Nikki Garcia Dishes On Royal Rumble Run-In With Ex John Cena

Nikki Garcia, formerly known as Nikki Bella, is getting candid about her brief but emotional reunion with ex-fiancé John Cena, their first meeting since they called off their engagement in 2018.

The WWE star and “Total Bellas” alum reflected on the moment during a recent appearance on the “Honestly Cavallari” podcast, hosted by Kristin Cavallari.

The episode, recorded in March during Cavallari’s podcast tour, featured Nikki Garcia and her twin sister Brie as guests and revealed that the long-awaited run-in took place backstage at the 2025 Royal Rumble in February.

“It was very quick,” Nikki recalled. “Out of respect,” she added, referencing the fact that Cena is now a married man. The “Peacemaker” actor wed Shay Shariatzadeh in 2020.

“I was in a circle talking to people. He came to [shake] everyone’s hand. He shook my hand,” she explained. Kristin expressed surprise that the former flames didn’t share a hug, but Nikki confirmed the interaction was brief and formal.

“We just said, ‘Hello, good to see you. I think last time we were engaged? I don’t know, it’s been a while,’” Nikki shared with a laugh. “But the thing was, when he walked away, all the girls were like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ I’m like, ‘Shh, shh. He’s married, be respectful.’ And that was it.”

Despite the short exchange, Nikki described the encounter as a positive step forward. “It was great because [it] broke the ice. We just both happened to be back at the same time. It’s a good feeling.”

Cavallari playfully teased, “Everyone wants you guys to be together,” prompting Nikki to quickly shut it down, “Oh, gosh. Oh, next question!”

Nikki and John first began dating in 2012, but their relationship, though full of public moments, had its challenges.

Before moving in together, John reportedly made Nikki sign a 75-page contract with strict lifestyle terms, including being labeled a “guest” in his home. The couple got engaged at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, but ultimately called off their wedding, originally set for May 2018.

In a statement at the time, the couple said, “While this decision was a difficult one, we continue to have a great deal of love and respect for one another.”

They briefly attempted to reconcile that summer, but by July 2018, Nikki confirmed the relationship was officially over. “After much time and soul-searching… I know this is what’s best for me,” she told Us Weekly.

Since then, Nikki has moved on and built a family of her own.

She welcomed her son, Matteo, in 2020 with professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, whom she met during “Dancing with the Stars.” The two married in 2022, but the marriage ended just two years later amid a public and difficult divorce.

The split followed Artem’s 2024 arrest on suspicion of domestic violence, though no charges were filed, and resulted in a court order for Nikki to pay $200,000 in spousal support, plus $3,500 per month in child support.

“Yes, I had to give him $200,000,” Nikki confirmed. “Spousal support, alimony. Our judge said at the end of it, ‘This is the first time in all the years I’ve done this where a woman had to pay a man. You should be so damn proud that you built such an empire that someone wants a piece of it.’”

The altercation reportedly occurred at their home in Napa and began over a seemingly minor disagreement: making their son Matteo’s English muffin “a bit crispier.”

According to Nikki, the conversation quickly escalated, with Chigvintsev yelling, blaming her for Matteo being a “picky eater,” and refusing to let her speak. Feeling overwhelmed, Garcia said she attempted to de-escalate by stepping outside to pack her son’s belongings into the car.