Nikki Garcia—formerly Nikki Bella—stepped out Monday night with the kind of presence that says, “I’m back, and I’m better.” The 41-year-old retired wrestler turned reality star made her first red-carpet appearance since finalizing her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, and where better to do it than at the premiere of Netflix’s WWE Monday Night Raw?
The event, held at the gleaming Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, wasn’t just a throwback to Nikki’s wrestling roots; it was a bold reminder that this is a woman who thrives in reinvention.
Draped in a red strapless leather corset with matching red-and-white pants, Garcia commanded attention. The look, paired with red pumps and a striking crimson lip, wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a power move.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Nikki’s return to the spotlight comes in the shadow of a turbulent 2024. Her two-year celebrity marriage to Dancing with the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev ended in November, but not without its share of drama.
In August, Chigvintsev was arrested on suspicion of corporal injury to a spouse. While no criminal charges were filed and both parties alleged the other was the aggressor, the incident cast a dark cloud over their final months together.
Let’s be crystal clear: domestic abuse, in any form, is not entertainment—it’s a societal plague we should all condemn. The fact that Nikki Garcia has emerged from this chapter stronger and unapologetically herself is a testament to her resilience.
Both Nikki and Artem sought protective orders against each other during the fallout, which were later dropped after their divorce settlement. The couple shares a 4-year-old son, Matteo, and it’s safe to say co-parenting in such circumstances requires a level of grace and patience that few could muster.
Nikki Garcia’s Road to Recovery
For those who’ve followed Nikki’s journey, from the Total Bellas days to her wrestling career, it’s no surprise that she’s using this moment to reflect and rebuild. In a recent episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, the podcast she co-hosts with her twin sister Brie Garcia, Nikki opened up about her turbulent year and the lessons she’s taken away.
“Disconnecting from so much and facing a lot was the best thing for me,” Nikki shared in the December 30th episode. “I just want you to know that you are so much stronger than you think.”
Nikki spoke about the duality of strength and vulnerability, a lesson learned through what she called “super weak moments.” She’s been focusing on what makes her feel strong—whether it’s dedicating herself to personal growth or leaning on music like Harry Connick Jr.’s “Be Not Afraid” to get through dark times.
“Divorce takes a piece of you,” she admitted. “But dedicating myself to the things that make me stronger has truly helped.”
A Comeback Story
Nikki Garcia isn’t just surviving—she’s thriving. Monday’s red-carpet appearance was more than just a public outing. It was a declaration: the old Nikki might be gone, but what’s risen in her place is a woman who’s faced the storm and walked out stronger.
The wrestling ring may no longer be her stage, but Nikki still knows how to command a crowd. And with the WWE Universe buzzing over Raw’s debut on Netflix, it’s clear she hasn’t lost her connection to the sport that made her a household name.
There’s a boldness to Nikki Garcia that’s impossible to ignore. Whether she’s lighting up the red carpet or dropping wisdom on her podcast, she reminds us all that setbacks are just setups for comebacks. And while we don’t condone the chaos of her past, we can’t help but admire the strength it’s taken to move forward.
So here’s to Nikki Garcia—a mother, a fighter, and a woman who’s proving that reinvention is always possible, no matter how messy the road may get.
Last modified: January 9, 2025
