Nikki Garcia isn’t quite the badass she portrays in the wrestling ring.
The WWE star got candid about the misconceptions she faced during her very public divorce from ex Artem Chigvintsev in E! News’ exclusive sneak peek at the Total Bellas alum’s appearance on the June 25 episode of E!’s Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour.
Addressing double standards between men and women in the media, Nikki admitted to Kristin Cavallari during her Let’s Be Honest podcast live show, “I think they make me, like, more of a villain than I am.”
Her twin sister Brie Garcia agreed by chiming in with, “Oh, for sure. Especially out of your divorce.”
And, following Kristin’s own 2022 divorce from Jay Cutler, the Laguna Beach alum knew the feeling all too well. As she added, “Of course, you’re a woman.”
Nikki then credited her WWE persona for clouding the public’s understanding of her true nature.
“I feel like when you’re badass women and you kick ass in a ring, people just assume you’re not empathetic,” the 41-year-old—who shares 4-year-old son Matteo with the former Dancing With the Stars pro—noted. “It’s like we could go kick so much ass and, yeah, I’ll pick a guy out in the crowd. I’ll body slam you right now. I can do it.”
Jokes aside, Nikki assured the live audience, “I’ll pay for your hospital bill.”
Brie elaborated, “Because we’re pro wrestlers and all these things, we can come off so hard and tough,” to which Nikki reflected, “I think that’s the biggest misconception.”
Nikki even claimed that her WWE alter ego had an impact on her 2024 breakup from Artem and their ensuing legal battle.
“People bring up like, ‘Well I don’t know, 2017, your character in the ring…'” she continued. “I’m like, ‘That’s not real. I was playing a villain.’ I was playing a character and they all think I’m that person. I mean, I heard it in court through the divorce. Because I was a strong woman, a pro wrestler.”
Kristin’s response to the alleged court bias?
“You should not be able to use anything in entertainment,” she insisted. “That’s bulls–t.”
Nikki’s comments hit home for Kristin, who added of coverage of her own past public confessions, “Or, with me, they always want to make it about sex. Like, I said a lot more than just that. It drives me insane.”
However, Brie hilariously admitted to keeping up with Kristin’s past sex-capades with ex Mark Estes.
“But I gotta say, I clicked everyone about you and Mark,” Brie cracked. “I was like, ‘Oh, s–t.'”
Kristin replied with a laugh, “You’re adding to the problem!”
See more of Nikki and Brie’s confessions when Honestly Cavallari airs back-to-back episodes Wednesday, June 25, at 10 p.m. In the meantime, keep reading to look back at Nikki and Artem in happier times.
A Different Sort of Smooch
Long before the two paired up in real life, Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev were dance partners during DWTS‘ 25th season back in 2017. Here, Artem kisses the Garcia twin’s hand for a promotional shot.
Sunday Fun Day
Just weeks before the pair would go on to publicly confirm their romance, Artem made several appearances on Nikki’s Instagram Story and Instagram Live videos before and during Total Bellas. Why?
Nikki explained that Artem would be joining her in live tweeting the episode, though that wasn’t the only reason for his social media cameo. “I have a special guest who had a really fun Sunday fun day with me,” she told fans in the Live video, before explaining they spent the afternoon enjoying ramen and non-alcoholic beer together.
Messing Around
Artem followed Nikki’s adorable Instagram post with one of his own the following the day. The scenic shot showed a giddy-looking Nikki smiling and covering Artem’s face while his arm was wrapped sweetly around her waist.
It’s Official!
Trailing Total Bellas‘ fourth season finale, the WWE star took to Instagram Sunday night, March 24, with an adorable snapshot that saw her planting a sweet kiss on the DWTS pro’s cheek.
The photo seemed to reemphasize what the final moments of Sunday’s episode already confirmed: that Nikki and Artem are, in fact, doing the romance thing.
“Well after that season finale,” she wrote in the post’s caption, adding that her and Artem’s relationship is the “first thing I’ll be talking about” during Wednesday’s upcoming episode of The Bellas Podcast. Stay tuned!
Wine Time
Artem and Nikki held hands during a daytime date in Washington, D.C.
Breakfast With the Fam
Nikki’s twin sister Brie Bella posted this cute pic of herself and daughter Birdie grabbing breakfast with the couple in April 2019.
Dog Pile
Nikki and Artem snuggled in bed with her pup Winston.
Disney Date
Nikki and Artem cuddle up while in Disney with Brie and her husband Bryan Danielson.
Podcast Official
Artem made his first appearance on the Garcia’s podcast in May 2019 and the lovebirds didn’t shy away from talking about their relationship.
Music Fest Lovefest
The couple shared a sweet moment in the crowd at the BottleRock music festival.
BottleRock Babes
Artem and Nikki enjoy a weekend getaway to in Napa, Califa.
Birthday Boy
“Happy Birthday to a man who not only makes my face smile, but my heart,” Nikki wrote in a tribute to Artem in June 2019. “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.”
Smooch!
Nikki planted a sweet kiss on Arten during a selfie.
Hands Off
The pair snapped a “hands free 10 second selfie.”
Happy
Artem sweept Nikki off her feet! “Lake Tahoe makes my soul smile & my inner child come out and play!” she wrote on Instagram.
Picture Perfect
Nikki and Artem’s Lake Tahoe photo shoot was hotter than the weather on 4th of July.
Desert Selfie
Nikki and Artem soaked up some sun in the desert.
Mexicali Memories
Artem joined Nikki and Brie on a trip to Mexicali as the twins tried to reunite with their estranged father.
Ahem…
Nikki snuck in a selfie amid her attempt to “seduce my way into getting a foot massage.”
Chilling At The Lake
The pair spent quality family time together during a trip to Lake Tahoe in August 2021.
New Beginning
Nikki took to Instagram in August 2019 to share a message about her “new beginning” with Artem.
“As I start a new amazing journey with @totalbellas and my life, my @theartemc is starting the same,” the retired WWE star wrote. “And I am so excited for him to be on this journey with me. I’m thankful for him to showcase his life, love, ups and downs not only for me but for my Bella Army and my Total Bellas viewers.”
Vote For Artem!
Nikki encouraged the Bella Army to vote for Artem and his DWTS partner, Melora Hardin, with the adorable pic.
Couple Goals
Being a supportive wife, Nikki encouraged fans to vote for Artem and partner Heidi D’Amelio on Dancing With the Stars with this cute photo.
Cheers!
Let happy hour for the hardworking couple commence!
Cuddles
Seriously, could they get any cuter?
Together Forever
Nikki and her “4 lifer,” as she put it in the caption of this October snap.
Poppin’ Bottles
Champagne time.
A Bella Birthday
Artem shared this pic on Nikki’s birthday.
“I want to wish the happiest birthday to my beautiful and definitely better other half,” he captioned the post. “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 yourself. I love you and miss you and can’t wait to see you to celebrate.”
Kisses
Muah.
Home Is Wherever I’m With You
“mi casa,” Nikki wrote alongside this sweet selfie.
