Brief Introduction of Nikki Bella
Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, professionally known as Nikki Bella, is a retired American professional wrestler, television personality, and businesswoman who rose to fame as one half of the iconic WWE duo, The Bella Twins, alongside her sister, Brie Bella. A two-time WWE Divas Champion, Nikki holds the record for the longest reign with the title at 301 days. Beyond the wrestling ring, she has garnered mainstream success through the reality television series Total Divas and its spin-off, Total Bellas, and has cultivated a successful career as an entrepreneur. Her journey is marked by her athletic prowess, “Fearless” persona, and significant contributions to the evolution of women’s wrestling in WWE.
Nikki Bella Overview
| Full Name | Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace |
| Ring Name | Nikki Bella, Nikki Garcia |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 1983 |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Birthplace | San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Family | Jon Garcia (father), Kathy Colace (mother), Brie Bella (twin sister), JJ Garcia (brother) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Profession | Professional Wrestler, Television Personality, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $8 million and $10 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Nikki Bella
Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace was born on November 21, 1983, in San Diego, California, to parents Jon Garcia and Kathy Colace. She is of Mexican and Italian descent. Born sixteen minutes before her twin sister, Brianna (Brie), Nikki grew up on a farm in Scottsdale, Arizona. From a young age, both sisters were athletic and played soccer for a local club during their elementary school years.
Nikki attended Chaparral High School, where she continued to excel in soccer, even winning the MVP award in her first year. Her talent on the field led to a sports scholarship offer from Arizona State University. However, a leg injury ultimately derailed her professional soccer aspirations. After graduating from high school in 2002, she briefly attended Grossmont College in San Diego, where she also played soccer. A year later, seeking new opportunities, Nikki and Brie moved to Los Angeles. There, they worked as waitresses at the Mondrian Hotel while searching for an agent to break into the entertainment industry. This period saw them taking on modeling and promotional work, including an appearance on the reality show Meet My Folks and serving as promotional models for Budweiser during the World Cup.
Nikki Bella’s Career
The Bella Twins’ WWE Debut and Early Years (2007–2011)
Nikki and Brie Bella’s journey into professional wrestling began in 2007 when they were signed to a developmental contract by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). They were assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE’s developmental territory at the time, where they honed their in-ring skills. They made their in-ring debut in September 2007. The following year, Brie was called up to the main roster, debuting on the SmackDown brand. Initially, Nikki’s presence was a secret, as she would hide under the ring and switch places with Brie during matches—a tactic dubbed “Twin Magic”—to secure victories. Eventually, Nikki was officially introduced as her twin.
The Bella Twins quickly became a notable act in the Divas division. They were drafted to the Raw brand in 2009 and later to the ECW brand, showcasing their charisma and developing their on-screen personas.
Divas Champion and Rise to Prominence (2011–2015)
Nikki captured her first WWE Divas Championship on April 23, 2012, by defeating Beth Phoenix on an episode of Raw. However, her initial reign was short-lived, as she lost the title to Layla at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view just six days later. Shortly after, The Bella Twins’ contracts expired, and they briefly departed from WWE.
Their return in March 2013 coincided with the premiere of the E! reality series Total Divas. The show, which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of WWE’s female performers, significantly raised their mainstream profile. This period saw Nikki evolve into the “Fearless” persona, becoming a powerhouse of the division. Her in-ring work improved, and she developed her signature move, the “Rack Attack.”
Nikki’s career reached its zenith when she won her second Divas Championship at Survivor Series in 2014, defeating AJ Lee. This reign would become historic, as she held the title for a record-breaking 301 days. During this time, she defended her championship against numerous challengers and was a central figure in the Divas division, leading into the “Women’s Revolution” era in WWE. Her reign added a level of prestige to the championship and solidified her as a top star. She eventually lost the title to Charlotte Flair at Night of Champions in 2015.
Later Career, Retirement, and Hall of Fame (2016–Present)
Following her record-setting title reign, Nikki’s career was hampered by a serious neck injury that required surgery. She made a surprise return at SummerSlam in 2016 and continued to compete in various storylines. However, a cyst found on her brain led to her official in-ring retirement in June 2019.
In recognition of their significant contributions to WWE, Nikki and Brie Bella were announced as inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2020. They have since made sporadic appearances for the company, acting as ambassadors. In 2023, after their WWE contracts expired, the sisters announced they would go by their legal maiden name, Garcia, professionally. However, Nikki returned to using the “Bella” name upon her return to WWE for the 2025 Royal Rumble.
Nikki Bella Personal Life & Family
Nikki Bella’s personal life has often been in the public eye, largely due to the reality shows Total Divas and Total Bellas. Early in her life, at the age of 20, she married her high school sweetheart, a marriage that was annulled three years later. She kept this private for many years, revealing it in her 2020 memoir, Incomparable.
One of her most high-profile relationships was with fellow WWE superstar John Cena, whom she dated from 2012 to 2018. Their relationship, including their engagement at WrestleMania 33 and subsequent breakup, was a major storyline on Total Bellas.
In 2017, Nikki was partnered with professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev on season 25 of Dancing with the Stars. Though she was with Cena at the time, she and Chigvintsev reconnected after her breakup. They began dating and got engaged in November 2019. The couple welcomed their son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev, on July 31, 2020. Nikki and Artem married in Paris in August 2022. Their wedding preparations were chronicled in the E! special series, Nikki Bella Says I Do.
However, the marriage faced turmoil, and in August 2024, Chigvintsev was arrested on charges of domestic violence. Following the incident, Nikki filed for divorce in September 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in November 2024, with a settlement that included a lump-sum payment and monthly child support to be paid by Nikki to Artem. They share joint custody of their son, Matteo.
Awards and Achievements of Nikki Bella
- WWE Divas Championship (2 times)
- Longest-reigning WWE Divas Champion (301 days)
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2020, as part of The Bella Twins)
- Slammy Award for Diva of the Year (2013 with Brie Bella, 2015)
- Teen Choice Award for Choice Female Athlete (2016, with Brie Bella)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked her No. 1 of the top 50 female wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2015.
- Rolling Stone Diva of the Year (2015)
- Rolling Stone Most Improved Wrestler (2015)
- WIN Award for Best Actress in a Reality Series (2019, for Total Bellas)
- Guinness World Record for longest WWE Divas Championship reign.
Nikki Bella Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Nikki Bella’s net worth is estimated to be between $8 million and $10 million. Her wealth has been accumulated through her successful career in WWE, where she signed a Legends contract in 2025 reportedly worth $1 million annually for special appearances. A significant portion of her income also comes from her various business ventures, including the wine label Bonita Bonita, the activewear brand Birdiebee, and the beauty line Nicole + Brizee, which she co-owns with her sister Brie. Her career in reality television, particularly with Total Divas and Total Bellas, has also been a major contributor to her financial success.
Legacy and Influence
Nikki Bella’s legacy is multifaceted. In the wrestling world, she is remembered as a pivotal figure in the transition from the “Divas era” to the “Women’s Revolution.” Her record-breaking Divas Championship reign brought stability and focus to the title, and she proved to be a formidable competitor who could hold her own against the new wave of female athletes from NXT. Alongside her sister, she brought a new level of mainstream attention to women’s wrestling through their reality shows, helping to build a broader fanbase.
Outside of wrestling, Nikki has established herself as a successful entrepreneur and media personality. Through her brands and her podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, she has cultivated a strong connection with her audience, sharing her life with candor and empowering women in business and life.
Interesting Facts about Nikki Bella
- Nikki is 16 minutes older than her twin sister, Brie.
- Before her wrestling career, Nikki was a talented soccer player and considered going professional before an injury.
- She is a qualified real estate agent.
- Nikki has a passion for writing poetry, a more private side of her personality that many fans may not know about.
- She and Brie were once promotional models for Budweiser during the World Cup.
- Nikki competed on Celebrity Ninja Warrior for charity.
Controversies
Nikki Bella’s career and personal life have not been without controversy. In the ring, the feud between Nikki and her sister Brie in 2014 was heavily criticized by fans and critics, earning the “Worst Feud of the Year” award from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Her personal life has also faced public scrutiny. Her high-profile breakup with John Cena was a significant media topic. More recently, the end of her marriage to Artem Chigvintsev following his arrest for domestic violence brought significant and unwanted attention. Nikki has spoken about the difficulty of navigating these private matters in the public eye, emphasizing her focus on co-parenting their son, Matteo.
Social Media Presence
Nikki Bella maintains a significant online presence, connecting with millions of fans across various platforms. She and her sister share a joint podcast, “The Nikki & Brie Show,” and a YouTube channel where they discuss fashion, travel, and fitness. Her personal social media accounts provide glimpses into her life as a mother, entrepreneur, and public figure.
Final Words about Nikki Bella
Nikki Bella’s journey from a hopeful soccer player to a WWE Hall of Famer and successful entrepreneur is a testament to her “Fearless” mantra. She broke barriers in the wrestling ring, holding the Divas Championship for a record-setting reign and helping to pave the way for future generations of female wrestlers. While her personal life has had its share of public ups and downs, she continues to navigate her path with resilience, focusing on her son, her business ventures, and her enduring connection with her fans. Her legacy is one of strength, ambition, and the ability to reinvent oneself both inside and outside the squared circle.