Nikki Garcia, formerly known as WWE star Nikki Bella, marked a significant personal and professional milestone with her appearance at the premiere of WWE’s Monday Night Raw on Netflix. This red carpet event, held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, signified Garcia’s return to the world of professional wrestling, the arena where she first rose to prominence. Choosing a striking red leather ensemble, Garcia’s presence was noteworthy not only for its connection to her wrestling past, but also because it marked her first major public appearance since finalizing her divorce from dancer Artem Chigvintsev. This return to the spotlight symbolized a new chapter for Garcia, a “moving-on era,” as some have termed it, following a challenging period in her personal life.
Garcia’s return to the WWE fold comes after a two-year hiatus from the organization, a period during which she and her twin sister, Brie Garcia, also known as Brie Bella, concluded their professional affiliation with the wrestling giant. The Netflix premiere event coincided with the finalization of Garcia’s divorce from Chigvintsev, the father of her four-year-old son, Matteo. The divorce proceedings, initiated in the wake of a domestic dispute, concluded in November 2024, with both parties agreeing to drop restraining orders and focus on co-parenting their son. Garcia’s representative emphasized her commitment to her son’s well-being and her desire for privacy during the challenging time.
The circumstances surrounding Garcia and Chigvintsev’s separation stemmed from an alleged altercation in Napa, California, in August 2024. Chigvintsev was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery and booked on a felony domestic violence charge, although prosecutors later declined to file charges. Following the incident, both Garcia and Chigvintsev filed for divorce. The divorce proceedings, while finalized relatively quickly, represented a painful chapter for Garcia, who openly expressed her heartbreak over the dissolution of her marriage.
Garcia’s public statements following the divorce revealed the emotional toll the separation took on her. Speaking on her podcast, “The Nikki & Brie Show,” which she co-hosts with her sister, Garcia candidly discussed the pain of seeing a once-loving relationship transform into a source of immense hurt. She described the experience as going from a “great love story to a terrible one,” underscoring the emotional whiplash and sense of loss she experienced. She further acknowledged the lasting impact of the divorce, describing it as taking a piece of her heart that would never fully recover. Despite the pain, Garcia expressed her determination to find strength and rebuild her life, focusing on her son and her own personal growth.
The relationship between Garcia and Chigvintsev began in 2017 when they partnered on the 25th season of “Dancing With the Stars.” Their initial professional collaboration blossomed into a romantic relationship in 2019. The couple welcomed their son, Matteo, in 2020 and subsequently married in 2022. The seemingly idyllic trajectory of their relationship, marked by public displays of affection and the joy of parenthood, ultimately took a devastating turn with the events of 2024. The divorce marked a painful end to what had once appeared to be a fairytale romance.
Garcia’s appearance at the WWE Raw premiere signifies a conscious effort to move forward from the difficult events of the past year. Returning to the environment where she achieved significant success, surrounded by colleagues and fans, can be seen as a reclaiming of her identity and a reaffirmation of her strength. While acknowledging the lasting impact of her divorce, Garcia appears determined to rebuild her life and focus on her future. Her presence at the premiere symbolizes not only a return to the public eye but also a step towards healing and embracing new beginnings. Her choice of attire, a bold and vibrant red, further underscores this message of renewed confidence and a determination to emerge stronger from adversity.
