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The $200K Fallout: 5 Shocking Facts About Nikki Bella's Ex-Husband, Artem Chigvintsev, After Their Divorce

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The narrative surrounding Nikki Bella’s marriage has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn, solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about celebrity splits of the year. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the WWE Hall of Famer, who now goes by her birth name Nikki Garcia, has officially finalized her divorce from her husband, professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, concluding a relationship that began on the set of *Dancing with the Stars*. This article dives deep into the identity of her former partner, the startling details of their separation, and the latest updates on his life and career, moving far beyond the scripted drama of reality television. This comprehensive report, updated for December 21, 2025, provides the freshest, most current details on the man who was once the center of Nikki Garcia's world, including a massive financial settlement and the highly publicized legal troubles that preceded their split.

Artem Chigvintsev: A Professional Dancer’s Journey and Full Biography

The man formerly known as Nikki Bella's husband, Artem Vladimirovich Chigvintsev, is a celebrated Russian-American professional dancer and choreographer. His career is defined by his success in the world of competitive ballroom dancing and his tenure on two major international reality television shows. Artem’s biography is a testament to his dedication to dance, a passion he inherited from his mother and pursued from a young age.
  • Full Name: Artem Vladimirovich Chigvintsev
  • Date of Birth: June 12, 1982
  • Age: 43 (as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Izhevsk, Russian SFSR, USSR (now Russia)
  • Nationality: Russian-American
  • Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
  • Profession: Professional Latin Dancer, Choreographer, Television Personality
  • Notable TV Roles: *Strictly Come Dancing* (UK), *Dancing with the Stars* (US), *Total Bellas*
  • DWTS Highlights: Joined as a pro in Season 19. Won Season 29 with partner Kaitlyn Bristowe.
  • Spouse (Former): Nikki Garcia (m. 2022; div. 2024)
  • Child: Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev (b. 2020)
  • Prior Marriage: Giselle Peacock (married 2004–2006)
Artem's rise to fame began in the UK on *Strictly Come Dancing*, where he competed for four seasons. However, he became a household name in the United States on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), where he was a fixture for many years. It was during his time on DWTS in 2017 that he was partnered with Nikki Bella, a pairing that eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship following her split from John Cena.

The Tumultuous Timeline: From DWTS Partners to Divorced Parents

The relationship between Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia was a central storyline on the E! reality series *Total Bellas*, captivating fans who watched their journey from friendship to engagement and parenthood. The public perception of their romance, however, stands in stark contrast to the dramatic conclusion revealed in the latest court filings.

The Beginnings and the Wedding

The couple officially began dating in January 2019, shortly after Nikki’s high-profile breakup with her former fiancé, John Cena. They became engaged in France in November 2019, though the news wasn't announced until January 2020. Their son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev, was born in July 2020, sharing a birthday with Nikki’s twin sister, Brie Bella’s, second child. After multiple postponements due to the pandemic, the pair finally tied the knot in a private ceremony in Paris, France, in August 2022, a wedding that was documented for a four-part E! special, *Nikki Bella Says I Do*.

The Shocking August 2024 Incident

The foundation of their two-year marriage was shattered by a highly publicized incident in August 2024. Artem Chigvintsev was arrested on a felony domestic violence charge. While the specific details of the incident remain protected by privacy laws for victims of domestic violence, the arrest itself sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and ultimately led to the end of their marriage. The Napa County District Attorney’s office later announced that Chigvintsev would not face criminal charges, but the damage to the relationship was irreparable. Nikki Garcia filed for divorce soon after, citing irreconcilable differences.

The Financial Aftermath: Divorce Settlement Details Revealed

The finalization of the divorce between Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev in late 2024 brought to light surprising financial details, directly answering the public's curiosity about how the assets and custody were divided. The settlement has been widely reported, focusing on a significant payment from the former WWE star.

1. The $200,000 Payout

In what was reported as a six-figure settlement, Nikki Garcia was ordered to pay Artem Chigvintsev a lump sum of $200,000. This substantial payment was part of the final divorce agreement, though Nikki retained control of her primary business ventures and assets. This detail is a key piece of fresh information, highlighting the financial cost of the split and the complexity of dividing assets in a short, high-net-worth marriage.

2. The Monthly Child Support Obligation

In addition to the one-time settlement, Nikki Garcia is required to pay Artem $3,500 per month in child support for their son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev. The former couple stated that their primary focus throughout the mediation process was the protection and well-being of their only child. The agreement granted both parents legal and physical custody, ensuring that Matteo remains a central part of both their lives.

3. Artem’s Post-DWTS Career Pivot

Following the August 2024 incident and the subsequent divorce filing, Artem Chigvintsev was reportedly not asked back for the following season of *Dancing with the Stars*. Court documents related to the divorce settlement revealed that the professional dancer had taken on a new, unexpected job: construction work. While he later expressed that the job felt "beneath him," this career pivot underscores the significant life and professional changes that followed the end of his marriage and his departure from the hit reality show. He has since been invited to return for a DWTS 20th anniversary special, suggesting a potential return to the dance floor is possible, but his immediate career path saw a dramatic shift.

Nikki Garcia’s New Chapter and Moving Forward

With the divorce finalized, Nikki Garcia has been vocal about the "heartbreak" of the situation on her SiriusXM podcast, but she is clearly focused on her new chapter. She has firmly shut down recent rumors linking her romantically to NFL cornerback Cooper DeJean, emphasizing her current priority is her son and her professional life. The split from Artem Chigvintsev marks the definitive end of the "Nikki Bella" era, as she embraces her identity as Nikki Garcia and moves forward as a single mother. The public breakup, the specific financial details of the settlement, and the shocking career change of her former husband provide a compelling and current narrative that has completely redefined the lives of both reality stars. The journey from a fairytale reality TV romance to a $200,000 divorce settlement proves that even the most public relationships hold private, complex, and often painful truths.
husband of nikki bella
husband of nikki bella

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