AceShowbiz - Artem Chigvintsev recently opened up about the breakup with his ex-wife Nikki Garcia, describing the split as "inevitable" during a candid conversation on the April 20 episode of The Penthouse With Peta podcast hosted by fellow dancer Peta Murgatroyd.

The former Dancing With the Stars professional reflected on the difficult week that changed his life dramatically, ultimately leading to the end of his marriage to the WWE star known from Total Bellas. The split followed a highly publicized incident that involved Artem's arrest for domestic violence, which he called a "bad dream" he struggled to process.

"I had to completely switch off me," Artem explained to Peta Murgatroyd. "There was no way of processing everything." Looking back, he admitted feeling disoriented by the entire experience, saying, "I'm like, 'Woah. I don't know where I am right now.'"

Despite the turmoil, Artem insisted that if he could change anything about the situation, his answer would be no. "It was inevitable," he said, emphasizing his belief that everything happens for a reason and that the breakup was necessary for him to move forward in life.

He further revealed, "I don't think I would have ever left with that relationship on my own. I would have never done that just because I was raised differently." This statement highlights how deeply ingrained his values were, which complicated his willingness to leave the marriage independently.

According to court documents obtained by E! News, the divorce was filed by Nikki Garcia in September 2024, less than a month after police responded to a domestic dispute at their Napa, California residence. The WWE star alleged that the argument started over breakfast and escalated, leading her to throw their son's shoes at Artem in a moment she described as a "momentary lapse in judgment."

Artem Chigvintsev denied these accusations in his own court filings, claiming that Nikki Garcia was the aggressor during the incident. Ultimately, the Napa County District Attorney's Office declined to press charges against him. Their divorce was finalized in 2025.

Reflecting on the timeline, Artem shared that their 5-year-old son Matteo was a major factor in why the couple stayed together as long as they did. He expressed the importance of having both parents actively involved in their child's life.

"I want my kid to have a full family," he stated. "There is a huge amount of relationships that, I think, nowadays people exit way too early."

Currently, Artem and Nikki are committed to co-parenting their son together. In a September episode of Sirius XM’s The Nikki and Brie Show, Nikki Garcia praised Artem for his adaptability to her schedule, saying, "I get Matteo almost more. He's amazing." She added that they have adjusted well and that Matteo is thriving in their shared parenting arrangement.

Returning to Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia, their journey reflects the complexities faced by many couples in the public eye. Their experience underscores the challenges of navigating personal struggles while maintaining a united front as parents. Though their marriage ended amid controversy, both remain focused on providing stability and love for Matteo.

Artem described the breakup as a turning point, marking a necessary step toward the future he needed. The co-parenting dynamic they share now offers a hopeful example of how former partners can prioritize their children’s well-being above past conflicts.

As celebrity co-parenting continues to evolve, the stories of Artem Chigvintsev, Nikki Garcia, and others highlight the importance of cooperation, respect, and commitment to family despite the end of romantic relationships. Their experiences provide insight into the ongoing balance between personal healing and shared responsibility in raising the next generation.