Nikki Bella Confesses Why She Ditched Artem Chigvinstev on Their First Date
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Even before she declared her retirement and walked away from the WWE ring in July 2019, Nikki Bella was all about living life to the fullest. Throughout her incredible career, she has mastered the art of balancing work with her twin, Brie Bella, nurturing her relationship with her fiancé, Artem Chigvinstev, and being a mother to her son, Matteo. Now, Nikki is pursing a new passion and adding a new title to her résumé.
On Monday night, America's Got Talent: Extreme is premiering on NBC as the latest spin-off of the long-running competition series. Like the original version, there will be judges giving notes and votes but this time, it'll be going towards some of the most extreme acts imaginable. As you may have already guessed, Simon Cowell will be one of the judges and he'll be joined by Nikki and motorsports racer/stuntman Travis Pastrana at the judges' table.
But the former wrestler won't be the only one in her house working on a talent-centered competition show. Nikki will be following in the footsteps of Artem who has been a pro dancer on Dancing With the Stars for a total of 11 years and counting. With both Nikki and Artem taking over the reality television competition world, fans are curious to know how their love story began.
September 2017
Nikki and Artem found love at first tango ... sort of. The couple first met in the fall of 2017 when Nikki was a contestant on Dancing With the Stars. Artem was Nikki's assigned dance professional during season 25. But she was engaged to WWE legend John Cena at the time.
April 2018
One year after John proposed to Nikki on live TV during WrestleMania 33, she called off the engagement on April 15, 2018. Nikki announced via social media that she and John were no longer together.
“After much contemplation and six years of being together, Nikki Bella and John Cena announced today their decision to separate as a couple," a statement read on Instagram and Twitter. "While this decision was a difficult one, we continue to have a great deal of love and respect for one another. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time in our lives.”
December 2018
Following rumors that Nikki and John had rekindled their romance, she was spotted months later with Artem at a farmer's market, which turned out to be their date. But it didn't unfold the way both of them would have liked. In a 2019 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Nikki opened up about why she ended up abandoning her Artem.
"Our first date was at the farmer's market in Studio City, and I had no idea that it was filled with paparazzi," she told the outlet. "Artem and I [were] looking at vegetables ... and I [saw] a paparazzi in this corner, and one in the other corner and I just freaked. I walked away from him, all the way to my car that was parked at Von's and I drove off. And poor Artem, all of a sudden I get a text like, 'Uhh, where did you go?' I didn't even say anything."
Even though the paparazzi abruptly ended their date, the couple was still able to get things off the ground.
March 2019
Months after the paparazzi captured their first date and speculations surrounded the two, Nikki and Artem made their romance TV official during the season 4 finale of Total Bellas. In the season finale clip, viewers saw Nikki excitedly running to Artem before they drove off on his motorcycle.
"It's crazy! I never in my life would've thought that I would have a lot in common with a Russian," Nikki said in her confessional. "I'm ready to really explore new things and people and just really see what certain chemistries are all about."
That same month, the two attended the 2019 Kids' Choice Awards and made their orange carpet debut. The couple showed a little PDA with Artem affectionately kissing Nikki's forehead.
April 2019
As exciting as it was for Total Bellas and Dancing With the Stars fans to see Nikki and Artem together during the season 4 finale, she revealed in the first episode of The Bellas podcast that they weren't exclusive. In the meantime, Artem was showing Nikki around Los Angeles and the two were taking their romance at their own pace.
June 2019
In honor of Artem's 37th birthday, Nikki posted heartwarming photos of them together alongside a sweet caption on Instagram. Even though, Nikki and Artem had yet to define their relationship publicly, many fans saw this moment as confirmation that their romance was going strong.
"Happy Birthday to a man who not only makes my face smile, but my heart," she wrote. "You’re a special one Mr. Chigvintsev! Your relaxing, calm, patient, kind, happy energy and aura is contagious! You truly are the kindest soul I have ever met. Thank you for bringing a lot of sunshine into my life. Happy Birthday my Artem!"
July 2019
In a July episode of The Bellas podcast, the couple finally puts a label on their romance and happily told listeners that they were officially “boyfriend and girlfriend.”
November 2019
Though it was kept private for months, Bella revealed on New Year's Day via her Instagram that she had said yes when Artem asked her to marry him back in November. "Excited for 2020 and the next decade with you @theartemc ❤️," she captioned never-before-seen photos. "I said yes in France in November! We have been trying to keep it a secret but really wanted to share our excitement for the New Year!"
The heartfelt moment was captured for Total Bellas during a trip to Paris, and by the looks of it, Nikki was completely caught off-guard. While her family heard her surprise and a "no" escape her lips, she ultimately accepted Artem's stunning ring. "I don't even know what to think. The world has stopped," she said in a confessional. "It's a dream. I feel like a queen."
"You are the best thing that has ever happened to me," Artem wrote in his own Instagram post. "So excited for what’s to come I love you more than anything and thank you for saying yes."
What's more, Nikki's sister, Brie, approved. "I feel really happy," she added. "It makes me feel relieved and everything seems right and the way it's supposed to be."
January 2020
In late January, Nikki announced on Instagram and through a People magazine spread that she was pregnant with the couple's first child. "I can’t even begin to describe to all of you how happy I am! I’M GOING TO BE A MOM!!" she wrote in part. "It’s something I have wanted to be my whole life. I was definitely shocked when I found out. And so nervous! I wasn’t expecting it and felt I wasn’t ready but this journey of life is unpredictable. I thank God every day and night for bringing this amazing blessing and miracle into my life! I am already SO IN LOVE!!"
Nikki went on to share that she was "so happy not to keep it a secret anymore" and planned on saying "goodbye" to sweatshirts. What's more, Nikki also shared that she and Brie were expecting at the same time.
"@thebriebella This life just wants you and I to be twinning at everything we do lol and even though we were shocked, beyond shocked, here’s another journey that I am so grateful to God to have you by my side," Nikki continued. "You have already been the best teacher! ... @theartemc your pure joy, bliss, love and happiness has meant everything to me! To already watch you step up to be the best Dad for this little one makes my heart smile so big! I know we aren’t husband and wife yet but I love our commitment to this child already."
February 2020
Since telling the world about their whirlwind romance followed by their engagement and baby news, Nikki and Artem didn't shy away from sharing how they felt about each other any chance they got. In honor of the romantic day of the year, Artem professed his love for Nikki in an Instagram post.
The Dancing with the Stars pro captioned it: "Happy Valentine my love ❤️ I’m so excited about what’s ahead of us, you are one of a kind and I wouldn’t change a bit, I love you just the way you are. 🦄."
May 2020
During an episode of Big Demi Energy, Nikki revealed that their wedding was postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic. In March 2020, the U.S. was impacted by COVID-19 and it affected every part of life, including weddings. Nikki also shared that she and Artem were being more cautious because they were expecting a baby.
“I want to make sure the world is in such a clear space,” she told the outlet. “The day I get married, I just want a massive party. I want a bash. I want everything I’ve dreamed of.”
June 2020
In the season 5 finale of Total Divas, Nikki and Artem revealed the gender of their baby. In a family party honoring Nikki's Mexican heritage, blue confetti announced that was having a "señor" (baby boy).
July 2020
On August 2, Nikki shared that she had given birth to her son, Matteo, a few days before on July 31. " 7/31/2020 💙," she wrote alongside a photo of her family's hands. "Our baby boy is here and we couldn’t be HAPPIER and more in LOVE! Everyone is safe and healthy."
May 2021
Fast forward, for Nikki's first Mother's Day, Artem shares a few candid moments between her and Matteo.
"Happy First Mother’s Day to you my love," the DWTS pro wrote in his tribute. "It’s crazy to think how fast time flies. Teo is nine-month-old and you’ve been the best mom we both can ask for so attending, loving, caring and determined to be best you can be. We love you so so much, may this be the happiest day for you and too many more to come ❤️👼❤️ Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there #happymothersday."
June 2021
A year and a half after getting engaged, Nikki told Us Weekly that they would start planning their wedding after their home was completely renovated.
"We're building our home right now," she told the magazine. "[We thought] 'It's nice when that process starts because now that planning has come to an end,' and everything you've created now will be starting to come to life." The former wrestler went on to say: "We're starting to think about wedding planning and it makes it even more fun because I also want a really big bash for all my friends and family because we haven't been around each other for a long time."
February 2022
While promoting her new show America's Next Talent: Extreme, Nikki gave an update on Artem's health and her wedding plans. As fans may have heard, Artem recently took a break from the Dancing With the Stars tour as he battles pneumonia, according to People. Speaking with E! News, Nikki shared that Artem is still dealing with his health issue but the couple is hopeful that they will hear good news soon.
Nikki also revealed the latest about her long engagement.She told the outlet that the biggest challenge has been planning a wedding that her fiancé's family in Russia can attend. But for Nikki, the difficulty of bringing both families together makes Paris the perfect wedding destination.
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