Nikki Bella, Who Once Dated John Cena, Set to Appear at WWE Royal Rumble 2025? Know the Inside Story

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Some roads are meant to be traveled more than once-an apt reflection of Nikki Bella's journey back into the WWE spotlight. The buzz surrounding the Royal Rumble, set to unfold in Indianapolis on Saturday, February 1, is reaching a fever pitch.

With this major event marking the beginning of the countdown to WrestleMania 41, fans are eagerly speculating about surprise appearances at Lucas Oil Stadium.

As reported by Fightful Select, Nikki was spotted in Indianapolis just a day before the Rumble, fueling the flames of anticipation. Whether she steps into the Women's Rumble match or makes an appearance as a guest, it looks like she could very well play a role in the show that has everyone talking.

But behind the glitz and glamour, who is Nikki Bella really? Let's peel back the curtain.

Who is Nikki Bella?

Before she became a household name in WWE, Nikki Garcia (as she's known now) and her twin sister, Brie, were just two girls from California with big dreams. It wasn't long before those dreams led them straight into the world of professional wrestling.

Nikki's journey in WWE began in 2008, where she quickly carved out a spot for herself, both in the ring and in the hearts of fans. She wasn't just a wrestler; she was a brand-a personality that WWE could build around.

Over the years, she earned her spot as one of the most iconic figures in women's wrestling, winning the WWE Divas Championship twice, and becoming a household name alongside her sister in the reality series "Total Divas" and "Total Bellas."

But while her wrestling career might have been larger-than-life, her personal life is where the drama often stole the show.

John Cena: The Ultimate Love Story... Or Not?

Ah, the love story between Nikki Bella and John Cena-who could forget it? The two started dating in 2012, and their relationship quickly became one of the most talked-about in the WWE universe.

Cena, the 16-time World Champion, and Bella, the fiery, determined competitor, seemed like a match made in wrestling heaven. They even became the power couple of WWE, with their relationship chronicled in Total Divas and, later, in Cena's proposal at WrestleMania 33.

In 2017, after a mixed tag team match at the grand stage of WrestleMania, Cena popped the question, proposing to Nikki in front of a roaring crowd. It seemed like the perfect fairytale ending. But as we know, love doesn't always go as planned. Just a year later, in April 2018, the engagement was called off. They canceled their wedding plans and ended their relationship, leaving fans heartbroken.

New Beginnings with Artem Chigvintsev And the Split

After her split with Cena, Nikki found love again in an unexpected place-on the set of Dancing with the Stars. She and her professional dance partner, Artem Chigvintsev, began dating in 2019, and their relationship took off quickly.

In 2020, they got engaged, and by the end of that year, Nikki had welcomed their first child, a son named Matteo. It was a fresh start for Nikki, one that seemed to be everything she had been looking for after her heartbreak with Cena. But even this new chapter was filled with its own twists.

In 2024, after four years of marriage, Nikki filed for divorce from Artem, citing "irreconcilable differences" (via PEOPLE). The split came after a complicated and public incident involving Artem's arrest in connection with a domestic violence charge.

Though the charges were eventually dropped, and both Nikki and Artem received restraining orders against each other, the situation left Nikki in a difficult position. She sought full custody of their son but ultimately agreed to joint custody after a court hearing.

Well, as we wait for the Royal Rumble and possibly a Nikki Bella return to WWE, we can't help but wonder: What's next for this powerhouse of a woman? Whatever it is, we know one thing-Nikki Bella will continue to shine, both inside and outside the ring.