Nikki Garcia (a.k.a. Nikki Bella) has made a significant career move following her shocking divorce from Dancing With the Stars alum Artem Chigvintsev. The Total Divas star returned to the WWE during the 2025 Royal Rumble, years after her official retirement from the professional wrestling company.
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Garcia stepped out for the annual event, which WWE held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday. While making her way into the arena, the WWE Superstar was introduced as Nikki Bella, using the stage name she stopped using in 2023.
“The WWE Hall of Famer, one of the most courageous women on the planet… Nikki Bella is back!” commentator Michael Cole declared. “For the first time in three years, Nikki Bella is here at the Rumble.”
Fellow commentator Pat McAfee added, “What a moment for the WWE.”
The event marks Garcia’s second public appearance since she finalized her divorce from Chigvintsev. The couple ended their marriage following Chigvintsev’s arrest for suspicion of domestic violence. The former Dancing With the Stars pro was released from jail hours after his arrest and did not face any criminal charges. Both he and Gracia were granted protective orders against one another.
Garcia returned to her and her sister Brie’s podcast, The Nikki and Brie Show, in early December 2024. She opened up about the arrest and divorce.
“I disconnected from social media, from the world, and I just knew that I needed to disconnect because first things first,” she said. “I’m a mom, and my son’s protection and privacy are the most important. So I was gonna do whatever it took for that most importantly, and then just needing space for healing, for facing trauma head on, all of that.”
Nikki Bella Previously Stated She Would Come Out Of WWE Retirement For Match Against Britt Baker
In July 2024, Nikki Bella declared she would come out of her WWE retirement to take on fellow female wrestler Britt Baker, a talent in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). While Baker was on the Bella Twins’ podcast, Nikki stated that she missed wrestling and the excitement of performing in front of an audience.
“You don’t have to miss it. The opportunity is here. If you want to wrestle again, I’m available,” Baker shared.
“I would come out of retirement for you,” Nikki revealed. To which Baker responded, “That would be amazing.”
Nikki Bella then commented that her goal was to make a wrestling comeback in a few years.