Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev Settle Divorce, Drop Restraining Orders

Former WWE star Nikki Garcia, formerly known as Nikki Bella, and Artem Chigvintsev, a professional dancer best recognized for his time on reality television, have announced the settlement of their divorce. According to a statement provided by a representative for Garcia, the couple has reached an agreement to avoid further legal proceedings.

The representative stated, «Nikki and Artem have settled their divorce and will not be going to court. Both parties decided to drop the domestic violence restraining orders against each other in an effort to move on with their lives and effectively co-parent their son. Nikki’s number one priority has always been her son and privacy on the matter. She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received during this difficult time.»

Efforts to obtain comments from Chigvintsev’s representatives were not immediately successful.

The couple’s relationship began when Garcia was a contestant on «Dancing with the Stars» in 2017, during which Chigvintsev was her professional dance partner. Their relationship became public in 2019 following Garcia’s breakup with wrestler John Cena.

The pair welcomed their son, Matteo, in 2020 and were married two years later. However, Garcia filed for divorce in September, shortly after an incident at their home which led to Chigvintsev’s arrest on August 29.

The Napa County district attorney, Allison Haley, issued a statement in September indicating that the office would not pursue charges, citing an ethical obligation to only file charges when supported by sufficient evidence. «We have an ethical obligation to only file charges when supported by the evidence,» Haley stated, emphasizing the need for proof «beyond a reasonable doubt,» the highest standard in the American criminal justice system.

The divorce negotiations included discussions about the custody of their son, with Garcia initially seeking full custody while Chigvintsev requested joint custody. Both individuals initially sought and obtained restraining orders before deciding to withdraw them.

Chigvintsev is currently not participating in the latest season of «Dancing with the Stars,» with Entertainment Weekly reporting in August that the decision was made independently of his arrest.