Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev: A Timeline of Their Relationship

Credit: Courtesy of Artem Chigvintsev/Instagram

Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev: A Timeline of Their Relationship

Dancing their way through life! Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev have been driving fans wild with their whirlwind romance following the professional wrestler’s broken engagement to ex John Cena. Nearly seven months after Bella and Cena split for good in July 2018, Us Weekly confirmed that she and the Dancing With the Stars pro are dating, and had been seeing each other for “a while.” The pair first met when they were partnered up on season 25 of the reality TV dance competition in 2017. At the time, the Total Divas alum and the Trainwreck actor were still going strong, with Cena even assuming Chigvintsev would be the one to choreograph his first dance with his then-fiancée at their wedding. “As far as dancing, I think he’s probably gonna teach me my first dance,” Cena told E! News in November 2017. “So hopefully I’ll be able to take those tips from him there.” [jwplayer nGWPgVxZ-zhNYySv2] After months of playing coy about their relationship, Bella confirmed her romance with Chigvintsev during an episode of Total Bellas in March 2019, and quickly went Instagram official with the dancer the following day. “Well after that season finale 😳 First thing I’ll be talking about this Wednesday,” she captioned a picture of herself planting a kiss on her beau’s cheek at the time. During the finale, Bella gushed over her newfound happiness as cameras panned to her jumping on the back of Chigvintsev’s motorcycle. “I just feel like this free spirit. Truly like a butterfly out of her cage. I don’t know. I have this new level of excitement. I’m just having a lot of fun. And I feel like, the first time ever, I’m focusing on me. It’s crazy. I never in my life would’ve thought that, like, I would’ve had a lot in common with a Russian,” she said. “I’m ready to really explore new things and people and just really see what certain chemistries are all about.”

The twosome got engaged in November 2019, setting a wedding date nearly three years later.

“I’ll give a hint that it’s fall 2022, very soon,” the Incomparable author exclusively told Us in April 2022, noting that she and her fiancé had “locked into” their plans. “Then, Brie [Bella, my twin sister, is] gonna have to start getting busy because she’s Maid of Honor and I’m going to have to put her to work! It might [air] on E!. So, the world may see it.”

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2017

Just partners! When they were on DWTS together, Bella and Chigvintsev were sent home on the seventh night of competition.

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January 2019

Multiple sources confirmed to Us that the duo were giving love a shot — and had already been together for a bit of time. The news came nine months after Bella and Cena called off their engagement after six years together, though they briefly reconciled, and split for good in July 2018.

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January 2019

Bella and Chigvintsev’s newfound romance was first featured on a January 2019 episode of Total Bellas, where the two enjoyed a lunch date together. “The last time I saw Artem, I was in a relationship for so long, so I’m just really excited to see him today,” the WWE alum said in a clip from the show. “You look good,” she told him. “A lot’s happened since I’ve seen you last, which has been a long time.”

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February 2019

Bella told Us that despite having “so much chemistry” with the Russia native, the two were “just friends” amid ongoing relationship speculation.

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March 2019

The California native finally confirmed their romance during the Total Bellas season finale, and later posted a sweet picture of the pair locking lips on Instagram.

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April 2019

Bella revealed that the two weren’t monogamous just yet. “Yeah, we’re dating. … There’s been a lot of speculation about us … but I’m still dating [other people],” she said on an episode of “The Bellas Podcast” with her sister, Brie Bella. “We’re having fun. He’s showing me L.A.”

Credit: ABC (2)

April 2019

Chigvintsev went all out for a date night with his love — even whipping up some delicious recipes in the kitchen, which the duo documented on Instagram. While the DWTS pro showed off his skills, his leading lady sat nearby and sipped wine.

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April 2019

Bella and Chigvintsev enjoyed a night of love at Dancing With the Stars pros Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson’s wedding.

Credit: Courtesy of Nikki Bella/Instagram

May 2019

The duo enjoyed a family-friendly date in Disneyland with Nikki's sister Brie Bella, her brother-in-law, Daniel Bryan, and her 2-year-old niece, Birdie Joe. The WWE star flooded Instagram with pics of the pair enjoying rides such as It's a Small World and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. 

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July 2019

Bella and Chigvintsev made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2019 Kids’ Choice Sports Awards, with the dancer giving the Total Bellas star a kiss on the forehead.

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July 2019

Chigvintsev and Bella announced in July 2019 that they are officially “boyfriend and girlfriend” after going more than six months without labels. “We’re in a relationship!” he gushed on “The Bellas Podcast.”

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October 2019

In an appearance on “The Lady Gang” podcast in October 2019, Bella spoke candidly about sex with Chigvintsev. “The vagina smiles every time,” she said. 

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October 2019

Bella gushed about her man to Us at the Girl Up #GirlHero Awards in October 2019. “He lets me be me,” she said. “The attention of what he gives me with my soul, with my personal life, my business life. Like, I have never met anyone who’s so supportive and I have no fear that he’s ever going to leave me for my imperfections, which is so amazing.” 

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December 2019

Bella revealed that she was “really nervous” to meet Chigvintsev’s parents. “It was the first time Artem saw his parents in five years and his brother. He was so nervous and excited and emotional,” she explained on “The Bellas Podcast.” “They all got really emotional when they saw each other. They cried.” The pair later revealed to Us that the Burn the Floor star taught the TV personality Russian to prepare for the meetup.

Credit: Courtesy Nikki Bella/Instagram

January 2020

The couple announced their engagement two months after the happy moment occurred. “I said yes in France in November!” Bella wrote via Instagram. “We have been trying to keep it a secret but really wanted to share our excitement for the New Year!” Chigvintsev, for his part, gushed: “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. So excited for what’s to come I love you more then [sic] anything and thank you for saying Yes.”

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January 2020

Us confirmed on January 29 that the couple are expecting their first child together. “Say hi to our very strong warrior baby,” Nikki tweeted at the time. “Mama has felt it!”

Credit: Courtesy of Nikki Bella/Instagram

January 2020

Nikki called Chigvintsev her “baby daddy” as he cradled her baby bump in a cute pic.

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February 2020

Chigvintsev celebrated his romance with Nikki on Valentine’s Day, writing: “Happy Valentine my love ❤️  I’m so excited what’s a head of us , you are one of a kind and I wouldn’t change a bit, I love you just the way you are 🦄 .”

Nikki, for her part, declared her love for her soon-to-be husband as well. “Our relationship isn’t perfect, no ones is, but it’s ours, and I love it! Love doing life with you, even when it gets hard,” she captioned an Instagram post, which featured footage from their trip to Germany. “Thank you for putting up with me lol. I know we are on the right path God has planned for us. Love you my A! ❤️

Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock

April 2020

Nikki told Us exclusively on the “Watch With Us” podcast that she’s unsure if she’ll take Chigvintsev’s last name when they wed. “I can’t even say my soon-to-be last name,” she previously said. “I always tell him, like, ‘Can you just be Bella? It’s easier!’ I feel like in this day and age, like, come on. The future is female. I kind of like just mine, but we’ll see. He’s very traditional, which I love.”

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May 2020

On the “Big Demi Energy” podcast, Nikki said that she and Chigvintsev have postponed their wedding due to their child’s arrival and the COVID-19 crisis. “I want to make sure the world is in such a clear space,” she shared. “The day I get married, I just want a massive party. I want a bash. I want everything I’ve dreamed of.” 

Credit: Courtesy Nikki Bella/Instagram

June 2020

Nikki honored Chigvintsev on his 38th birthday with a sweet Instagram tribute. “Happy Birthday My Click!!” she wrote. “@theartemc I love you so much! You are such a bright light in my life. Thank you God for him! Excited for many more birthdays, journeys, travels, and experiences together … and with our baby boy.”

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June 2020

Nikki and Chigvintsev’s revealed the sex of their baby during the Total Bellas season finale.

Credit: Francis Cole Cameron/Courtesy Artem/Instagram

July 2020

Nikki shared an intimate photo from the couple’s pregnancy photo shoot.

Credit: Jennica E. Maes/Mini Magazine

July 2020

During their joint interview with Mini Magazine, Nikki revealed how the pair are gearing up for parenthood. “Artem just got me a Gucci diaper bag and I’m obsessed,” she explained. “I’m definitely going to try and keep my fashion up to par as a mama and this is a good place to start.” 

She also shared that they “went with a moon and stars theme” for their baby’s nursery, adding: “I wanted something very soothing and meditated and also day-dreamy. I just want my boy to get lost in the stars. We have a lot of gray and blues throughout the nursery and dark wood. It’s super handsome!”

Credit: Courtesy of Artem Chigvintsev/Instagram

July 2020

Nikki confirmed in August 2020 that the couple welcomed their first child together on July 31, 2020. “Our baby boy is here and we couldn’t be HAPPIER and more in LOVE!” she wrote via Instagram, sharing a photo the pair’s hands entangled with their son’s. “Everyone is safe and healthy.”

Credit: Courtesy of Artem Chigvintsev/Instagram

November 2020

The Dancing With the Stars pro wished his fiancée a happy 37th birthday on November 21, sharing a pic of the couple on Instagram and writing, "I want to wish the happiest birthday to my beautiful and definitely better other half you are my rock , you have been absolutely incredible as a mom to Matteo and I am so lucky to have you. I want to wish you lots of success, love and happiness and everything you wish for your self. I love you and miss you and can’t wait to see you to celebrate."

Credit: Courtesy of Nikki Bella/Instagram

November 2020

Nikki cuddled with Chigvintsev following his Dancing With the Stars win. “Mi casa,” she captioned the social media upload, which translates to, “My home."

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January 2021

Nikki and Chigvintsev revealed their wedding date during the season 6 finale of Total Bellas. “We are going to be getting married the weekend of Thanksgiving 2021!” the bride-to-be announced.

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March 2021

Nikki exclusively told Us that going to couples therapy has been "tremendously" helpful for her relationship.

“We don't even have to keep going because it's — I mean, it's good to always have checkups — but all of a sudden, our sessions turned into, like, you just sit there,” she said at the time. “You're like, ‘Oh, I'm really loving right now. Like, there's no problems.’ It's like we didn't know what to talk about.”

Credit: Courtesy of Artem Chigvintsev/Instagram

May 2021

"Happy First Mother’s Day to you my love, 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," Chigvintsev wrote via Instagram alongside photos of Nikki and their son in May 2021. "We love you so so much, may this be the happiest day for you and to many more to come ❤️👼❤️"

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June 2021

The former professional wrestler and her fiancé started to consider planning their fall wedding again after kicking off a home renovation project.

"We're building our home right now ... It started, so we're, like, '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," Nikki shared with Us in June 2021. "So we're actually 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."

With Chigvintsev' schedule on DWTS, the twosome managed to settle on a "heavenly" date for their special day.

"What we would love to do is the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend because the finals are always the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving and then we thought, 'Oh, Thanksgiving is such a beautiful family time and it's so gorgeous in Napa Valley,'" the Total Bellas star revealed about their nuptial plans so far. "That's where we would want to get married, is in wine country and so for us, it's all so perfect."

Credit: Courtesy of Artem Chigvintsev/Instagram

October 2021

The "Bellas Podcast" cohost told Us that she was open to having a second child — but didn't want to rush. "I told Artem ... 'When I'm 39, if we feel so great in life and comfortable and you really want to try and have a little girl or just another one, and I feel that it's right as well, we can do that.' ... I want this time with just my son. I just don't want to have another baby interfere with that right now."

Credit: Courtesy of Artem Chigvintsev/Instagram

November 2021

Nikki and her fiancé experienced a "rocky" patch while living apart and working on different projects, she said on her podcast. "[We] had to get back into therapy. You know, distance is really hard. ... Now we're stronger than ever," she explained at the time.

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November 2021

The former reality star revealed that there was one crucial reason why the duo weren't ready to have a wedding ceremony yet.

"The one promise I made [Artem] before we can plan, is that his parents can attend, and with where the world's at right now and trying to get two Russian parents into the country, it's almost impossible," Nikki said during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. "So, the day I can get two visas, is the day we will set our date and say, 'I do.'"

Nikki noted that for now they plan to get married by November 2022.

"I think last year I said Thanksgiving, right? And I want to say next Thanksgiving," she added about their upcoming wedding. "I can't believe it's been a year, but I really do want to get married. I mean, selfishly, I just want to have that, like, one big day about me, I can't wait for that and to wear that dress, but I do want to marry Artem."

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February 2022

Nikki gave fans an update on her and Chigvintsev’s wedding plans during an episode of E! News’ Daily Pop, admitting her role as a parent has made her a little more hesitant about setting a date. “Once I had Matteo and I started to raise him, I was like, when I say ‘I do,’ I want to make sure it’s forever,” she said. “I know there are things that Artem wants too — like he really wants his parents there — but also, overall, I don’t want my son to go through a divorce.”

The former wrestler added: “Already what we have going on in our house right now is amazing. It’s pretty much like a married life.” Nikki explained that she “really wanted to be with someone who was going to be an amazing father, and Artem is that,” which caused some people to think she just wanted to be a mom and had no real goal of walking down the aisle.

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March 2022

The Total Divas alum clarified her Daily Pop remarks during a special episode of her “The Bellas” podcast, telling listeners and her sister that she will say “I do” at some point, but right now the couple’s son and his future are the priority. “I will be getting married, and I can’t wait,” Nikki said on the podcast. “I do me, for me. So that means I’ll marry Artem when I want, for me and [Matteo] and him for my life.”

She later explained that the COVID-19 pandemic and the expense of a ceremony has played a part in their wedding postponement. “There are things that Artem and I don’t talk about, like, financially we have so much more going on in our lives that to think, for Artem and I for the past two years, thinking of putting our money into a wedding — it’s probably the main reason we’ve hesitated,” she confessed. “For me, when I do have my wedding, I want it to be a dream. I don’t want to do something little because it’s all that you can afford right now. We never wanted to say that.”

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April 2022

Nikki revealed that she and her fiancé have settled on a wedding date over two years after they got engaged. “I’ll give a hint that it’s fall 2022, very soon," she told Us at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, adding that the ceremony may be televised.

Unfortunately, Chigvintsev's parents likely won't be able to make the trip from their native Russia because of the country's ongoing war with Ukraine. "With what's going on right now in the world, I think it's pretty much equivalent to impossible," he explained to Us at the DIRECTV Space at Neon Carnival. "I think it's gonna be [a] Zoom type of a situation, or some kind of a FaceTime deal, but unfortunately not in person, which makes me very sad."

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June 2022

During an episode of "The Bellas Podcast," Nikki explained the couple's decision not to rush into having a second child.

"We got in a big, detailed conversation about it. Because I was like, 'You know, I do have baby fever, but I don't know. Is right now, right? Maybe do you want to try for a girl?' And actually, Artem was like, 'We need to wait,'" she said at the time. "[Artem] prefers to wait a few years."

According to Nikki, the wait revolves around wanting their son to get a little older.

"How our life is right now with work, with Mateo and his age and the attention we give him — [Artem]'s like, 'Wait until he is 4.' And I was like, 'I'm good with that,'" she recalled. "But then it was weird how the tables kinda turned where I was like, 'I mean, I am good with that.' He [also] has Dancing With the Stars coming up soon. He made a comment, 'I don't want to leave and be dancing in Los Angeles and you're home pregnant with Matteo and trying to do everything.'"

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August 2022

“We said I DO,” Nikki announced via Instagram, sharing photos from the couple’s Paris nuptials. She also revealed that fans can see the “entire journey” during a four-part special event series from E! called Nikki Bella Says I Do.

Credit: Courtesy Artem Chigvintsev/Instagram

September 2022

Shortly after his nuptials, Chigvintsev offered a glimpse at his life as a married man. "Because we've been together for quite some time, I [felt] like, 'Hey, getting married is not gonna change much,'" he told Us. "Just because ... our days are still the same. [But] it actually does [change everything]."

The dancer added: "It just gives you more of [a feeling of being] filled with responsibilities. ... [I] definitely think through a lot more than I used to, but it feels good. It feels good to be married."

Credit: Courtesy of Nikki Bella/Instagram

November 2022

The WWE ambassador voiced her support for his husband after he and his season 31 Dancing With the Stars partner, Heidi D'Amelio, were eliminated from the competition. "Arrrteeemm, THE GOAT, no one is like him from choreography to coaching to dancing to creating to all of it. He gets requested by many every year and you see why. He makes magic happen and brings out the absolute best in every partner," Nikki wrote via Instagram.

Credit: Courtesy of Artem Chigvintsev/Instagram

November 2022

"Happy birthday my love  you are the most beautiful, special, kind, caring, loving person that I know. I am so lucky to call you my wife ," the Dancing With the Stars pro gushed in an Instagram tribute as his wife turned 39. "May this day bring you lots of happiness, joy but most of all lots of smiles. Matteo and I absolutely adore you and love you to bits. Happy birthday my click ."

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November 2022

The WWE Hall of Famer told Us that she and Chigvintsev are "very good with our sex life." Bella added, “I feel like [it’s] because we both try, but in a way where it doesn’t feel forced. … I still get butterflies when we kiss and it's crazy.”

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January 2023

Bella cleared up rumors about whether she and Chigvintsev were legally married following their August 2022 wedding. “We’re legally married in France and in the United States,” she exclusively told Us. “I think because we have our [marriage records] confidential … people went and searched and they didn’t find it. This is official. On paper, on TV and in real life!”

The WWE Hall of Famer also explained why she felt comfortable wearing a wedding dress she purchased while she was engaged to Cena. “I had the moment with that dress … when I saw it,” she recalled. “For me, it [reflects] how I stand as a strong woman. I was like wait, 'Why should I not wear what I love? Because of my past?' It just didn’t make sense to me.”