Nikki Bella’s romantic history has often unfolded under bright lights, shaped by fame, intense schedules and a career that blurred the line between personal life and public spectacle.
From relationships that became part of wrestling storylines to romances followed closely by tabloids, her love life has mirrored the demands and visibility of her rise in sports entertainment.
Over time, those highly public chapters gave way to more private turns, marked by reflection, change and a redefinition of what intimacy looks like away from the spotlight.
Early Relationship with High School Sweetheart
Before her rise in WWE fame, Nikki Bella experienced her first serious romantic commitment at a young age. In 2014, she revealed on Total Divas that she had married her high school sweetheart at age 20. However, that early marriage was short-lived and was annulled three years later, marking an early chapter in her personal life before the spotlight fully took hold.
John Cena: A High-Profile WWE Romance (2012–2018)
John Cena and Nikki Bella in 2017 (Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Nikki Bella’s most publicized romance began in 2012 when she started dating fellow WWE superstar John Cena. Their relationship quickly became one of the company’s most prominent off-screen partnerships, drawing attention not only from wrestling fans but mainstream media.
The pair’s bond grew over several years, and Cena proposed to Nikki on April 2, 2017, following their mixed tag-team victory at WrestleMania 33 — an engagement that seemed destined for a WWE-fairy-tale ending.
However, the narrative shifted in April 2018 when Nikki and Cena called off their engagement and canceled their planned May wedding. While they briefly reunited later that year, the relationship ultimately ended for good in July 2018.
Artem Chigvintsev: From DWTS Partner to Husband (2019–2024)
Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella in 2019 (Source: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
After her split with Cena, Nikki’s next major romantic chapter began on Dancing With the Stars. In January 2019, she started dating her dance partner, professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev. The duo’s chemistry was evident beyond the dance floor, and by March 2019 they publicly confirmed their romance.
Their relationship deepened quickly: they became officially engaged in November 2019, just months after going public, signaling a commitment that contrasted with Nikki’s previous high-profile engagement.
In July 2020, Nikki and Artem welcomed their first child, a son named Matteo, adding a new dimension to their relationship and family life. The couple’s journey culminated in marriage on August 26, 2022, when they wed in Paris, a city often associated with romance and new beginnings. Their celebration was later featured on the reality series Nikki Bella Says I Do.
Challenges and Divorce (2024)
Despite years of public appearances and family life together, Nikki and Artem’s relationship faced serious challenges in 2024. In August 2024, Chigvintsev was arrested on felony domestic violence charges involving corporal injury to a spouse, an incident that precipitated a rapid change in their status.
Shortly afterward, Nikki filed for divorce in September 2024, citing the incident and its impact on the family. The separation process continued through the fall, with both parties eventually agreeing to terms in November 2024.
Post-Divorce and New Rumors (2025)
Following the finalized divorce, Nikki has kept much of her personal life more private, focused on co-parenting her son and her professional endeavors. However, late 2025 brought fresh public speculation about her romantic life.
Reports surfaced that she sparked dating rumors with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean, after being spotted together at events and engaging on social media — though neither has confirmed a relationship.
These rumors mark a new, early phase of post-divorce speculation around Nikki’s love life, contrasting with her prior long-term and highly publicized relationships.
