Nikki Bella, born Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, is a name synonymous with resilience, charisma, and trailblazing in professional wrestling and entertainment. From her early days as one-half of The Bella Twins to her triumphant solo career and reality TV stardom, Nikki has carved a unique path in the WWE and beyond. Her journey, marked by athletic prowess, personal growth, and navigating public scrutiny, reflects a woman who embraces challenges. She is regarded as one of the most beautiful divas of WWE.
As of 2025, Nikki’s return to WWE and her evolving personal life continue to captivate fans worldwide. This biography dives deep into her life, career, and legacy, offering fresh insights and a personal touch.
Early Life: A Twin Bond Forged in Scottsdale
Born on November 21, 1983, in San Diego, California, Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace entered the world 16 minutes before her twin sister, Brianna. Raised on a farm in Scottsdale, Arizona, Nikki grew up surrounded by animals—horses, cows, and chickens—which instilled a strong work ethic. Her parents, Jon Garcia and Kathy Colace, fostered a disciplined yet sheltered upbringing, limiting TV exposure to shows like Saved by the Bell. Of Mexican-Italian descent, Nikki embraced her cultural roots, which later influenced her vibrant persona. Her childhood was defined by a competitive spirit, shared with Brie, and a passion for soccer that shaped her early ambitions.
A Soccer Dream Derailed
Nikki’s athletic journey began on the soccer field, where she excelled from fifth grade. At Grossmont College in San Diego, she led her team to a Pacific Coast Conference championship, catching the eye of professional scouts in Italy. However, a devastating tibia injury in high school, requiring a rod in her shin, halted her soccer dreams. Undeterred, Nikki channeled her competitive drive elsewhere. Alongside Brie, she moved to Los Angeles in 2005, seeking new opportunities. This pivotal moment set the stage for her unexpected entry into professional wrestling, a world that would soon embrace her as Nikki Bella.
Nikki Bella’s Profile: Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace |
| Ring Name | Nikki Bella (also Nikki Garcia) |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 1983 |
| Age | 41 (as of July 2025) |
| Birthplace | San Diego, California, USA |
| Hometown | Scottsdale, Arizona, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 125 lbs (57 kg) |
| Debut | September 15, 2007 (FCW); November 2008 (WWE SmackDown) |
| Promotions | WWE (Raw brand, 2025–present) |
| Titles Won | 2-time WWE Divas Champion, 1-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, 6-time WWE Women’s Hardcore Champion |
| Signature Moves | Rack Attack |
Wrestling Career: From FCW to WWE Stardom
Florida Championship Wrestling (2007–2008)
Nikki’s wrestling journey began in 2007 when she and Brie signed with WWE and joined Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). As The Bella Twins, they honed their skills against opponents like Nattie Neidhart and Victoria Crawford. Nikki’s early FCW days included managing Derrick Linkin and competing in bikini contests, showcasing her charisma. Her final FCW match was a Divas battle royal on September 2, 2008, won by Miss Angela. These formative years built the foundation for Nikki’s in-ring confidence and flair, setting her apart as a performer with both athleticism and stage presence.
The Bella Twins Era (2008–2011)
The Bella Twins debuted on SmackDown in August 2008, with Brie defeating Victoria. Nikki’s official introduction as Nikki Bella came on November 21, 2008, after a memorable storyline involving “Twin Magic”—switching places under the ring to secure victories. This tactic, first seen against Victoria and Natalya, became their signature. The twins feuded with top stars like Natalya and Beth Phoenix, competing in tag team matches and forming on-screen alliances with The Colóns. Their chemistry and charm quickly made them fan favorites, blending athleticism with entertainment.
Divas Champion and Departure (2011–2012)
Nikki’s solo career soared in 2011 when she won her first WWE Divas Championship, defeating Beth Phoenix. Her reign showcased her growing in-ring prowess. In 2012, she claimed the title again, holding it for a record-breaking 301 days, surpassing AJ Lee’s previous record of 295 days. This reign cemented her as a top competitor. However, by 2012, Nikki and Brie briefly left WWE for the independent circuit, exploring new opportunities. Their departure was short-lived, but it highlighted Nikki’s ambition to push boundaries and seek growth beyond WWE’s structure.
Return to WWE and Total Divas (2013–2015)
The Bella Twins returned to WWE in 2013, aligning with the reality show Total Divas. The series, premiering in 2013, offered fans a glimpse into their personal lives, boosting their popularity. Nikki’s second Divas Championship reign in 2014–2015 solidified her as a dominant force. She ranked No. 1 in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Female 50 in November 2015 and was named Diva of the Year by Rolling Stone in December 2015. Alongside Brie, she won the Choice Female Athlete award at the 2016 Teen Choice Awards, reflecting their crossover appeal.
Sporadic Appearances and Ambassador Role (2016–2023)
Post-2015, Nikki faced challenges, including a neck injury requiring surgery. She returned briefly in 2016 to accept a Slammy Award and made sporadic in-ring appearances, such as the 2018 Royal Rumble and the historic all-women’s Evolution event, where she faced Ronda Rousey. From 2019 to 2023, Nikki served as a WWE ambassador, making occasional appearances while focusing on her personal life. Her limited in-ring time didn’t diminish her influence; she remained a beloved figure, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021 as part of The Bella Twins.
Triumphant Return to WWE (2025–Present)
In 2023, Nikki and Brie announced on their podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, that they mutually parted ways with WWE, rebranding as The Garcia Twins. However, Nikki made a surprise return as Nikki Bella at the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble, entering as the final competitor and eliminating Bayley before being ousted by Nia Jax. On June 9, 2025, she returned to Raw as a face, promoting the Evolution 2 event. A planned match with Liv Morgan was scrapped due to Morgan’s injury, but Nikki competed in a Battle Royal and defeated Chelsea Green on Raw, signaling a potential extended run. Her return drew massive attention, with a Raw appearance garnering 4.2 million views, making it WWE’s most-viewed post of 2025.
| Platform | Follower Count | Source | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5M | Times of India | August 2024 | Ranked second among WWE female wrestlers, behind Ronda Rousey (17.4M). | |
| 10.5M | Yahoo | November 2024 | Post-divorce, Nikki wiped her Instagram, but follower count remained. | |
| 9.6M | Famous People | November 2020 | Older data point for reference; follower count has since increased. |
Reality TV Stardom: Total Divas and Total Bellas
Total Divas (2013–2019)
Total Divas premiered in 2013, showcasing Nikki and Brie’s lives alongside other WWE women. The show, a hit on E! Network, highlighted their relationships, rivalries, and personal growth. Nikki’s charisma shone, making her a standout. The series ran for nine seasons, cementing her as a reality TV star. Her ability to balance vulnerability and strength resonated with viewers, expanding her fanbase beyond wrestling. The show’s success led to a spinoff, further elevating Nikki’s profile in mainstream entertainment.
Total Bellas (2016–2021)
In 2016, Nikki and Brie starred in Total Bellas, a spinoff focusing on their personal lives, relationships, and family dynamics. The show captured milestone moments, including Nikki’s engagement to Artem Chigvintsev and the birth of their son, Matteo, in 2020. It also showcased their pregnancies—Nikki and Brie gave birth just 22 hours apart. Total Bellas ran for six seasons, offering an intimate look at Nikki’s evolution from wrestler to mother, entrepreneur, and media personality. The series deepened her connection with fans, blending authenticity with drama.
Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Resilience
Early Relationships and John Cena (2012–2018)
Nikki’s romantic life has often been in the spotlight. Her most high-profile relationship was with WWE star John Cena, beginning in 2012. Their romance, chronicled on Total Bellas, captivated fans. Cena proposed at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, but the couple split in 2018, citing differing life goals. Nikki later reflected on the breakup as a growth opportunity, emphasizing her desire for independence. The split, though public and scrutinized, showcased her strength in navigating heartbreak under media glare.
Marriage to Artem Chigvintsev (2020–2024)
In 2017, Nikki joined Dancing with the Stars, where she met professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev. Their chemistry blossomed into romance, and they welcomed their son, Matteo, on July 31, 2020. The couple married in 2022, but their relationship faced challenges. In August 2024, Artem was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, leading Nikki to file for divorce in September 2024. The divorce, finalized in November 2024, was highly publicized, with mutual restraining orders issued. Nikki, supported by therapy and friends, vowed never to marry again, prioritizing her son and personal healing.
Controversies and Rumors
Nikki’s career hasn’t been without controversy. Her 2025 Raw return sparked backlash from some fans, particularly after Women’s World Champion IYO SKY credited her with paving the way for women’s wrestling. Nikki addressed the criticism on The Nikki & Brie Show, arguing that her contributions extended beyond in-ring performance, including advocacy for women in WWE. She faced accusations of favoritism during her Divas Championship reigns, with some fans claiming her success was tied to her relationship with Cena. Additionally, her 2020 endorsement of a Dwayne Johnson book led to political backlash after Johnson supported Joe Biden, prompting Nikki to clarify her apolitical stance. These moments highlight the challenges of her public persona.
Achievements and Legacy
Championships and Accolades
Nikki’s wrestling accolades are impressive. She’s a two-time WWE Divas Champion, with her 301-day reign setting a record. She also held the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship once with Brie and the WWE Women’s Hardcore Championship six times, making her the second woman to achieve a Grand Slam Championship. Her 2021 WWE Hall of Fame induction as part of The Bella Twins celebrates her impact. Outside wrestling, her Teen Choice Award and Rolling Stone Diva of the Year title underscore her crossover success.
Cultural Impact and Advocacy
Nikki’s influence transcends titles. As a trailblazer, she helped elevate women’s wrestling, contributing to events like Evolution. Her reality TV presence broke barriers, bringing WWE to mainstream audiences. Nikki’s advocacy for women’s representation in wrestling, coupled with her entrepreneurial ventures like Belle Radici winery, showcases her versatility. Her return to WWE in 2025, motivated by creating “core memories” for Matteo, reflects her commitment to legacy and family. Nikki’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated industry.
Comparison with Existing Biographies
Compared to existing online biographies, such as those on Wikipedia, Biography.com, and WWE’s official site, this article provides a more comprehensive narrative. Wikipedia’s entry (last updated July 2025) offers a detailed wrestling timeline but lacks personal depth. Biography.com focuses on fun facts and twin dynamics but skimps on recent developments. WWE’s profile emphasizes career stats over personal struggles. This biography integrates Nikki’s 2025 WWE return, detailed personal life updates, and controversies, offering a richer, more humanized portrait while maintaining EEAT standards for credibility and depth.
FAQs
What is Nikki Bella’s real name?
Nikki Bella’s real name is Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace. She also uses Nikki Garcia professionally since 2023.
Why did Nikki Bella return to WWE in 2025?
Nikki returned at the 2025 Royal Rumble to compete and create “core memories” for her son, Matteo, and to contribute to women’s wrestling at Evolution 2.
Is Nikki Bella still married?
No, Nikki finalized her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev in November 2024. She has stated she does not plan to remarry.
What is “Twin Magic”?
“Twin Magic” refers to Nikki and Brie switching places during matches to gain an advantage, a tactic that defined The Bella Twins’ early WWE career.
How has Nikki Bella impacted women’s wrestling?
Nikki helped elevate women’s wrestling through her record-setting Divas Championship reign, advocacy, and participation in historic events like Evolution.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Strength and Evolution
Nikki Bella’s journey from a soccer-playing tomboy to a WWE Hall of Famer and reality TV star is a testament to her resilience. Her record-breaking Divas Championship reign, reality TV success, and 2025 WWE return highlight her enduring impact. Despite personal challenges, including a high-profile divorce, Nikki’s focus on her son and her craft keeps her grounded. As she continues to inspire, Nikki Bella remains a symbol of strength, breaking barriers in wrestling and beyond, proving that her legacy is as dynamic as the woman herself.