Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella relationship timeline: From 'DWTS' dance floor to life partners
Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella's relationship timeline: From 'DWTS' dance floor to life partners
Former wrestler Nikki Bella's husband and pro-dancer Artem Chigvintsev shocked fans when it was revealed that the 'Dancing With The Stars' regular was arrested on a domestic violence charge. It is not yet known whether his wife of two years - Nikki Bella (currently Nikki Garcia) - was involved in the altercation. Meanwhile, Artem was released on Thursday, August 29, after paying the bond money of $25,000. Though the couple has not yet commented on the issue, Artem's last post on his Instagram was a loving post celebrating his second marriage anniversary with Nikki. Check out the relationship timeline of the couple who first met on the sets of the dance competition.
2017: Artem and Nikki meet on 'Dancing With the Stars'
Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev met on the sets of 'Dancing With The Stars' when the former WWE star was paired with the pro dancer for Season 25 of the dance reality show, which premiered in 2017. Their triumphant run was cut short when the pair was eliminated in the seventh week of the competition, per Today.
March 2019: Artem and Nikki spark relationship rumors
Nikki, who was dating the WWE superstar John Cena when she entered 'DWTS', broke up with the wrestling star in July 2018. In March 2019, Nikki and Artem sparked speculation of a romance brewing between the two when the 'Total Divas' star shared a picture of her kissing the 'Strictly Come Dancing' champion on the cheek. She wrote in the caption, "Well after that season finale 😳 First thing I’ll be talking about this Wednesday... oh and all those paparazzi photos (thanks for all the great shots 🙄 and smashing my food 🙄 lol)."
July 2019: Artem and Nikki confirm their romance
Nikki and Artem confirmed the speculation of their romance in a July 2019 episode of 'The Bellas Podcast' which she hosts with her twin sister Brie Garcia. Nikki stated in simple terms, “We’re boyfriend and girlfriend,” before adding, “We’re in a relationship.” The couple also appeared in a sizzling dance video where they danced to Rita Ora’s 'Let Me Love You'. Garcia explained, “This song really hit me hard because I just felt like, OK, I’m falling for this guy really fast, but ... I just kept trying to push Artem away because I just wasn’t ready for anything."
January 2020: Artem and Nikki announce their engagement
The dreamy run of their relationship continued as the wrestler-dancer couple confirmed on January 3, 2020, that they were engaged. Sharing a snap of their proposal and a happy picture showing off her engagement ring, Nikki wrote, “Excited for 2020 and the next decade with you @theartemc ❤️ I said yes in France in November!” “We have been trying to keep it a secret but really wanted to share our excitement for the New Year!” she added referring to their engagement, which originally happened in November 2019.
July 2020: Artem and Nikki welcome their first child together
On July 31, 2020, the couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Matteo. Sharing an adorable picture of the parents holding the hand of the newborn, she wrote, "7/31/2020 💙 Our baby boy is here and we couldn’t be HAPPIER and more in LOVE! Everyone is safe and healthy."
August 2022: Artem and Nikki get married
Almost three years after getting into a relationship, the couple tied the knot on August 26, 2022. Artem and Nikki shared highlights from their dreamy Paris wedding in a four-part documentary. They jointly wrote in an Instagram post, “We said I DO, can’t wait to share the entire journey with you all when our four-part special event, ‘Nikki Bella Says I Do,’ premieres on @eentertainment. #NikkiBellaSaysIDo."
