In a dramatic turn of events from what once appeared to be a fairy-tale romance, former WWE superstar Nikki Bella has finalized her divorce from professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, and the financial details are nothing short of staggering.
According to newly unsealed court documents obtained by TMZ, Nikki Bella—real name Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace—will be shelling out $3,500 every month in child support for their 3-year-old son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev. In addition to the monthly payments, Bella has agreed to a massive $200,000 payout to her ex-husband, delivered in two parts: $100,000 already paid, and another $100,000 due by the end of 2025.
The high-profile couple, who once captivated fans with their love story that began on Dancing with the Stars, has now ended their marriage with a highly publicized and costly settlement that brings closure to a relationship filled with both glamour and controversy.
Nikki Bella and Artem’s Custody and Financial Deal
Beyond the hefty cash sums and child support, Bella has also taken on additional financial responsibilities. She will cover all costs related to their son’s speech therapy, and both parents will share the expenses of his extracurricular activities, going “half and half” as per the legal documents.
Custody arrangements for Matteo appear to be equally split in spirit, if not exactly in time. The former couple agreed to alternate major holidays every year, a move likely intended to ensure their child remains close to both parents during important milestones.
What Each Star Walked Away With
While the financial details lean heavily in Artem’s favor in terms of immediate cash flow, Nikki Bella retains significant personal and business assets. According to the divorce filing, Bella walks away with full control and ownership of all business trusts registered in her name, including:
- Stephanie Nicole Garcia Entertainment
- Bonita Bonita, her beauty and lifestyle brand
These companies represent a significant portion of Nikki’s post-WWE brand-building empire, which has kept her in the public eye well after hanging up her wrestling boots.
The Domestic Violence Allegations That Rocked the Marriage
This divorce didn’t just come down to disagreements over parenting or money—it followed serious and highly public allegations of domestic violence.
In August 2024, Artem was arrested following a disturbing incident in which he allegedly attacked Nikki. The altercation led Bella to file a restraining order against him. Audio clips from The Nikki & Brie Show podcast reveal her describing herself as “shocked and heartbroken,” with clear emotional distress over the incident.
However, the story took a surprising twist shortly afterward when Artem fired back with legal claims of his own, alleging that Nikki was actually the aggressor, and he accused her of fabricating the story to manipulate the legal system in her favor.
Despite the conflicting narratives, no formal charges appear to have stuck, and both parties eventually reached a private settlement in November 2024. The judge only signed off on the final divorce order recently, making the settlement official.
From Reality TV Royalty to Real-Life Drama
Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev’s relationship was born under the spotlight and raised on the ratings of reality TV. The pair met in 2017 when Nikki was paired with Artem on Dancing with the Stars, shortly after her high-profile breakup with fellow WWE star John Cena.
Their chemistry was undeniable on and off the dance floor. They confirmed their romance in 2019 and got engaged during a romantic trip to France in November of that year. Fans watched their journey unfold on shows like Total Bellas and Total Divas, where their love story seemed like a new beginning for Nikki after a decade-long, on-and-off relationship with Cena.
In July 2020, the couple welcomed their son, Matteo, just a day before Nikki’s twin sister Brie Bella gave birth to her second child. The sisters celebrated the joint birth of their babies, adding even more public joy to Nikki and Artem’s growing family.
But behind the smiles, tension was brewing. By mid-2023, rumors of trouble began circulating, and by mid-2024, they were living separately. The domestic incident only confirmed what fans had feared—this was not a temporary bump but a full-on implosion.
What’s Next for Nikki and Artem?
While neither party has issued a formal public statement on the finalized divorce settlement, insiders suggest both are trying to move forward for the sake of their child.
Nikki continues to expand her entertainment brand, launching podcasts, fashion partnerships, and YouTube content with her sister Brie. She also recently appeared in WWE-related media and maintains a strong following on social media.
Artem has largely stayed out of the spotlight since the allegations emerged, but sources say he’s focused on parenting and rebuilding his professional dance career. Whether he’ll return to Dancing with the Stars or take a different route remains to be seen.
A Celebrity Divorce with Layers of Controversy, Cash, and Custody
Celebrity breakups are always ripe for headlines, but the Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev divorce saga goes beyond typical Hollywood drama. From restraining orders and police arrests to multimillion-dollar brand assets and emotional custody battles, this case has it all.
While the dust may now be settling on their legal matters, the emotional aftermath—and the public’s interest—is far from over.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold in the public eye.
