John Cena, her romance with Artem, her pregnancy, and her wedding, real life as compelling as any script.
Its success proved the Bellas' appeal transcended wrestling: they were reality stars in their own right.
The series also showcased their business empire, from Birdiebee to Nicole + Brizee, blending entertainment with entrepreneurship.
When it ended in 2021, it closed a chapter on the twins' most public years.
Total Bellas remains beloved by fans, a time capsule of the sisters at their peak.
Entrepreneurship: Birdiebee and Beyond
The Bella twins' business empire is formidable: Birdiebee intimates and activewear, Nicole + Brizee beauty, wine labels, and a host of partnerships.
Nikki's business instincts are sharp: she understands her audience, delivers quality products, and markets with authenticity.
Their ventures generate millions in revenue, making the twins as successful in business as they were in the ring.
She has also invested in wellness and lifestyle brands, diversifying beyond the Bella name.
At 42, divorced and thriving, Nikki Bella's empire is hers alone, built on hustle and heart.
The Fearless one, indeed.
Dancing With the Stars and Artem
Nikki Bella met Artem Chigvintsev on Dancing With the Stars in 2017, their chemistry evident to viewers. What began as a dance partnership became a romance, then an engagement, then a family.
Their 2022 wedding was a fairy tale, but the marriage ended in 2024, with divorce finalized that November. The split was difficult, playing out partly in public.
Through it all, their son Matteo remained the priority, both parents committed to co-parenting.
Nikki has spoken about the divorce with honesty, acknowledging pain while expressing gratitude for her son.
Her 2025 WWE return, the Royal Rumble comeback, signaled her resilience: the Fearless One, down but never out.
At 42, single and thriving, Nikki Bella's next chapter is hers to write.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Nikki Bella?
Nikki Bella divorced Artem Chigvintsev in 2024 and returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble in February 2025.
How old is Nikki Bella?
Nikki Bella is 42 years old. She was born on November 21, 1983.
Why did Nikki Bella divorce Artem?
Nikki filed for divorce in September 2024 after Artem's August 2024 arrest. It was finalized in November 2024.
Does Nikki Bella have kids?
Yes. Nikki Bella has a son, Matteo, born in July 2020 with Artem Chigvintsev.
Did Nikki Bella return to WWE?
Yes. Nikki Bella returned at the Royal Rumble in February 2025 to a huge ovation.
Was Nikki Bella engaged to John Cena?
Yes. Nikki Bella was engaged to John Cena, but they split in 2018.
Who is Nikki Bella's twin sister?
Nikki's twin sister is Brie Bella (Brianna Garcia-Colace), also a WWE Hall of Famer.
Sources
- Sportskeeda - Bella divorce falloutSportskeeda
- Reality Tea - Bella love life updateReality Tea
- ClutchPoints - divorce settlementClutchPoints