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The Shocking Truth About Nikki Bella's Ex-Husband: Who Is Artem Chigvintsev And Why Was She Ordered To Pay Him $200K?

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The conversation surrounding Nikki Bella’s marriage took a dramatic and unexpected turn in late 2024, shifting the narrative from a fairy-tale romance to a highly public and complicated divorce. As of December 2025, the man formerly known as the "husband of Nikki Bella" is the professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, though their relationship is now legally concluded. The former WWE star, who now goes by her married name Nikki Garcia, ended her two-year marriage with Chigvintsev, a separation that became a major news story due to a felony domestic violence arrest and a surprising financial settlement that saw Nikki ordered to pay her ex-husband a significant sum. The latest and most compelling update involves the finalization of their divorce and the specific terms of the settlement. The public was shocked to learn that Nikki Garcia was ordered to pay Chigvintsev a one-time settlement of $200,000, in addition to $3,500 per month in child support for their son, Matteo Chigvintsev, despite the controversy surrounding their split. This financial arrangement highlights the complex legal and personal aftermath of their high-profile relationship.

Artem Chigvintsev: Complete Professional Biography and Profile

Artem Chigvintsev is a highly acclaimed professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality who gained international fame on the competitive dance circuit before becoming a staple on global reality television.

  • Full Name: Artem Vladimirovich Chigvintsev
  • Date of Birth: June 12, 1982
  • Age (as of 2025): 43
  • Place of Birth: Izhevsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)
  • Nationality: Russian-American
  • Known For: Professional Dancer on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) and Strictly Come Dancing (UK)
  • DWTS Debut: Season 19 (2014)
  • DWTS Win: Season 29 (2020) with celebrity partner Kaitlyn Bristowe.
  • Strictly Come Dancing Win: Series 8 (2010) with celebrity partner Kara Tointon.
  • Son with Nikki Bella/Garcia: Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev (Born July 31, 2020)
  • Marriage Date to Nikki Bella: August 26, 2022 (in Paris, France)

Before his television career, Chigvintsev was a prominent figure in the professional Latin dance world, beginning his career in America in 2003. His success on the UK's Strictly Come Dancing led him to join the US version, Dancing with the Stars, where he has been a consistent fan favorite and a celebrated choreographer, even receiving an Emmy Award nomination for his work. His career is defined by his intense dedication to dance and his ability to transform celebrity partners into serious contenders for the Mirrorball Trophy.

The Tumultuous Relationship Timeline: From DWTS Partner to Divorce

The relationship between Nikki Bella (now Nikki Garcia) and Artem Chigvintsev began in an environment of high-pressure celebrity competition, which eventually blossomed into a deep romantic bond that captured the attention of fans worldwide.

How Nikki and Artem Met

Nikki and Artem first met and were partnered together during Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars in 2017. At the time, Nikki was famously engaged to fellow WWE superstar John Cena. After her high-profile split from Cena in 2018, Nikki and Artem began dating privately in late 2018, publicly confirming their relationship in March 2019. This transition from professional partners to romantic partners became a central storyline on her reality show, Total Bellas.

Engagement, Son, and Wedding

The couple announced their engagement in January 2020, revealing that Artem had proposed to Nikki in France in November 2019. Just a few months later, they welcomed their son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev, on July 31, 2020, just one day before Nikki's twin sister, Brie Bella, also gave birth. They finally tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Paris, France, on August 26, 2022, a wedding that was documented for a four-part E! special, Nikki Bella Says I Do.

The Shocking 2024 Arrest and Divorce Settlement Details

The seemingly happy marriage was shattered in 2024 by a series of events that led to a dramatic and definitive conclusion, making their divorce one of the most talked-about celebrity splits of the year.

The Domestic Violence Allegation and Arrest

In 2024, Artem Chigvintsev was arrested in Napa County, California, on suspicion of felony domestic violence. The arrest sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, especially given his public persona. Following the arrest, Nikki Garcia broke her silence, asking for privacy for her family. However, the legal proceedings took an important turn when the Napa County District Attorney’s Office announced there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Chigvintsev, and the case was dropped.

Nikki Files for Divorce and the Financial Shock

Shortly after the controversy, in September 2024, Nikki Garcia filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was quickly finalized, but the settlement terms were highly surprising to the public and media. The agreement included:

  • Shared Custody: The former couple agreed to share joint legal and physical custody of their son, Matteo.
  • Child Support Payments: Nikki Garcia was ordered to pay Artem Chigvintsev $3,500 per month in child support.
  • The $200,000 Settlement: In a separate financial arrangement, Nikki was ordered to pay her ex-husband a one-time settlement of $200,000.

The requirement for Nikki to pay child support and the substantial settlement is a result of California's community property and child support laws, which factor in the income disparity between the two parties. While Nikki Garcia (as a successful entrepreneur, WWE Hall of Famer, and reality star) retains control of her businesses and assets, the settlement reflects a legal balancing of their financial standings and the court's commitment to ensuring the child’s well-being is supported by both parents, regardless of who initiated the divorce. The final decree marks the end of the "Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev" chapter, with both now navigating life as co-parents in a new, legally defined relationship.

husband of nikki bella
husband of nikki bella

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