The story of John Cena and Nikki Bella relationship timeline and breakup is one of the most memorable love sagas ever in professional wrestling, captivating millions across the globe with every stage of their romance. Their highly-publicized relationship and eventual split drew intense interest, transforming them into one of WWE’s most-discussed couples and leaving fans everywhere questioning what truly led to their untimely separation.
The Rise of a Wrestling Power Couple
The connection between John Cena and Nikki Bella broke the typical mold for celebrity romances. From their strong partnership in and out of the ring to moments together on reality television and at red carpet events, every chapter of their relationship unfolded in the public eye. Their affection was easy to spot, whether competing at WWE events or sharing glimpses into their private lives, cementing their status as a beloved couple for fans and media alike.
Unlike many celebrity couples, Cena and Bella did not keep their love hidden. Their journey–marked by interviews, personal revelations, and major WWE milestones–became entertainment for a global audience, turning even intimate moments into pop culture moments. Their 2017 engagement, announced before a roaring crowd at WrestleMania 33, marked an electrifying high point in their relationship and the wrestling world as a whole.
But for all the affection and attention, their love story was destined for a challenging ending. The news of their split in 2018 became front-page material, sparking widespread speculation. As their relationship reached new heights, so did the scrutiny, with both John Cena and Nikki Bella trying to stay true to themselves under the weight of unmatched expectations and public attention.
What Led to John Cena and Nikki Bella’s Breakup?
Fans who watched John Cena and Nikki Bella from the start were stunned by their breakup, especially after the headline-making WrestleMania 33 proposal. The wrestling world and entertainment media were abuzz, as the couple–once seemingly inseparable–announced the end of their engagement just one year after Cena proposed in the middle of the ring in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium.
Their reasons for parting ways ran deeper than public appearances suggested. Nikki Bella made it clear that her dream was to start a family, get married, and raise children. John Cena, however, had repeatedly emphasized his reluctance about having kids. Though he appeared to reconsider to support Nikki’s wishes, she sensed Cena’s uncertainty about fully embracing fatherhood, leading to difficult decisions about their future.
Reflecting on that chapter, Nikki shared her feelings in an interview with Entertainment Tonight:
“You almost wish it was bad, because it’s so much easier to walk away. It’s so much harder to walk away when it’s loving.”
—Nikki Bella, WWE Superstar
Delving deeper into why things fell apart, Nikki spoke candidly on the Better Together podcast:
“Overall, we did have such an incredible relationship, it was just two people that wanted two different lives. We were trying so hard to make it one. Even in the end when he was willing to give me kids, I could just tell, it’s not what he wanted. And that’s really what pushed me in the end.”
—Nikki Bella, WWE Superstar
The emotional strain of the breakup was as visible as their romance had once been. Despite a loving connection and years spent growing together, the realization that they wanted fundamentally different things drew a line they could not cross. Nikki Bella’s desire to have children clashed with Cena’s authentic feelings, even if he appeared willing initially. Their split in 2018 shocked the wrestling universe and forced both stars to search for happiness separately.
Fans and even fellow WWE personalities referenced the breakup, sometimes using it as a talking point in the ongoing spectacle of the industry, illustrating how deeply intertwined Cena and Bella’s romance had become with the public imagination.
How John Cena and Nikki Bella Became a Couple
Before their relationship became one of wrestling’s biggest love stories, John Cena and Nikki Bella built a friendship based on mutual respect and shared passion for the world of WWE. Over time, their bond deepened, leading Cena to ask Nikki out on a date in 2012, setting the foundation for a nearly eight-year romance that would capture the spotlight.
Recollecting their first outing, Nikki shared a memorable story with WWE:
“On my best first date, there was a very big, handsome man with an amazing smile and dimples. Even though we were both out of town, he came to my hotel and picked me up as if we were in the same city, and took me to a nice steakhouse. We just talked and chatted for hours. That first one went into the second one where we just had an amazing dance in the middle of the restaurant. No one’s ever done that with me, and yes, that was John. So he’s awesome.”
—Nikki Bella, WWE Superstar
By 2013, the couple made a significant commitment and decided to live together. However, Cena’s approach showed his practical side: before Nikki moved in, she was asked to sign a detailed 75-page agreement. This extensive contract formally labeled her as a guest and laid out specific expectations, reflecting Cena’s careful nature and the importance he placed on protecting his family’s interests.
Cena spoke openly about this unusual arrangement on the Today Show:
“I was very abrasive and stern.”
—John Cena, Professional Wrestler and Actor
“And she had to sign this huge, crazy agreement just to come in the front door.”
—John Cena, Professional Wrestler and Actor
Further comparing the legal document to home security, he explained to Bella’s brother on Total Bellas:
“It is like buying a handgun for home defense.”
—John Cena, Professional Wrestler and Actor
“And those who buy a handgun for self-defense pray, pray they never have to use it. Without it, it’s a dogfight. With it, it is very easy.”
—John Cena, Professional Wrestler and Actor
For many, the agreement signaled Cena’s desire for control and his serious approach to relationships–factors that would shape the dynamics between him and Nikki throughout their time together.
The Ring Proposal That Captivated the Wrestling World
WrestleMania 33 in 2017 remains a historic event, not just for its all-star matches, but also for John Cena’s public marriage proposal to Nikki Bella. The Orlando arena buzzed with energy as Cena and Nikki teamed up to beat The Miz and Maryse in a Mixed Tag Team Match. Then, in a defining moment, Cena grabbed a microphone and proposed to Nikki on WWE’s grandest stage, surrounded by thousands of fans and millions watching worldwide.
This extraordinary gesture was celebrated as one of the sport’s most dramatic and heartfelt proposals. The union of two wrestling icons, witnessed by both a live and televised audience, became part of WWE and pop culture history, raising hopes that the fairy-tale would soon be complete.
After the Split: Where Life Took John Cena and Nikki Bella
Though their engagement came to an abrupt end in 2018, both John Cena and Nikki Bella continued making headlines and building new careers, turning the page while still under intense public focus. Neither shied away from challenging themselves post-breakup, with each person striving to redefine their legacy beyond their former relationship.
Cena remained visible within WWE, occasionally appearing at major events. His wrestling career reached new heights in 2017 when he tied Ric Flair’s legendary record with a 16th world championship. Yet, as time passed, Cena shifted his focus toward acting, starring in global blockbusters such as F9, The Suicide Squad, and the Peacemaker series. Visionaries like James Gunn voiced admiration for his crossover success as Cena evolved from wrestling superstar to Hollywood action hero and comedic talent.
Nikki Bella also made significant changes after the relationship’s conclusion. She opted to step away from full-time wrestling, but continued to surprise fans with sporadic WWE appearances, including an emotional return at the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble. Off the mat, Nikki directed her energy toward building a lifestyle brand, launching and hosting podcasts, television projects, and prioritizing her role as a mother.
Despite ending things as a couple, both Cena and Bella found new avenues for happiness and professional achievement, showing that it was possible to thrive after one of wrestling’s most high-profile breakups.
New Relationships for Both Superstars
In the years following their separation, both Nikki Bella and John Cena found love again and took fresh steps in their personal lives. Nikki developed a relationship with Artem Chigvintsev, whom she met on the television dance competition Dancing with the Stars. Their romance blossomed into an engagement in 2019, followed by the birth of their son, Matteo, in 2020, and their wedding in 2022. Nikki often expressed her happiness with her new family dynamic as she embarked on this chapter.
Not everything went smoothly for Nikki and Artem—despite their joyful milestones, Artem was arrested for domestic violence (although charges were later dropped), and Nikki filed for divorce soon after. Today, they continue to co-parent Matteo, emphasizing their commitment to their son regardless of romantic status.
John Cena, meanwhile, built a quieter personal life with Shay Shariatzadeh, a Canadian engineer. Their romance began around the time Cena was filming the movie Playing with Fire, and the duo kept much of their relationship away from the headlines. The couple eventually married in a private ceremony in 2020, choosing a more understated approach compared to Cena’s previous public relationship, and have since managed to maintain a private lifestyle together.
Nikki Bella’s Triumphant Return to WWE
After time away from the spotlight, Nikki Bella made a striking comeback to WWE, much to the excitement of passionate wrestling fans. Her surprise entry as number 30 at the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble led to a memorable elimination of Bayley and a near-final four placement, immediately proving she still belonged in the top-tier of the division.
The excitement continued as Nikki appeared on Monday Night Raw to help promote the highly-anticipated Evolution 2 all-women’s event. Phoenix’s arena erupted as she was welcomed back, though tensions ran high after a surprise attack from Liv Morgan, hinting that Nikki’s involvement was about more than just a guest appearance. While fans remain unsure whether this marks a permanent return, Nikki has certainly ignited new storylines and brought renewed excitement to WWE’s women’s roster.
The Enduring Legacy of John Cena and Nikki Bella’s Love Story
The John Cena and Nikki Bella relationship timeline and breakup remains significant not just for its entertainment value but for the way it highlighted the personal challenges faced by public figures living under constant scrutiny. Although their heartfelt romance and its sudden end shocked fans everywhere, both superstars demonstrated resilience by forging new paths after heartbreak.
The story continues to be referenced in WWE and wider entertainment circles, offering insights into the realities of balancing love, personal goals, and public life. For Cena and Bella, the journey from close friends to wrestling’s leading couple, and ultimately to separate futures, stands as an emotional testament to their personalities and ambitions. As they move forward—both in their personal lives and professional pursuits—their legacies show the world how determination, honesty, and passion can shape even the most public of love stories.
