Long before Nikki Garcia’s marriage to Artem Chigvintsev, she was in another high-profile relationship. From 2012 to 2018, she was involved with wrestler/actor John Cena. The two met while in WWE, and their relationship was featured on Total Divas and Total Bellas. The couple took the wrestling and entertainment world by storm as cameras tracked their every move.
Like many celebrity couples, Garcia and Cena received criticism. The negative comments ranged from their relationship being a PR stunt to the pair being too high-maintenance. However, a former co-worker claims that’s not the case.
Former WWE wrestler EC3 recently appeared on Sportskeeda’s The Wrestling Outlaws podcast and discussed the ex-couple. “As for John and Nikki, anytime I saw them together, they were always, had good chemistry. Fun to be around you know,” he explained. “I didn’t go on too many double dates with them. I went on one double date with Nikki and Daniel Bryan and Brie at one point, and that was a lot of fun.”
Nikki Garcia and John Cena Split Because of a Disagreement About Having Kids
As with many couples, marriage and kids were a topic often discussed for Garcia and Cena. Garcia expressed her desire to be a wife and mother. However, Cena who was divorced, vowed not to marry again. He also said he didn’t want children because of his hectic work schedule.
Despite their difference of opinion, the couple stayed together. In a surprising move, John changed his stance on marriage and proposed to Nikki at WrestleMania 33.
Although he was willing to give her marriage, children were out of the question. The couple continued to discuss the matter and Cena seemed open to becoming a dad. However, despite his change of heart, Nikki ended their engagement.
After her break up with Cena, Garcia began dating Chigvintsev in 2019. The couple met in 2017 when they were paired together for Season 25 of Dancing With the Stars. They became engaged in November 2019 and in July 2020, Garcia gave birth to their son Matteo.
Two years after becoming engaged, the couple tied the knot in August 2022. However, her hopes for a fairy-tale life were shattered.
Chigvintsev was arrested on Aug. 29, 2024, for domestic violence, just days after the couple’s second wedding anniversary. On September 11th, Garcia filed for divorce and things are looking tough for the former Divas Champion.
Yet, she’s receiving a lot of support from friends and colleagues, including EC3.
My only concern is you Nikki. That you see yourself through this, that you stay strong for you, your child, the Bella family, and anybody out there lost and looking for love. So take this time, heal, and if you need anything, I will be on Instagram DMing you to no response.
