Nikki Bella Finally Shares The Truth About Split With Longtime Love John Cena

Gettyimages | Dia Dipasupil

Suffice it to say, many fans, especially within the professional wrestling world, are still shook up over the break-up between Nikki Bella and John Cena. The pair, who were together for six years, broke off their engagement two years ago, and only now is Nikki opening up about what happened. In her new memoir which she co-wrote with sister Brie Bella, Nikki shared a lot of what went wrong in the relationship and what factors led to the eventual split.

Nikki Bella / Instagram

Most fans thought that the two professional wrestlers were a match made in heaven. After they began dating in 2012, their romance eventually took off into what became wrestling royalty. The pair lasted on-and-off for six years, and many fans were able to see the relationship grow and unfold on the reality show “Total Bellas.” But it was also within this reality show that fans also got a glimpse into the pair’s clashing life goals—Nikki wanted to start a family, while Cena wanted a career.

Nikki Bella / Instagram

It wasn’t until April 2018 that things took a turn. Just a month before the pair were set to be married, they split. However, just a few weeks later, Cena confirmed that he had changed his mind about settling down and the pair reunited. Yet, in July, it was announced officially that the two had broken things off for good. Nikki released a statement to “Us Weekly” explaining, “After I called off the engagement, we tried to work on our relationship to get back to where it was in order to move forward with our wedding. After much time and soul-searching alone, and together, we have decided to officially part ways. I had a beautiful and loving six-year relationship with a wonderful man. I have the utmost respect for John, but I know this is what’s best for me.”

Wikimedia | https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cena-and-Nikki-2016.jpg

Yet, it was only recently after releasing the memoir “Incomparable” that fans were able to learn more about what led to the break-up and that it was in fact Cena’s reluctance to marry and have kids that eventually led to the split. According to “The Daily Mail” Nikki wrote, “Rather than turn and face that, I pushed it under the carpet and figured I could pretend like it wasn’t there. Because I was terrified of losing my love, I stuffed my desire for marriage and kids as deep as I could.”

Nikki Bella / Instagram

Nikki went on to explain, “He had made it clear that [marriage and kids] weren’t on the menu for him. That’s tough, though, because if you’re inclined that way, then the more you grow to love someone, the more you want it all. I stopped giving voice to those needs, though. I was worried my ex would call it off and let me go. And while I wanted those things very badly – I just wanted him more.” Nikki realized that their life goals just wouldn’t align and broke things off for good. Nikki has since moved on from the relationship and is now engaged to Artem Chigvintsev and the two are expecting a baby together.