Celebrity couples always grab attention. It has become a source of entertainment for fans and for easy headlines. Some relationships stand out more than others, and one of the most notable ones was the love story between John Cena and Nikki Bella. Their romance, unlike most celebrities, wasn’t a private affair. It played out in front of millions of people, making them one of the most talked-about couples in the entertainment industry.
Cena and Bella shared a strong connection, both inside and outside the wrestling ring. Their chemistry was undeniable, and fans admired their journey from WWE superstars to a couple deeply in love. Whether appearing at red carpet events or sharing moments on reality TV, they always made waves. Their engagement in 2017 was a significant milestone, celebrated by millions who had been following their relationship for years.
But despite their seemingly perfect bond, their love story took a sad turn. The news of their breakup shocked fans, leaving many wondering what had gone wrong. The two going their separate ways was just as dramatic as their romance, as their huge careers and star power kept them constantly under the media’s microscope. As we explore their relationship timeline, we’ll uncover the highs, the lows, and the real reasons behind their heartbreaking separation.
Why did Nikki Bella and John Cena break up?
John Cena and Nikki Bella‘s breakup came as a surprise to everyone. They were one of WWE’s most famous couples, and fans loved their relationship. After dating for years, John proposed to Nikki at WrestleMania 33 in a romantic moment that made headlines. Everyone thought this was it, their favorite wrestler finally getting hitched to his sweetheart.
But just one year later, they ended their engagement. The reason is that they want different things in life.
Nikki Bella always dreamed of having a family. She wanted to get married and have children. John Cena, however, had said many times that he didn’t want kids. At first, it seemed like he changed his mind about Nikki. He even agreed to start a family with her. But Nikki could see that deep down, Cena wasn’t truly in with the whole decision.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Nikki explained how hard the breakup was:
“You almost wish it was bad, because it’s so much easier to walk away. It’s so much harder to walk away when it’s loving.”
Later, on Maria Menounos’ Better Together podcast, she said:
“Overall, we did have such an incredible relationship, it was just two people that wanted two different lives. We were trying so hard to make it one. Even in the end when he was willing to give me kids, I could just tell, it’s not what he wanted. And that’s really what pushed me in the end.”
Their engagement had fans losing it. After years together, they would finally tie the knot. But behind the scenes, the things they wanted kept pointing out how they had incompatible dreams, with Nikki Bella wanting kids and Cena not fully embracing the idea. Ultimately, love wasn’t enough to bridge their differences, resulting in their split in 2018.
Their breakup was a huge talking point for WWE, so much so that when John Cena got called out, the person used his breakup to rile him up.
When did John Cena and Nikki Bella start dating, and how long were they together?
Before they became one of wrestling’s most celebrated couples, John Cena and Nikki Bella were close friends who shared a passion for WWE and the chaotic life that comes with it.
Their bond slowly grew stronger behind the scenes until they finally took a chance on romance. It was in 2012, after years of friendship, when Cena asked Bella out on their first official date. This marked the start of their relationship and would quickly capture the attention of millions. The couple had been together for almost eight years.
In an interview with WWE, Bellas spoke about this big, special first date.
“On my best first date, there was a very big, handsome man with an amazing smile and dimples. Even though we were both out of town, he came to my hotel and picked me up as if we were in the same city, and took me to a nice steakhouse. We just talked and chatted for hours. That first one went into the second one where we just had an amazing dance in the middle of the restaurant. No one’s ever done that with me, and yes, that was John. So he’s awesome.”
By 2013, the couple decided to move in together. But it wasn’t as simple as it sounds. Cena, known for being extremely careful and structured in his personal life, asked Nikki to sign a 75-page agreement before she moved in.
After dating for a while, Cena and Bella decided to take a major step in their relationship, and they moved in together in 2013. But this wasn’t your typical “let’s try living together” arrangement. Before Bella could settle into John’s home, she had to sign a 75-page agreement.
The document officially labeled her a guest in his house and outlined strict conditions, including lifestyle expectations and boundaries. He later explained his actions, saying the contract was his way of protecting the people he supports financially, which mostly includes his family.
Speaking on the Today Show, he said:
“I was very abrasive and stern.” He added, “And she had to sign this huge, crazy agreement just to come in the front door.”
The wrestler discussed the agreement with Bella’s brother during an episode of Total Bellas, where he said:
“It is like buying a handgun for home defense.” He added, “And those who buy a handgun for self-defense pray, pray they never have to use it. Without it, it’s a dogfight. With it, it is very easy.”
He compared the contract to something like a prenuptial handgun—a thing you keep close, hoping you’ll never need it, but still want just in case. For many people, this showed just how careful and serious Cena was when it came to commitment.
The Grand Engagement at WrestleMania 33
Fast forward to 2017, WrestleMania 33 was already one of WWE’s biggest events of the year. Orlando’s Camping World Stadium was packed, and the fans were buzzing for the huge matches like the main event between Roman Reigns and The Undertaker. The night was already full of drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
But the highlight of the night didn’t come from a match—it came from a surprise proposal. After teaming up with Nikki Bella to win their Mixed Tag Team Match against The Miz and Maryse, John Cena took the spotlight for something personal. He picked up the microphone, turned to Nikki, and got down on one knee right in the middle of the ring.
With thousands watching in the arena, Cena asked Bella to marry him. It was a moment full of emotion and excitement, marking one of the most talked-about proposals in wrestling history.
What happened to John Cena and Nikki Bella after their breakup
After calling off their engagement in 2018, John Cena and Nikki Bella took separate paths—both professionally and personally. Though their breakup made headlines, neither of them disappeared from the spotlight.
Cena remained involved with WWE for a while, continuing to make appearances at big events. In 2017, he made history by tying Ric Flair’s record with his 16th world championship title. Although he is no longer as active inside the ring as he once was, he remains a part of WWE events.
In the years that followed, Cena has built a strong acting career with roles in major films like F9, The Suicide Squad, and the Peacemaker series on Max. Even popular directors like James Gunn dreamt of bringing the wrestler to the DC Universe. While he is not the first one to jump from the wrestling scene to acting, his ability to balance action and comedy helped him grow beyond the wrestling ring and into a full-fledged movie star.
Nikki Bella also stepped away from full-time wrestling but stayed busy with several projects. Her WWE contract ended in 2023, but she surprised fans by making a brief return at the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble. Outside the ring, she’s focused on building her lifestyle brand, hosting TV shows and podcasts, and raising her family.
Even though their relationship ended, both John Cena and Nikki Bella moved on and found success in their own ways, building new lives after being in such a public spotlight.
Current partners of John Cena and Nikki Bella
Since going their separate ways, both Nikki Bella and John Cena have moved on with new partners. Nikki ended up finding love with Artem Chigvintsev, a dancer she met while competing on Dancing with the Stars. They got engaged in 2019 and welcomed a son, Matteo, in 2020, and later got married in 2022. Nikki often talks about how happy she is with her little family.
Despite marrying Artem Chigvintsev, it wasn’t all smooth sailing—he was arrested for domestic violence (later dropped), she filed for divorce soon after, and the two now share custody of their son.
John Cena also settled down with Shay Shariatzadeh, a Canadian engineer. The two reportedly met during the filming of Playing with Fire and kept their relationship mostly away from the spotlight. They got married in a quiet ceremony in 2020 and seem to be enjoying a more private life together.
Nikki Bella returns to WWE
After stepping away from in-ring action for a while, Nikki Bella surprised fans with a strong comeback. It started earlier this year when she made a shock return at the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble, entering at number 30. She even managed to eliminate Bayley before nearly making it to the final four. It was a big moment that reminded everyone just how good Nikki is in the ring.
But the buzz didn’t stop there. Just a couple of days ago, WWE confirmed that Nikki would appear on Monday Night Raw to help promote the upcoming all-women’s event, Evolution 2. When she showed up in Phoenix, the crowd gave her a warm welcome—until things took a wild turn. Liv Morgan interrupted her and took her down, hinting that Nikki is not just making a guest appearance.
It’s still not clear if Nikki Bella is back in WWE for good, but her recent appearances have definitely caught everyone’s attention. One thing is certain—her return has brought new energy to the women’s division.
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