Nikki Bella, one of the most celebrated athletes in recent wrestling history, has often found her personal life drawing as much attention as her time in the ring. With the John Cena impact on Nikki Bella relationships and breakup remaining a continual point of public discussion, her high-profile romances and their outcomes have left fans and the media fascinated. Bella’s ties with both WWE icon John Cena and acclaimed dancer Artem Chigvintsev set the stage for breakups that resonated far beyond personal circles, raising questions about happiness, fulfillment, and the challenges of maintaining love in the limelight.
Inside the squared circle, Bella built an impressive career as a two-time Divas Champion and became the longest-reigning holder of that title, leading a transformative era for women in WWE. Despite these achievements, Bella’s private relationships were often turbulent. Her connection with Cena attracted extensive publicity, especially after their much-publicized engagement at WrestleMania 33. However, as time passed, Bella faced doubts regarding John Cena’s approach to their partnership, leading to their split just before their planned wedding.
Turning to Artem Chigvintsev After Breaking Up with John Cena
In the aftermath of ending things with John Cena, Nikki Bella found herself reconnecting with Artem Chigvintsev, whom she initially met during her stint on Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars. Their renewed romance became public knowledge in 2019 and quickly progressed, resulting in the birth of their son Matteo in July 2020. The couple didn’t hide their affection, with Bella often declaring her passion for Chigvintsev in interviews and social media posts, captivating fans and onlookers alike.
The chemistry between Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev was a defining feature of their relationship. Bella was open not only about their deep connection but also about the physical side of their romance. On an episode of The Bella Twins podcast, reported by The Sun, Bella showered praise on Chigvintsev’s abilities as a partner, making statements that drew both surprise and mockery from the public over time. Her unfiltered comments about their intimacy caused conversations to swirl throughout the fanbase.
“Oh, 100 percent. The best I’ve ever had. Like, the v**ina smiles every time. Artem and I have an amazing s*x life. When they say dancers are the best, let me tell ya… Once you have a dancer, you don’t go back. That’s it. If he leaves me, I’m going to the ballet every night because that’s that. The best I’ve ever had. Like, the v**ina smiles every time.”
—Nikki Bella, The Bella Twins podcast
Bella further emphasized her admiration for Chigvintsev’s dancer physique and performance, citing how his attributes set him apart and changed her perceptions of intimacy. She continued her praises by discussing the flair dancers bring to their relationships, arguing they possess a blend of energies that ultimately benefit their partners.
“Artem and I have an amazing s*x life. [Dancers] have, like, this feminine energy and then when it gets to the bedroom, that’s when the man comes out. And you’re like, ‘Whoa.’ And how he works my body, he dances on it.”
—Nikki Bella, The Bella Twins podcast
Openly candid about her experiences, Nikki Bella detailed how intimacy with Chigvintsev felt transformative compared to previous relationships, underscoring the extent to which the John Cena impact on Nikki Bella relationships and breakup shifted the narrative within her personal life.
Consequences of Public Praise and a Difficult Divorce
Bella’s enthusiastic revelations about her private life eventually became controversial after her marriage with Artem Chigvintsev ended under difficult circumstances. The union began with promise but concluded in 2024 amid serious allegations. In August 2024, Chigvintsev faced legal repercussions, being charged with corporal injury to a spouse, a development that brought further scrutiny to their relationship.
The incident pushed Bella to file for divorce shortly after, citing irreconcilable differences as the cause. This dramatic turn forced a reevaluation of the earlier highly public praise Bella had given her now-estranged spouse, which, in retrospect, seemed unsettling to parts of her fanbase. Insights from sources close to the couple confirmed that there was no hope for a reconciliation, illustrating just how far matters had shifted from earlier days.
“There’s no going back. Nikki doesn’t even recognize Artem as the man she married.”
—Unnamed source, Life & Style magazine
By 2025, Bella finalized the divorce, reportedly accepting terms that she considered worthwhile for the sake of peace. This chapter provided her with a significant lesson in love and relationships, highlighting the unpredictability that can come with high-profile unions. However, it also underscored the long-standing impact that the John Cena breakup had on her outlook, public image, and choices, both romantic and personal.
Fan Reaction and Ongoing Public Scrutiny
Despite seeking personal peace, Nikki Bella continued to encounter skepticism and criticism from segments of her fan base. Her early openness about her relationship with Artem Chigvintsev was later scrutinized as fans reflected on the sequence of events. Further, appearances such as her recent stint on Monday Night RAW were met with polarized reactions, reminding her that public sentiment can be challenging to sway, especially after so many personal revelations and public breakups connected to figures like John Cena and Artem Chigvintsev.
The evolving dynamic between public personas and their fans was evident in the aftermath of Bella’s decisions. While her athletic accomplishments as a Divas Champion for WWE and her efforts to shift the perception of women’s wrestling were widely celebrated, her willingness to discuss intimate personal matters received mixed responses, often becoming a lens for judgment and debate around the John Cena impact on Nikki Bella relationships and breakup.
Questions remain about how much public exposure should shape future relationships for high-profile athletes and performers. Bella’s journey through romance, heartbreak, and public revelation continues to spark conversations about privacy, public image, and the challenges of balancing a personal life under an intense spotlight. As she forges ahead, the wrestler and television personality carries lessons from the complications and reactions tied to her relationships, shaping the path forward both personally and professionally.
