Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev’s Tumultuous Relationship: A Look at Their Highs and Lows — From Their ‘DWTS’ Meeting to His Shocking Arrest

Nikki Garcia first met Artem Chigvintsev when they were partnered on Season 25 of Dancing With the Stars in 2017. At the time, Nikki, a retired professional wrestler, was still engaged to John Cena. According to Sydtomarket.net she and Artem made it to the seventh week before being eliminated from the competition.

April 2018

After six years together, Nikki and Cena ended their relationship and called off their engagement. In a statement shared with Us Weekly, they expressed, “While this decision was a difficult one, we continue to have a great deal of love and respect for one another. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time in our lives.”

January 2019

Shortly after her split from Cena, Nikki began spending more time with Artem. They reconnected for lunch in late 2018, and by January 2019, the Total Bellas episode confirmed their blossoming relationship. “The last time I saw Artem I was in a relationship for so long, so I’m just really excited to see him today,” Nikki shared. Insiders revealed that the two had been seeing each other for a while but were taking things slow. Their first date was at a farmer’s market in Studio City, setting the stage for what would become a whirlwind romance.

March 2019

Rumors of their romance began circulating after Nikki and Artem were spotted sharing a kiss at lunch. Nikki later confirmed the rumors on The Bellas Podcast, where she revealed that she had spent the night at Artem’s house. She also made their relationship Instagram official, posting a sweet photo of her kissing Artem on the cheek. Despite their connection, Nikki admitted to People that she was “not fully taken” at the time, though the pair continued to be seen together.

October 2019

The couple made their red carpet debut at the Kids’ Choice Sports Awards. By this time, Nikki had taken a significant step by moving in with Artem. She told Life & Style, “I was supposed to do a show in New Zealand right when my lease was up. Then I couldn’t do the show but had given up my place, so I was like, ‘Hey, can I live with you?’”

November 2019

Their relationship reached a new milestone when Artem proposed to Nikki during a romantic trip to France in November 2019. However, the couple chose to keep the engagement private until January 2020. That same month, they shared the news that they were expecting their first child together.

February 2020

The couple gushed about their love on social media during Valentine’s Day 2020. Artem posted, “Happy Valentine my love ❤️ I’m so excited for what’s ahead of us. You are one of a kind, and I wouldn’t change a thing.” Nikki echoed the sentiment, thanking Artem for putting up with her and acknowledging that they were on the right path together.

July 2020

On July 31, 2020, Nikki and Artem welcomed their first child, a baby boy. However, the journey to motherhood wasn’t without its challenges. Nikki opened up about her postpartum struggles, admitting that it took a toll on her relationship. “Postpartum has knocked me on my a–,” she confessed, adding that there were times she even felt resentment toward Artem. Despite the difficult moments, the couple continued to navigate their new life as parents.

2021

Though the couple was engaged, they postponed their wedding several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and their baby’s arrival. Nikki assured fans that they were stronger than ever, despite the delays. She explained that the main holdup was ensuring Artem’s Russian parents could attend the wedding, which had become difficult due to travel restrictions.

August 2022

After much anticipation, Nikki and Artem finally tied the knot in a romantic ceremony in Paris. The wedding marked the beginning of a new chapter for the couple, who had faced several obstacles in the years leading up to their big day.

January 2023

In early 2023, Nikki addressed rumors about the legitimacy of their marriage, confirming that they were legally married both in France and the United States. “We’re legally married in France and in the United States,” she clarified during an interview with Us Weekly. “People searched, didn’t find it, and assumed it wasn’t official, but it’s on paper, on TV, and in real life.”

August 2024

Just days after celebrating their second wedding anniversary, Artem found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. On August 29, 2024, he was arrested in Napa Valley on charges of corporal injury to a spouse. According to reports, Artem was booked into Napa County Jail but was released shortly afterward. Nikki’s representative asked for privacy during this difficult time. Two days later, Nikki was spotted boarding a private plane in Oakland, notably without her wedding ring.