Nikki Garcia Seeking Legal and Physical Custody of Her and Artem Chigvintsev’s 4-Year-Old Son in Divorce

Mar. 15, 2025

Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella in 2019.Photo:MediaPunch/Shutterstock

MediaPunch/Shutterstock

Nikki Garciais seeking full custody of her 4-year-old son withArtem Chigvintsev, whom shefiled for divorcefrom earlier this week.

The former WWE star, 40, cited “irreconcilable differences” as grounds for divorce from theDancing With the Starspro, 42. Garcia also requested the court terminate spousal support for both parties.

“She continues to ask for privacy for her and her family at this time,” a rep for Garcia told PEOPLE. Reps for Chigvintsev did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Garcia and Chigvintsev met in 2017 when they werepaired togetheron season 25 ofDancing with the Stars,where they were eliminated sixth. They welcomed Matteo in July 2020. Per the court documents, they wed in January 2023.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed of my whole life,” she told PEOPLE at the time. “I can’t imagine life without being a mom and experiencing the miracle of life and raising a child. I’m just so family-oriented that I couldn’t imagine not having that family life.”

Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella in 2019.David Livingston/Getty

Chigvintsev competed as recently as 2023’s season 32, but he was announced as part of theseason 33 cast. As PEOPLE previously reported, Chigvintsev was not returning for the new season ofDancing with the Starsbefore his arrest.

DWTStroupe member Ezra Sosawas promoted to profor season 33 after confirmation that Chigvintsev would not be appearing in the new season, which premieres on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

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source: people.com