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The honeymoon is over for Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev. On Aug. 29, the Dancing With the Stars champion was arrested for domestic violence in Napa Valley. Since then Chigvintsev has been released on a $25,000 bail. Garcia’s rep issued a statement asking for privacy regarding the matter. But the Total Bellas star was spotted out in public this past weekend without her wedding ring.
According to TMZ, the star is already making plans to divorce her husband. The couple are parents to son Matteo, 4, who was born in July, 2020. Two years later the couple tied the knot in August, 2022. They had celebrated their wedding anniversary three days before Chigvintsev’s arrest.
For some people the news about Nikki and Artem came as a shock. The pair seemed like a perfect match, and Chigvintsev was an upgrade from Garcia’s ex-fiance John Cena. Yet, as seen on their reality TV series Total Bellas, things weren’t always great. The pair had their fair share of arguments, some of which were pretty intense.
Here’s a look at some of their famous arguments featured on the show.
5. Nikki Garcia Backtracks on Asking Artem Chigvintsev to Move In
Artem Chigvintsev became a cast member of Total Bellas during Season 5. Nikki Garcia wasn’t shy about flaunting her new beau and in the pilot episode put him in an awkward situation. During a recording of her podcast, Nikki surprised Artem by asking him to move in with her. The request caught him off guard, but he agreed to it.
However, after a talk with family and friends, Nikki doubted her decision.
She broke the news to Artem the best way she knew, with a trip to the lingerie store. After trying on some sexy outfits, Nikki sat her boyfriend down for the talk. She explained her concerns how they were moving too fast and thought they shouldn’t move in together right away. Artem was hurt by the news, as he explained in a confessional, when he agrees to something he’s one-hundred percent committed.
Although he was upset about not moving in together, he agreed to Nikki’s request that they wait. It would be the first in a long list of instances where he had to sacrifice something to make her happy.
4. He Contemplated Not Going Through With The Wedding
The couple’s nuptials is featured on the spinoff Nikki Bella Says I Do. While the wedding was supposed to be a happy occasion, it wasn’t without drama.
On the big day, Artem was stressed when he couldn’t find the rings. When he called his bride-to-be, she claimed she didn’t have them, and became a bit exasperated. But she calmed down and came up with a solution for the ring problem.
Unfortunately, the groom didn’t agree with her idea.
Minutes before the ceremony, he was brooding in the hall, wondering if they should call off the wedding. After a pep talk from his friend and Brie Garcia, Artem overcame his fears and married his beautiful bride.
3. The Couple Disagreed About Who Gets Matteo
Season 6 of Total Bellas revolved around Nikki and Artem prepping for their son Matteo’s arrival. When she broached the topic of Artem’s will, he revealed he didn’t have one. While Nikki was concerned, she put the discussion on hold to enjoy a camping trip with her family.
However, the topic came up when Brie asked if the couple had a will. Then Nikki’s mother Kathy asked who would get custody of Matteo if they were to split up. Nikki said Matteo would stay with her, but Artem felt Matteo should stay with him because of Nikki’s travel schedule. When she brought up DWTS, Artem responded he wasn’t doing the show at the moment.
It was a sore subject for the couple, who later resolved the issue when Artem agreed to make a will. Given the recent turn of events, the couple will be arguing about custody once again.
2. Nikki Bella Sparks Artem Chigvintsev’s Jealousy on Total Bellas
Early in their relationship, everything was lovey-dovey with the couple. But a romantic night out turned sour.
Nikki had been busy with work, and Artem wanted to spend some time with his girlfriend. So when Nikki and Brie were hosting a party at a club, he showed up to surprise her. Yet, he’s the one who was left surprised.
A drunk Nikki danced with another man, which sparked Artem’s jealousy. The DWTS pro tried to talk to his girlfriend, but Nikki ignored him and focused on her new friend. An angry Artem then stormed out with Brie following, trying to talk to him. But he was too emotional to listen to anyone and decided to leave.
When Nikki arrived home, the couple continued arguing with neither willing to say they’re wrong. The next day, they both explained their side of the situation. They agreed to put the incident behind them and move on.
1. Nikki Didn’t Want Matteo Traveling With Artem
Days before the couple’s Paris wedding, they had a huge argument. Artem was set to take their son on a trip to Turkey to visit Artem’s parents. Meanwhile, Nikki was staying in Paris to finish the wedding plans.
Like any mother, Nikki had separation anxiety. Before the trip, she had dozens of questions to make sure Matteo’s need would be met. This made Artem feel as if Nikki didn’t trust him and she didn’t want them to go.
The trip was important to him because he hadn’t seen his family in years. It would also be the first time his parents met Matteo. He explained this in a conversation with Brie, who informed the couple they needed to better communicate their feelings.
When Artem finally arrived back in Paris, he and Nikki had another little spat about the matter, but eventually made up.
