Nikki Garcia Praises 'Amazing' Ex Artem Chigvinstev For 'Great' Co-parenting Relationship After Dramatic Divorce

Nikki Garcia is opening up about co-parenting with her ex-husband, Artem Chigvinstev. 

The professional wrestler revealed that despite her rough history with Chigvinstev, she has managed to build a good co-parenting relationship with him. 

Garcia and Chigvinstev got married in 2022, but their love story came to an end in 2024 when the former filed for divorce after domestic violence claims.

During the most recent episode of “The Nikki & Brie Show,” Garcia opened up about returning to wrestling despite going through personal struggles in her life. 

The 41-year-old TV personality admitted that she has so much “passion and love” for the business, and isn’t willing to give it up any time soon. She also acknowledged that she has been able to get back to doing what she loves due to all the support she receives from her former flame. 

Gracia praised Chigvinstev for adapting to her schedule when co-parenting their four-year-old son, Mateo. She also appreciated him for allowing her to spend more time with their son. 

“I have to give it to Artem, who's been amazing in adapting to my schedule. He's been great,” she said. Garcia’s twin sister, Brie, concurred that Chigvinstev has been “great,” saying that he makes a “great team” with her sister. 

“We've adapted well, and Matteo's thriving, and it's like, all these things. I'm having so much fun. I love this new locker room of women. Like I'm obsessed,” Garcia added. 

The “Total Bellas” star’s former flame was arrested in 2024 on suspicion of domestic violence claims. Shortly after, Garcia filed for divorce from him. 

Last month, Nikki Garcia revealed that she has not given up on love despite her rough romantic history. She revealed that she’s ready to dip her toe back into the dating pool, albeit slowly. 

“We are coming into the era of slow dating, which means, according to apps, if I was to start talking to someone right now, I will still be in that talking stage by Christmas,” the “Total Divas” star said. 

“Slow dating's in, which I'm like, ‘Wait, Wait, this might be a good era for me to be single in,’” she added. 

Earlier this year, Chigvinstev opened up about how much the domestic violence claims from his ex-wife have cost him.  The 43-year-old dancer insisted that his reputation took a serious hit even though he was not charged. 

Chigvinstev revealed that he lost his $100,000 source of income and was dropped from “Dancing With the Stars.”

The Blast reported that the pro dancer felt like his ex-wife prioritized her career over his when she made the claims against him. 

Garcia’s altercation with her ex-husband began when they disagreed over whether or not to make their son’s English muffin “a bit crispier.”

The situation turned into a yelling match, with Chigvinstev blaming Garcia for Mateo’s picky eating. The wrestler tried to get their son out of the house. She admitted that she threw his lightweight shoes at her ex-husband, but meant no harm by it. 

Garcia claimed the situation became physical when her former partner tried to block her from entering her son’s room.

According to The Blast, she further alleged that he pinned her to the ground and pushed her into the bathroom. She also claimed that he pushed on her chest until she began to feel out of breath. 

The pro dancer was later arrested but was released on bail that same day. 

Feeling hurt by Garcia’s claims against him, Chigvinstev requested compensation for his out-of-pocket expenses when his ex-wife was granted a restraining order against him. 

In their divorce settlement, Garcia was ordered to pay the “So You Think You Can Dance” star a one-time payment of $200,000. She also agreed to pay $3,500 monthly child support to her former lover, and the couple will share holidays with their son. 

The Blast confirmed that after the divorce was finalized, Chigvinstev dropped $915,000 on a new home in Napa, California.