Nikki Garcia Slams Critic Asking If She “Ever” Sees Her Son Matteo

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Nikki Garcia is pulling out a finisher to set this record straight.

In response to a social media comment doubting if her 4-year-old son, Matteo (shared with former husband Artem Chigvintsev), frequently spends time with her, the WWE star defended herself.

Nikki inquired, “Do you typically address messages like this to Dad? Yes, he was with me throughout the entire week. Just because I don’t often share photos of him doesn’t imply that he isn’t with me. I strive to maintain a level of privacy for his comfort.

In her July 20 Instagram story, she decided to make public a screenshot of their recent conversation, providing insights into her and Artem’s current parenting arrangement.

She mentioned that her son spends most of his time with her, particularly during weekdays at home. Every Tuesday upon arriving, she heads to pick him up immediately, and on Sundays when she departs, she takes him along. There are instances where she’s away for extended periods, but they have a strong co-parenting arrangement, and he appreciates the bond with his mommy.

Additionally, she emphasized her hope for increased protection of Matteo’s privacy, acknowledging that occasionally revealing glimpses into his life is acceptable, yet not on a constant basis.

 

She concluded by saying, “Therefore, let’s avoid such comments from now on. I may have overreacted, but I was sensitive because some of you seem to believe that if a child isn’t frequently shared online, it means they aren’t being cared for.

Since Nikki and Artem’s high-profile divorce and subsequent legal dispute in 2024, the professional wrestler has become more open about dealing with the complexities of managing relationships and personal highs and lows under the scrutiny of the public—revealing how her on-screen character might have influenced public perception of their separation.

In her conversation with Kristin Cavallari during the June 25th episode of ‘Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour,’ she expressed that, because of their strong and dominant nature in the ring, people often underestimate their capacity for empathy.

She stated, “People often say to me, ‘But isn’t that 2017, your persona in the ring…?’ I respond, ‘That’s not accurate. I was portraying a villain.’ I was acting out a character and many mistake me for being the person. Even in court during my divorce proceedings, people viewed me as a strong woman and a professional wrestler because of it.

But for Nikki, she thinks the two should be mutually exclusive.

“You should not be able to use anything in entertainment,” she insisted. “That’s bulls–t.”

For a look back at Artem and Nikki’s time together, keep reading.

A while before they became a couple off-screen, Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev were dance partners during season 25 of DWTS in 2017. In this photo, Artem is seen kissing the hand of one of the Garcia twins for promotional purposes.

In the weeks leading up to when they officially announced their relationship, Artem frequently showed up in Nikki’s Instagram Stories and Live videos, both before and during Total Bellas. This was likely because…

Nikki shared that Artem would assist her in real-time tweeting the episode, but his social media appearance was not solely for this purpose. In her live broadcast, she referred to him as a “special guest” who had a delightful Sunday outing with her. They spent their afternoon indulging in ramen and non-alcoholic beers together.

The day after Nikki shared an endearing Instagram post, Artem responded with one of his own. The picture featured a stunning landscape, showcasing Nikki grinning broadly and playfully concealing Artem’s face as he affectionately embraced her from behind.

At the end of the fourth season finale of Total Bellas, the WWE star shared an affectionate photo on Instagram late on Sunday, March 24, where she was seen planting a gentle kiss on the professional dancer’s cheek from Dancing with the Stars.

In my expert opinion, the snapshot from yesterday’s finale appeared to underscore a truth we’d been hinted at all along: Nikki and Artem seem to have ventured into the realm of romantic relationships.

In her recent post, she mentioned that following the season finale, she would be discussing her and Artem’s relationship on an upcoming episode of The Bellas Podcast. Keep watching for more details!

Artem and Nikki held hands during a daytime date in Washington, D.C.

In April 2019, Nikki’s identical sibling, Brie Bella, shared an adorable photo of herself and her child, Birdie, enjoying a meal together as a threesome.

Nikki and Artem snuggled in bed with her pup Winston.

Nikki and Artem cuddle up while in Disney with Brie and her husband Bryan Danielson.

In May 2019, Artem debuted on the Garcia’s podcast, and the couple freely discussed their romantic bond without reservation.

The couple shared a sweet moment in the crowd at the BottleRock music festival. 

Artem and Nikki enjoy a weekend getaway to in Napa, Califa.

In June 2019, Nikki penned a heartfelt tribute to Artem: “Happy Birthday to a man who isn’t just capable of making me smile, but warming up my heart too!” She exclaimed. “You’re an extraordinary individual, Mr. Chigvintsev! Your serene, tranquil, patient, considerate, joyful demeanor is infectious! You genuinely are the most kind-hearted person I have ever crossed paths with. Thank you for filling my life with so much light.

Nikki planted a sweet kiss on Arten during a selfie.

The pair snapped a “hands free 10 second selfie.”

Artem left Nikki utterly charmed! On Instagram, she expressed that Lake Tahoe brings a radiant smile to her soul and unleashes her inner child to frolic around.

 

Nikki and Artem’s Lake Tahoe photo shoot was hotter than the weather on 4th of July. 

Nikki and Artem soaked up some sun in the desert.

Artem accompanied Nikki and Brie on a journey to Mexicali, where they aimed to reconnect with their long-lost father who had been apart from them.

Nikki snuck in a selfie amid her attempt to “seduce my way into getting a foot massage.”

The pair spent quality family time together during a trip to Lake Tahoe in August 2021.

Nikki took to Instagram in August 2019 to share a message about her “new beginning” with Artem.

In a new exciting chapter of my life, both I and my partner, Artem Chigvintsev, are embarking on similar journeys with TotalBellas, wrote the former WWE star. I’m thrilled he’s joining me on this adventure. I’m grateful that he will share his life, love, triumphs, and challenges not only with me but also with my Bella Army and Total Bellas viewers.

Nikki motivated the Bella Army to cast their votes for Artem and his Dancing With The Stars partner, Melora Hardin, using a charming photograph.

As a devoted spouse, Nikki cheered on fans to cast their votes for Artem and dance partner Heidi D’Amelio in Dancing With the Stars, using this adorable picture for encouragement.

Let happy hour for the hardworking couple commence!

Seriously, could they get any cuter?

Nikki and her “4 lifer,” as she put it in the caption of this October snap.

Champagne time.

Artem shared this pic on Nikki’s birthday.

I’d like to extend my warmest birthday wishes to my wonderful partner who truly surpasses me in every way,” he wrote on the post. “You are my pillar, you’ve been simply amazing as Matteo’s mom, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have you. May your life be filled with success, love, and happiness, along with all that you desire for yourself. I adore you, miss you dearly, and can’t wait to celebrate together.

 

Muah.

“mi casa,” Nikki wrote alongside this sweet selfie.

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2025-07-21 16:47