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Nikki Garcia Breaks Her Silence On “Heartbreaking” Divorce From Artem Chigvintsev
Nikki Garcia is giving a peek into how she’s coping in the wake of her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev.
The Total Bellas alum—who settled her divorce and mutually dropped the dual restraining order with the Dancing With the Stars pro last month—opened up about her journey to healing over the past few months.
“In our strongest moments, we definitely have, then, super weak moments,” Nikki said on the Dec. 15 episode of her The Nikki & Brie Show podcast, “and we just have to figure out how we get through that. What do we do, and who do we need to lean on, and what do we need to bring into our life and surround ourselves with, and what can feed our soul and make us strong?”
The WWE star then shared that those are the questions she has dedicated herself to lately, noting, “It truly helps.”
Nikki also explained how the past few months—which has included Artem’s August arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence (for which he ultimately was not charged) and restraining order filings from both Nikki and Artem that alleging the other person was the aggressor—have prompted her to take account of her life.
“I’ve had bad things happen to me,” she continued. “So, it made me really sit and be like, ‘Why have all these things happened to me?’ But what I’ve realized now in life when things come my way and they’re not right, they’re not good, or they’re bad, whatever it may be, I’m going to sit and try to find the beauty in it and the learning lesson.”
“What am I supposed to learn here?” she explained of the questions she asks herself. “What tool from life am I supposed to take from here to conquer this and overcome it to make my path brighter and better?”
Instagram/Artem Chigvintsev
Nikki—who broke her silence on the pair’s “really tough” divorce during the Dec. 2 episode of her podcast—also discussed the other tools that have helped her through the latest chapter in her life.
“I think what was the best for me was the disconnecting from so much,” she said. “To have been doing the work for so many years leading up that helped prep me and give me a great foundation.”
And with a message to all of her fans, Nikki reminded them of the truth that she’s learned about herself, saying, “I just want you to know that you are so much stronger than you think.”
Keep reading for a look back at Nikki and Artem’s relationship.
Craig Sjodin via Getty Images
A Different Sort of Smooch
Long before the two paired up in real life, Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev were dance partners during DWTS' 25th season back in 2017. Here, Artem kisses the Garcia twin's hand for a promotional shot.
Sunday Fun Day
Just weeks before the pair would go on to publicly confirm their romance, Artem made several appearances on Nikki's Instagram Story and Instagram Live videos before and during Total Bellas. Why?
Nikki explained that Artem would be joining her in live tweeting the episode, though that wasn't the only reason for his social media cameo. "I have a special guest who had a really fun Sunday fun day with me," she told fans in the Live video, before explaining they spent the afternoon enjoying ramen and non-alcoholic beer together.
Instagram/Artem Chigvintsev
Messing Around
Artem followed Nikki's adorable Instagram post with one of his own the following the day. The scenic shot showed a giddy-looking Nikki smiling and covering Artem's face while his arm was wrapped sweetly around her waist.
It's Official!
Trailing Total Bellas' fourth season finale, the WWE star took to Instagram Sunday night, March 24, with an adorable snapshot that saw her planting a sweet kiss on the DWTS pro's cheek.
The photo seemed to reemphasize what the final moments of Sunday's episode already confirmed: that Nikki and Artem are, in fact, doing the romance thing.
"Well after that season finale," she wrote in the post's caption, adding that her and Artem's relationship is the "first thing I'll be talking about" during Wednesday's upcoming episode of The Bellas Podcast. Stay tuned!
Wine Time
Artem and Nikki held hands during a daytime date in Washington, D.C.
Breakfast With the Fam
Nikki's twin sister Brie Bella posted this cute pic of herself and daughter Birdie grabbing breakfast with the couple in April 2019.
Dog Pile
Nikki and Artem snuggled in bed with her pup Winston.
Disney Date
Nikki and Artem cuddle up while in Disney with Brie and her husband Bryan Danielson.
Podcast Official
Artem made his first appearance on the Garcia's podcast in May 2019 and the lovebirds didn't shy away from talking about their relationship.
Music Fest Lovefest
The couple shared a sweet moment in the crowd at the BottleRock music festival.
BottleRock Babes
Artem and Nikki enjoy a weekend getaway to in Napa, Califa.
Birthday Boy
"Happy Birthday to a man who not only makes my face smile, but my heart," Nikki wrote in a tribute to Artem in June 2019. "You're a special one Mr. Chigvintsev! Your relaxing, calm, patient, kind, happy energy and aura is contagious! You truly are the kindest soul I have ever met. Thank you for bringing a lot of sunshine into my life."
Smooch!
Nikki planted a sweet kiss on Arten during a selfie.
Hands Off
The pair snapped a "hands free 10 second selfie."
Instagram / Nikki Bella
Happy
Artem sweept Nikki off her feet! "Lake Tahoe makes my soul smile & my inner child come out and play!" she wrote on Instagram.
Instagram / Nikki Bella
Picture Perfect
Nikki and Artem's Lake Tahoe photo shoot was hotter than the weather on 4th of July.
Desert Selfie
Nikki and Artem soaked up some sun in the desert.
Mexicali Memories
Artem joined Nikki and Brie on a trip to Mexicali as the twins tried to reunite with their estranged father.
Ahem...
Nikki snuck in a selfie amid her attempt to "seduce my way into getting a foot massage."
Instagram/@thenikkibella
Chilling At The Lake
The pair spent quality family time together during a trip to Lake Tahoe in August 2021.
New Beginning
Nikki took to Instagram in August 2019 to share a message about her "new beginning" with Artem.
"As I start a new amazing journey with @totalbellas and my life, my @theartemc is starting the same," the retired WWE star wrote. "And I am so excited for him to be on this journey with me. I'm thankful for him to showcase his life, love, ups and downs not only for me but for my Bella Army and my Total Bellas viewers."
Instagram/@thenikkibella
Vote For Artem!
Nikki encouraged the Bella Army to vote for Artem and his DWTS partner, Melora Hardin, with the adorable pic.
Instagram/@thenikkibella
Couple Goals
Being a supportive wife, Nikki encouraged fans to vote for Artem and partner Heidi D'Amelio on Dancing With the Stars with this cute photo.
Cheers!
Let happy hour for the hardworking couple commence!
Cuddles
Seriously, could they get any cuter?
Together Forever
Nikki and her "4 lifer," as she put it in the caption of this October snap.
Poppin' Bottles
Champagne time.
A Bella Birthday
Artem shared this pic on Nikki's birthday.
"I want to wish the happiest birthday to my beautiful and definitely better other half," he captioned the post. "you are my rock, you have been absolutely incredible as a mom to Matteo and I am so lucky to have you. I want to wish you lots of success, love and happiness and everything you wish for yourself. I love you and miss you and can't wait to see you to celebrate."
Kisses
Muah.
Home Is Wherever I'm With You
"mi casa," Nikki wrote alongside this sweet selfie.
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