Nikki Garcia opens up on co-parenting 4-year-old son Matteo with Artem Chigvintsev: 'Incredibly tough'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nikki Garcia has opened up about the challenges of co-parenting her 4-year-old son, Matteo, with ex-husband Artem Chigvintsev.
Her comments come a month after finalizing their divorce, following a tumultuous period in their relationship.
Nikki Garcia says Matteo ‘gets to go see mommy and daddy’
Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev's romance began in 2019, shortly after she ended her engagement to WWE superstar John Cena. They got engaged later that year and welcomed Matteo in 2020.
The couple tied the knot in the summer of 2022, but their marriage ended following Chigvintsev’s arrest for domestic violence in August 2024.
In an interview, Garcia revealed how she explained the divorce to Matteo and how they are handling co-parenting.
"I’ve used words like divorce, [but] it’s only been when he’s asked. Everything’s kind of been about us just having our own homes," Garcia told Us Weekly.
"You get to go see Mommy and you get to go see Daddy. On Christmas, we made sure we were both there when we baked Santa’s cookies," she added.
She also shared how they prioritized Matteo’s well-being during the transition.
"Matteo went to bed and we both were there when he woke up. Because he’s our focus, we want to keep those moments," Garcia said.
Nikki Garcia opens up on the challenges of co-parenting
The couple parted ways just days after their second wedding anniversary in 2024 after police were called to the couple’s Napa Valley home due to an alleged altercation.
Artem Chigvintsev was reportedly arrested for domestic violence and later released on $25,000 bail. However, the charges were later dropped, according to E! Online.
Speaking about co-parenting, Garcia revealed how structured parenting schedules have impacted her.
"What’s crazy about co-parenting is you get a schedule. It’s wild that one day it’s like, ‘OK, here are the days you get your son,’ and that’s just what you do," Garcia, who is planning a WWE comeback, said.
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She admitted to struggling with the time apart from her son. "For me, that part is incredibly tough. I had never been in our home without him," she said.
"So getting through those days is extremely difficult because I just love being around my son so much," she added.
Despite the difficulties, she reassured that Matteo is adjusting well. "Matteo’s OK and not affected. So that makes it easy. He’s happy to go to both homes," Garcia said.
Nikki Garcia reflects on her journey, says ‘I’m stronger today than I’ve ever been’
Following the August 2024 incident, Nikki Garcia filed for a temporary restraining order while Artem Chigvintsev filed his own days later. Eventually, both dropped their restraining orders and reached a divorce settlement.
Reflecting on her experiences, Garcia said she had no regrets, "No, I can’t have regrets like that. I feel like things happen for a reason," she said.
"I’m stronger today than I’ve ever been. And that’s not only for myself, but for Matteo," the 'Total Divas' alum said.
She added that motherhood has strengthened her resilience.
"I feel like being a mother and wanting the best for my son and knowing I’ll do whatever it takes for him to have that makes you incredibly strong," she said.
