Nikki Bella, the former WWE star and "Total Bellas" personality, has broken her silence about her emotional divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, sharing her struggles and priorities as a mother. The revelations come just weeks after their divorce was finalized, marking the end of a turbulent chapter marked by personal heartbreak and public scrutiny.
During a recent episode of "The Nikki & Brie Show" podcast, Bella candidly reflected on the challenges of the past few months. "I'm going to try my best not to get too emotional in this episode," she said, addressing her listeners and sister Brie Garcia. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and fans. "The respect of privacy and space has meant everything," Bella added.
The divorce follows a difficult period that included Chigvintsev's arrest in August on suspicion of felony domestic violence. Prosecutors later declined to press charges, citing insufficient evidence. However, the ordeal left lasting scars on their relationship. Bella described the breakdown of her marriage as an unexpected and devastating turn of events. "You dream of having this family, and you have this incredible love," she said. "And it just goes the other way. You go from having a great love story to having a terrible one."
Bella emphasized the importance of protecting her 4-year-old son Matteo throughout the ordeal. "First things first, I'm a mom, and my son's protection and privacy are the most important," she said. Bella stepped away from social media and public life during this period to focus on her child's well-being and her own healing. She admitted to feeling "shocked, heartbroken, and sad," but made it a priority to ensure Matteo's stability.
The couple's separation was not without complications. Both Bella and Chigvintsev initially filed restraining orders against each other, further highlighting the strain in their relationship. Those orders were later dismissed as the two worked toward finalizing their divorce settlement. Chigvintsev, known for his role on "Dancing with the Stars," disputed Bella's version of events and alleged that she was the aggressor during the confrontation that led to his arrest.
Despite the legal and emotional turmoil, Bella remains focused on the future. "All I need to do is focus on my healing. I need to focus on Matteo's healing," she said, underscoring her resolve to move forward. In an effort to symbolize a fresh start, Bella recently deleted all photos from her Instagram account, signaling a clean slate both publicly and privately.
Chigvintsev, for his part, has emphasized his commitment to his son. "He is my world, and being his father is the greatest blessing in my life," Chigvintsev said in a statement issued in September. He expressed hope for an equal custody arrangement and reiterated his dedication to Matteo's well-being.
The end of Bella and Chigvintsev's marriage brings closure to a relationship that once captivated fans but later unraveled under the weight of personal and public pressures. Bella's decision to speak out reflects her determination to reclaim her narrative and prioritize her family's future.
As she navigates this new chapter, Bella remains resolute. "When you know the truth, nothing else matters," she said, adding that her focus will remain on healing and creating a stable environment for Matteo. While the past few months have been marked by pain and loss, Bella's journey toward resilience offers a glimpse of hope for a brighter future.
