Nikki Bella: Breakup with John Cena, Divorce, Custody, Net Worth

Nikki Bella’s romantic history — from a high-profile engagement to John Cena to a brief marriage and divorce from Artem Chigvintsev — has played out largely in public. Court records and public statements confirm a $200,000 settlement and ongoing co-parenting arrangements for their young son, Matteo.

Full name: Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace ·
Date of birth: November 21, 1983 ·
Age: 41 (as of 2025) ·
Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) ·
Children: 1 son with Artem Chigvintsev ·
Net worth (estimated): $8 million

The key facts about Nikki Bella’s life and finances appear in the table below.

Why Did John Cena Break Up With Nikki Bella?

Timeline of John Cena and Nikki Bella’s relationship

• 2012: Public relationship begins
• WrestleMania 33 (2017): John Cena proposes to Nikki Bella in front of a live audience (People magazine)
• April 2018: Wedding called off, engagement ends

Differing views on marriage and children

Cena cited not wanting children as a key reason for the split. Bella later said they wanted different things — she desired a family, while Cena was committed to his career and child-free lifestyle. The couple’s public statements reveal a fundamental incompatibility on life goals.

Nikki Bella’s own explanation

Speaking on The Bellas Podcast, Nikki said: “We wanted different things. I wanted a family, and he didn’t. And that’s okay.” The breakup was mutual, but Bella later admitted she struggled with the decision.

What Was the Divorce Settlement Between Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev?

Overview of the marriage and divorce filing

Nikki Bella (now legally Nikki Garcia) married Artem Chigvintsev in August 2022 in a ceremony in France. The marriage lasted just over a year before Chigvintsev filed for divorce in September 2023. The divorce was finalized in 2024 through private mediation (People magazine).

Reported $200,000 payment to Artem Chigvintsev

Four key financial terms, one clear pattern: the settlement prioritizes stability for their son. According to court filings obtained by People, Garcia will pay Chigvintsev $3,500 per month in child support and a $200,000 lump sum divided into two equal payments (People magazine). The settlement also requires Garcia to cover Matteo’s health insurance, speech therapy, and the remainder of his preschool education through the 2024-2025 year.

Other terms of the settlement

Both parties dropped domestic violence restraining orders against each other to focus on co-parenting (People magazine). Garcia keeps the Napa home and her business trusts, including Stephanie Nicole Garcia Entertainment and Bonita Bonita by Nikki and Brie. Chigvintsev retains the Los Angeles home and his own business trusts (People magazine).

Who Has Custody of Nikki Bella’s Child?

Custody agreement details

Nikki and Artem share a son named Matteo, born July 31, 2020. The divorce settlement establishes joint custody (People magazine). They will split major holidays, alternating custody each year, and jointly select Matteo’s school for the 2025 school year (People magazine).

Co-parenting relationship

Neither parent has publicly disputed the custody arrangement. Both have stated their commitment to co-parenting Matteo. The mutual dropping of restraining orders signals an effort to maintain a working relationship for their son’s sake.

What Is John Cena Diagnosed With?

Skin cancer diagnosis and treatment

John Cena has been diagnosed with skin cancer twice, specifically basal cell carcinoma — the most common form of skin cancer. His first diagnosis came in 2018, and a second occurred in 2020 (People magazine).

John Cena’s public awareness efforts

Cena attributes both diagnoses to not using sunscreen earlier in his career. He now advocates for sun protection, using his platform to encourage regular skin checks and sunscreen use.

Current health status

Both instances of basal cell carcinoma were treated successfully. Cena continues to work in WWE and Hollywood without reported health complications.

Who Is the Richest Bella Twin?

Nikki Bella’s net worth and income sources

Nikki Bella’s estimated net worth is around $8 million (People magazine). Her income comes from WWE appearances, endorsement deals, and her wine brand Bonita Bonita, which she co-owns with Brie.

Brie Bella’s net worth and income sources

Brie Bella’s estimated net worth is also around $8 million. Both twins have comparable earnings from WWE, their Total Divas reality show, and the Bonita Bonita wine brand.

Comparison of their wealth

Two twins, one net worth: both Nikki and Brie Bella sit at approximately $8 million each. Some sources claim Nikki is slightly richer due to more WWE appearances over her career (People magazine). The difference, if any, is marginal — certainly not enough to create a meaningful wealth gap between the sisters.

Timeline of Key Events

• November 21, 1983: Nikki Bella is born in San Diego, California.
• 2008: Signs with WWE, debuts with twin sister Brie as The Bella Twins.
• 2012: Begins a public relationship with John Cena.
• 2017: John Cena proposes at WrestleMania 33.
• April 2018: Cena and Bella call off their wedding and end their engagement.
• 2019: Begins a relationship with dancer Artem Chigvintsev.
• July 31, 2020: Gives birth to son Matteo.
• August 2022: Marries Artem Chigvintsev in France.
• September 2023: Artem files for divorce.
• 2024: Divorce finalized; Nikki pays $200,000 settlement.
• 2018, 2020: John Cena diagnosed with skin cancer twice.

Summary

Nikki Bella’s story is one of high-profile relationships, financial settlements, and co-parenting commitments. For the fan who followed her from the WWE ring through two very different relationships, the lesson is: public persona and private reality rarely match. Nikki Bella’s focus now is on her son Matteo, building the Bonita Bonita brand with Brie, and letting the legal drama settle into quiet co-parenting.

For a more comprehensive look at her journey, a detailed biography of Nikki Bella covers her WWE career, family life, and financial milestones.

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