In a heartfelt revelation, Nikki Garcia has opened up about her tumultuous split from Artem Chigvintsev, shedding light on the emotional turmoil she has faced since their separation. The retired WWE star, aged 41, made her return to the podcast scene on December 2, 2024, after a three-month hiatus that followed her ex-husband’s arrest on August 28, where he was suspected of causing corporal injury to a spouse. This return comes shortly after the couple settled their divorce through private mediation on November 21.
During the episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, Nikki candidly expressed her struggle to maintain composure while discussing the past few months of her life. She emphasized the importance of stepping back from social media and the public eye, stating, “I disconnected from social media, from the world, and I just knew that I needed to disconnect because first things first, I’m a mom and my son’s protection and privacy is the most important.” This decision was particularly crucial for her as she focuses on her 4-year-old son, Matteo, whom she shares with Chigvintsev.
Nikki detailed the challenges she faced, admitting, “It’s been really tough. I’ve been heartbroken. Sad. You know, you dream of having this family and you have this incredible love and it just goes the other way. And you go from having a great love story to having a terrible one. And I never saw any of it coming, you know, as far as, like, what the ending would be.” Her emotional struggle has been compounded by her desire to shield her son from the fallout of their separation.
Throughout her ordeal, Nikki emphasized her commitment to prioritizing her son amidst the chaos. She shared, “I tried to handle this whole situation even though I was in so much pain. I was just trying to do what was best for everyone.” The emotional toll of the breakup has been significant, as she reflected on the heartbreak and the difficulties of navigating such a public and painful situation.
In her podcast, Nikki also touched on the nature of her relationship with Artem, revealing that their marriage, which began in 2022, had been struggling for quite some time. “When it came to our relationship, it’s sad. Like, it just hasn’t been great for a long time. And I really played it up [that] things were a lot better than what they were,” she admitted. This candid admission highlights the complexities of maintaining a public persona while dealing with private challenges.
As she navigates this difficult chapter, Nikki Garcia’s focus remains steadfast on her son, Matteo, and ensuring his well-being during this tumultuous time. The emotional journey she has shared resonates with many who have faced similar challenges in their personal lives, and her openness about her struggles serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing family and mental health.
In the aftermath of her divorce, Nikki’s reflections on love, heartbreak, and motherhood offer a poignant glimpse into the realities of navigating relationships in the public eye. Her story is one of resilience and strength as she seeks to rebuild her life and focus on what truly matters—her family.
As Nikki continues to share her journey, fans and listeners alike are reminded of the importance of vulnerability and the strength that comes from facing life’s challenges head-on. Her story serves as an inspiration for those who may be going through their own struggles, illustrating the power of love, healing, and the unwavering bond between a mother and her child.
