Nikki Garcia Opens Up About Dating Life After Divorce

Nikki Garcia, the retired professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, has been vocal about her life post-divorce, especially when it comes to dating. In a recent episode of her podcast, The Nikki and Brie Show, Nikki shared her thoughts on the topic with her sister Brie Garcia and guest Rocsi Diaz. The conversation took place against the backdrop of Super Bowl LIX weekend in New Orleans, where the trio noted the abundance of attractive men in the city. However, Nikki couldn’t help but express her preference for someone with more life experience and maturity. “Do we wanna train [younger men]? I want to be owned. I want my body rocked,” Nikki quipped, sparking a lively discussion about what she’s looking for in a partner.

A Call for Wisdom and Experience

Nikki’s candid remarks about her dating preferences didn’t stop there. She went on to express her longing for someone with wisdom, age, and a deeper understanding of life. “Where’s the retired ones? The ones that have some wisdom, and age, and have experienced life a little bit?” she asked rhetorically. While she joked about being open to both younger and older men, her tone suggested a strong desire for someone who could match her emotional and mental maturity. This sentiment resonated with fans who have followed her journey over the years, as Nikki has always been unapologetically herself, whether in the wrestling ring or in her personal life.

The End of a Chapter: Nikki’s Divorce

Nikki’s reflections on dating come after a tumultuous year that saw the end of her marriage to professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev. The couple, who met on Dancing With the Stars, finalized their divorce in November 2024. They share a 4-year-old son, Matteo, and have been focused on co-parenting him amicably. According to a statement from Nikki’s representative, both parties decided to drop domestic violence restraining orders against each other in an effort to move forward with their lives. “Nikki’s number one priority has always been her son and privacy on the matter,” the statement read. Despite the challenges she’s faced, Nikki has remained grateful for the love and support she’s received from her fans.

A Difficult Path: Domestic Violence and Divorce

The divorce followed a highly publicized incident in August 2024, when Artem was arrested in Napa, California, for alleged domestic battery. He was booked on a felony domestic violence charge but was released on bail the same day. In September 2024, prosecutors declined to charge him. Just a week after the news of his arrest broke, both Nikki and Artem filed for divorce, marking the end of their relationship. The situation was undoubtedly shocking for Nikki, who later reflected on how surreal the experience felt. “Everything was very shocking, all of it. And I think that was a main reason why I knew I had to disconnect,” she said in an interview with Us Weekly. “I needed that disconnection to process everything that happened.”

Reflecting on the Split

Nikki has been open about how difficult it was to come to terms with the end of her marriage. “You couldn’t have ever told me that this would’ve been the ending of my 2024 or my marriage — [I] wouldn’t have believed you,” she admitted. The shock and pain of the situation led her to take a step back and focus on herself and her son. Nikki’s ability to speak openly about her struggles has helped her connect with fans on a deeper level, showcasing her resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

Looking Ahead: Nikki’s Return to WWE

As Nikki navigates this new chapter of her life, she’s also made a triumphant return to the world of professional wrestling. After a two-year hiatus, she recently stepped back into the ring under her old moniker, Nikki Bella, to compete in the 2025 Royal Rumble. This move has been met with excitement from fans who have missed her presence in the WWE. Nikki’s return is not just a professional milestone but also a personal victory, as it symbolizes her determination to rebuild her life and find happiness on her own terms. With her podcast, her wrestling career, and her focus on raising her son, Nikki Garcia is proving once again that she’s a force to be reckoned with.