Additional Coverage:
Former WWE star Nikki Bella is stepping away from her marriage, filing for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev just a few weeks after his arrest for domestic violence.
Court records show Nikki filed for divorce this Wednesday, ending their two-year marriage. Artem was arrested on August 29th for felony corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, allegedly assaulting Nikki and causing visible injuries.
Nikki wasted no time in seeking legal representation after Artem’s arrest and hired attorney Evan Craig Itzkowitz. The couple shares a 4-year-old son, Matteo, and there’s no word yet on whether a prenuptial agreement exists.
Nikki’s decision to file for divorce isn’t surprising, as she had already ditched her wedding ring. She’s now back at their Napa Valley home with Matteo, while Artem is reportedly staying with a friend.
The incident unfolded when Artem called 911 requesting medical assistance for the alleged victim, only to cancel the call later. However, police still responded, finding Nikki with visible injuries and arresting Artem. He was released on bail after posing for a mug shot.
Nikki and Artem first met on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2017 and began dating in 2018 after Nikki’s split from John Cena. They got engaged in January 2020 and were married in Paris in August 2022. Now, their relationship has come to a turbulent end, hinting at a potentially contentious divorce.