Nikki Bella Divorce: $200K Settlement and Custody Details

When a public figure’s personal life becomes a legal record, the numbers tell a story — and for Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella), the final chapter of her marriage to Artem Chigvintsev includes a $200,000 payout and shared custody of their son. The path from WWE Hall of Fame entrance to divorce court reveals more than just financial terms: it’s a layered story of evolving priorities, a high-profile breakup, and the quiet work of co‑parenting.

Full name: Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace ·
Born: November 21, 1983 ·
Net worth (estimated): $8 million ·
Divorce payment to Artem Chigvintsev: $200,000 ·
Children: 1 son (Matteo, b. 2023) ·
WWE tenure: 2007–present (on hiatus)

Eight key data points define Nikki Garcia’s public profile — from her birth name to her current marital status.

Why did John Cena dump Nikki Bella?

To understand Nikki’s divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, you first need the backstory with John Cena. The two were together for six years, engaged for one, and then Cena called it off. Why?

Timeline of engagement and split

Nikki and Cena started dating in 2012 (Wikipedia). At WrestleMania 33 in April 2017, Cena proposed in the ring — a moment watched by millions. But by April 2018, the engagement was off. Nikki later revealed on The Bellas Podcast that Cena told her he didn’t want marriage or children, contradicting his earlier stance.

Cena’s stated reasons (marriage, kids)

In interviews, Cena admitted he “wasn’t ready” and that he “selfishly” focused on his career. According to People, he told Nikki he didn’t see a future with children. Nikki, then 34, wanted to start a family.

Nikki’s perspective on the breakup

Nikki has described the split as painful but necessary. “I don’t regret my time with John — it shaped me,” she said on her podcast. “But I knew what I wanted, and it wasn’t aligned anymore.” She never expressed explicit regret about leaving Cena, instead focusing on the family she later built with Artem.

The implication: Nikki’s decision to prioritize family over the relationship set the stage for her next chapter with Artem.

Who has custody of Nikki Bella’s kid?

Nikki and Artem share one child: son Matteo, born in 2023. The divorce settlement established a joint custody arrangement, though exact details remain confidential.

Legal custody vs physical custody

Under California law, joint legal custody means both parents make major decisions together. Physical custody is shared, but the specific schedule has not been made public. TMZ reports that the parents will alternate major holidays each year.

Details of the court order (if public)

The publicly filed documents reveal no specific weekly schedule. Both parties requested privacy regarding the child’s routine. The settlement does specify that speech therapy costs for Matteo are Nikki’s responsibility, while extracurriculars are split equally (TMZ).

Co-parenting after divorce

Neither Nikki nor Artem has publicly complained about co-parenting. After Artem’s arrest in August 2024 — when prosecutors dropped a felony domestic violence charge for lack of evidence (TMZ) — the two continued to work toward a settlement. The final agreement reflects a cooperative approach to raising Matteo.

The pattern: Both parents have prioritized Matteo’s stability over public disclosure.

How much money does Nikki Bella have to pay her ex-husband?

The divorce settlement includes two financial components: a one-time payout and ongoing child support.

The $200,000 figure reported

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Nikki must pay Artem a total of $200,000 in two lump sums: $100,000 immediately and the remaining $100,000 before the end of 2025.

Division of assets and spousal support

No ongoing spousal support was reported. Nikki retained trusts in her name, including Stephanie Nicole Garcia Entertainment and Bonita Bonita (TMZ). The couple split the cost of Matteo’s extracurriculars, but speech therapy costs fall on Nikki.

Comparison to other celebrity divorces

A $200,000 lump sum plus $3,500 monthly child support is modest compared to many Hollywood splits — especially given Nikki’s estimated $8 million net worth (Celebrity Net Worth). The agreement appears uncontested, likely avoiding costly litigation.

The catch: The settlement keeps both parties financially separate while ensuring Artem’s role as co-parent is supported.

What happened to Nikki Bella and her husband?

The marriage to Artem Chigvintsev lasted about two years before unraveling in the public eye.

Marriage timeline (2022–2024)

Nikki and Artem, a Dancing with the Stars pro (IMDb), began dating in 2019 after meeting on the set of Dancing with the Stars in 2017. They married in France in 2022, and their son Matteo was born in 2023.

Divorce filing and reasons

In August 2024, Artem was arrested at their Northern California home after a domestic incident. Prosecutors later declined to file charges, citing lack of evidence (TMZ). One month later, in September 2024, Nikki filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Current status of relationship

The divorce was finalized in May 2025 when a judge signed the settlement agreement. The two now co-parent from separate residences. Neither has publicly discussed the details of their post-divorce relationship.

The implication: The marriage unravelled quickly under the weight of a public arrest and legal proceedings.

Does Nikki regret leaving John Cena?

Fans have long wondered whether Nikki looks back at the Cena breakup with regret, especially given his subsequent marriage and fatherhood.

Nikki’s public statements on regret

In multiple podcast interviews, Nikki has said she doesn’t regret her relationship with Cena. “We had a beautiful love story,” she told People. “But we wanted different things at different times.” She has never explicitly said “I regret leaving John.”

Comparison of lives with Cena vs Artem

With Cena, Nikki got public romance and a massive platform. With Artem, she got marriage and a child — the family she said she wanted. The timing matters: Cena’s stance on children changed after the breakup; he now has a son with his wife Shay Shariatzadeh. Nikki has focused on raising Matteo and building her business ventures.

Fan speculation and media coverage

Social media often pits the two relationships against each other. Some fans frame Nikki a “loser” for leaving Cena before he became a father. But the facts suggest two people who grew apart — not a mistake one party regrets.

The pattern: Nikki’s narrative consistently emphasizes agency and forward movement rather than second-guessing.

What is Artem up to now?

Since the divorce, Artem Chigvintsev has maintained a low public profile but continues his professional dance career.

Career as a dancer and choreographer

Artem remains a working professional dancer and choreographer. He last appeared on Dancing with the Stars in season 31 (2022) as a pro (IMDb). He has not announced a new dance role since.

Dancing with the Stars involvement

Artem was a fan-favorite pro on the show for many seasons. His partnership with Nikki began on the set, and the two fell in love during rehearsals. After the divorce, DWTS has not confirmed his return for future seasons.

Social media presence after divorce

Artem’s Instagram account (@theartemc) shows dance clips, personal photos, and occasional interactions with fans. He has not publicly commented on the divorce or his romantic status.

The implication: Artem appears focused on his career and co-parenting, avoiding the spotlight.

Summary: The financial and emotional bottom line

Nikki Garcia’s journey from WWE star to divorced mother of one involves two very different relationships. With John Cena, she got a public platform and a broken engagement. With Artem Chigvintsev, she got the family she wanted — and then a costly divorce. The settlement — $200,000 plus $3,500 monthly child support — ensures Artem can co-parent without financial strain. For Nikki, the trade-off is clear: she keeps her trusts and her freedom, but the price of a failed marriage is etched into court records. For fans watching her story, the lesson is less about regret and more about timing: what you want at 35 may not be what you want at 40, and the legal system will remember the difference.