Artem Chigvintsev faces uphill battle to salvage his marriage with Nikki Garcia amid recent arrest
NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Artem Chigvintsev, former 'Dancing with the Stars' professional, is currently facing a difficult chapter in his life—both personally and professionally—after being recently released on bail following an arrest for domestic violence in Napa County, California.
The 42-year-old dancer is making a desperate effort to salvage his marriage with his wife Nikki Garcia, best known for her tenure in WWE from 2007 to 2022, where she performed under the ring name Nikki Bella.
However, Garcia, 40, seems steadfast in her decision, with sources indicating she believes "divorce is the only option."
Artem Chigvintsev's personal and professional turmoil amid split
Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia, who have a four-year-old son, Matteo, are reportedly on shaky ground, with Garcia allegedly barring Chigvintsev from unsupervised visits. In addition, she has begun searching for a divorce lawyer.
A source close to the situation described Chigvintsev as being in the “fight of his life” to win her back, particularly following his unexpected exclusion from the upcoming season of 'Dancing with the Stars.'
"Artem is very frustrated and mad that he wasn't asked to be on this season of Dancing with the Stars, and now it looks like he will never be back," the source explained, noting how the professional setback mirrors his personal turmoil.
Chigvintsev's struggle is further compounded by his uncertainty about his next steps with Garcia.
According to insiders, the couple has “limited dialogue” at the moment, with him grappling with his emotions and trying to find a way to demonstrate that he “can be a changed man.”
The path ahead appears steep, as Garcia's trust has been deeply shaken. “If and when he sees Matteo, Nikki wants it to be supervised. Her trust has been shattered, and she is very angry with Artem,” the source added.
“He has an uphill battle ahead of him. The whole thing is a mess.”
The love story that began in 2017 on the set of 'Dancing with the Stars,' where Chigvintsev and Garcia first met as dance partners, now seems to be unraveling at an alarming pace.
For Chigvintsev, who has previously been involved in high-profile relationships with dancer Giselle Peacock and 'DWTS' judge Carrie Ann Inaba, the stakes have never been higher.
Nikki Garcia firm on divorce decision as sister Brie Garcia urges her to cut ties
Nikki Garcia, who has been working to salvage the relationship despite Artem Chigvintsev's recent arrest, is now resolute in her decision.
He was booked into Napa County Jail on the morning of August 29 with a $25,000 bail set. According to TMZ, he has since been released.
“She has tried and tried to make it work, but she feels divorce is the only option. It hurts but she is such a strong woman, and she is doing what is right for her, and for Matteo,” the source stated.
Adding to the drama is Garcia's twin sister, Brie Garcia. The former WWE star is reportedly encouraging her sister to end her relationship with Chigvintsev for good.
"Nikki's sister Brie is disgusted, shocked, disappointed, and just sad that this happened," an insider shared. “She loves Artem, and for this to be going down is so out of the realm of possibility of the person who she knows. Brie is very concerned about it all and is there for her sister at all costs.”
Brie’s protective stance underscores the complex dynamics at play, as she navigates her feelings of betrayal while grappling with her past affection for Artem. "Brie, being the closest person to Garcia, is advising her to leave Chigvintsev if the situation is as serious as it appears," the source elaborated.
Throughout their two-year marriage, Chigvintsev and Garcia's relationship has been marred by arguments. However, this recent violent incident has sent shockwaves through Garcia's family.
"One thing Nikki never showed was the verbal troubles that she had with Artem," the insider revealed. "They wouldn't treat each other very nice and they never built on a friendship."
The tension between them, often overshadowed by their mutual focus on Matteo, spiraled into conflicts that few saw coming.
Meanwhile, Garcia was spotted boarding a JSX flight to Las Vegas over the weekend, without her wedding ring, and accompanied by Matteo and an assistant.
As reports surfaced, TMZ noted that Garcia began her search for legal representation the day after the alleged altercation, making it clear that she intends to end the marriage.
