WARNING: THIS REPORT CONTAINS DISTURBING DETAILS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
According to a new report from TMZ, WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella (Garcia) has filed a restraining order against her estranged husband Artem Chigvintsev this past Monday. A judge signed off on the order after Nikki had submitted a sworn declaration to the court giving details on how Artem had allegedly brutalized her.
TMZ notes that Nikki states in her petition Chigvintsev tackled her multiple times and pinned her to the ground while their child (Matteo, 4-years old) was present.
The report also notes that Nikki said that since Chigvintsev was cut from ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, he grew increasingly angry, snapping and yelling at her. Nikki also added that she and Artem had talks about how he needed to control his anger, saying that on the morning of the incident, Artem went off on her over how Matteo’s English muffin should be toasted, screaming that she made their son a “picky eater.” Nikki went on to add she was so overwhelmed by Artem yelling at her, that she threw their son’s toddler shoes, size-7 at him. Nikki added that the shoes hit Artem’s leg, but it was so light, that it could not have hurt him. Artem then grabbed Matteo and ran upstairs with him, as he (Matteo) screamed for his mommy.
Nikki stated that said as she tried to get in the room. Artem then opened the bedroom door and tackled her to the ground outside Matteo’s room. For this incident, Nikki then added he grabbed her arms and held her on the ground for what felt like 30 seconds. She further said Artem then went back into Matteo’s room and closed the door. She again tried to push the door open and then opened it and Artem pushed her across the fall into their bedroom, thus forcing her on the floor in their bathroom. She says Artem had his hands on her chest near her sternum, pressing down, in which she feels like she was suffocating. She says Artem then grabbed at his neck, attempting to get him off of her.
When police arrived at the scene, Matteo told them, “Daddy hurt my hand.”
Nikki further alleges Artem was physically violent on one prior occasion. She says that back in mid-2023, he violently grabbed her around her waist to keep her away from Matteo. She also claims there were also numerous instances of verbal abuse and that she does not want her son to grow up in a tumultuous environment as she did. Nikki does want Artem to get the help he needs with therapy and anger management and for her and Matteo to have enough space away from him until he has bettered himself.
The judge prohibited Artem from contacting or coming within 100 yards of Nikki and Matteo, their home, etc. It was notes that the only exception is for visitation or exchange of the child per court-ordered visits.
Nikki had also asked the judge if she could leave the United States with their son, but the judge denied that request until a full hearing is held, which at the time of TMZ’s report is on October 21. She further noted that wants to go to London to film a project.
TMZ said they were told that Artem has not been living at the family home since August 29, after a domestic dispute took place, but the judge said he will not grant a “move-out order” until the hearing. However, Artem has been allowed visits and Facetime calls with Matteo.
Nikki filed for divorce from Artem he was arrested and booked into jail for domestic violence, following an altercation. Prosecutors did not to file charges, citing a lack of evidence.
Nikki and Artem married back in 2022 in a ceremony in Paris. The two met back in 2017 while they were partners on Dancing with the Stars, but didn’t start dating until after she broke up with John Cena.
Nikki’s representatives told TMZ the following:
“Due to the incident that led to Artem’s arrest on August 29, 2024, Nikki has decided to file for a temporary Domestic Violence Restraining Order to protect herself and her son. Although Nikki requested that the Napa District Attorney not file charges against Artem as she did not want him to go to jail, he must still be held accountable for his actions, and Nikki and her son must be protected. Nikki’s number one priority has always been the wellbeing of her son. She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received and continues to ask for privacy for her and her family during this difficult time.”
Below are domestic violence resources. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact one of these resources as listed below:
Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)
Resource Centers | The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov)
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233