Childhood and Education Journey of Nikki Bella in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Nikki Bella. A timeline of key moments.

Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, known as Nikki Bella (now Nikki Garcia), is an American professional wrestler and television personality signed to WWE, performing on the Raw brand. She gained prominence as one-half of The Bella Twins alongside her twin sister Brie Bella, becoming a two-time WWE Divas Champion. Beyond wrestling, Nikki has ventured into reality television, notably starring in 'Total Divas' and 'Total Bellas,' showcasing her personal life and career. She has also pursued entrepreneurial ventures and appeared in other entertainment projects, solidifying her status as a mainstream celebrity.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 21, 1983: Nikki Bella's Birth

On November 21, 1983, Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, known as Nikki Bella, was born. She is an American professional wrestler and television personality signed to WWE.

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2002: Graduation from Chaparral High School

In 2002, Nikki Bella graduated from Chaparral High School.

October 2007: Rivalry with Neidhart and Crawford

Throughout October 2007, Nikki Bella started a scripted rivalry with Nattie Neidhart and Victoria Crawford, competing in a series of matches against them as part of her on-screen persona with Brie, where they would switch places behind the referee's back.

December 2007: Managing Derrick Linkin

Starting in December 2007, Nikki Bella managed Derrick Linkin in FCW; however, the storyline was cut short when Linkin was released in January 2008.

January 2008: Derrick Linkin's Release

In January 2008, Derrick Linkin was released from FCW, cutting short Nikki Bella's storyline as his manager that began in December 2007.

April 2008: Neidhart's Call-up to WWE Roster

In April 2008, Nattie Neidhart was called up to the WWE roster, and Milena Roucka took her place in the feud between Nikki Bella, Brie, Neidhart and Crawford.

June 2010: Feud with Jillian Hall

In June 2010, the Bella Twins began a feud with Jillian Hall, with Brie and Nikki taking turns defeating Hall, often switching places to gain an advantage.

January 2011: Turn to Villainous Characters

In January 2011, both Bella Twins turned into villainous characters after discovering Daniel Bryan kissing Gail Kim backstage, leading to attacks on Kim.

March 2012: Friction Between The Bellas

In March 2012, The Bellas began to show friction after both lost to AJ Lee in singles competition. This friction furthered due to differing opinions on Team Johnny versus Team Teddy at WrestleMania XXVIII.

2012: Dating John Cena

In 2012, Nikki Bella began dating John Cena.

May 2014: Revelation of High School Marriage

In May 2014, Nikki revealed on Total Divas that she had married her high school sweetheart at the age of 20; the marriage was annulled three years later.

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2015: Turning villainous

In 2015, Nikki Bella turned villainous for the first time since teaming with her sister Brie to attack Ronda Rousey, after defeating The Riott Squad in a rematch.

November 21, 2016: Launch of The Bella Twins YouTube Channel

On November 21, 2016, Nikki and Brie launched their new YouTube channel, "The Bella Twins", featuring fashion, beauty, travel, fitness, relationship, and health videos.

April 2, 2017: Engagement to John Cena

On April 2, 2017, Nikki became engaged to John Cena when he proposed to her after their mixed tag-team match at WrestleMania 33.

August 21, 2017: Launch of Belle Radici Wine Label

On August 21, 2017, Nikki and Brie launched their own wine label called Belle Radici in collaboration with Hill Family Estates and Gauge Branding.

November 1, 2017: Launch of Birdiebee Brand

On November 1, 2017, Nikki and Brie launched Birdiebee, a lifestyle intimates and activewear brand focused on empowering women.

April 15, 2018: Engagement Called Off

On April 15, 2018, Nikki and John Cena called off their engagement and canceled their wedding.

May 5, 2018: Wedding Cancellation Date

May 5, 2018, was the planned wedding date for Nikki Bella and John Cena before their engagement was called off.

January 2019: Dating Artem Chigvintsev

In January 2019, Nikki Bella began dating Artem Chigvintsev, her partner from Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars.

January 28, 2019: Launch of Nicole + Brizee Beauty Line

On January 28, 2019, Nikki and Brie launched Nicole + Brizee, a body and beauty line.

March 27, 2019: Launch of The Bellas Podcast

On March 27, 2019, Nikki and Brie launched their own podcast, The Bellas Podcast, with the Endeavour Audio network.

June 20, 2019: In-Ring Career Ends

On June 20, 2019, Nikki Bella ended her in-ring career after discovering a cyst on her brain.

January 3, 2020: Engagement to Artem Chigvintsev

On January 3, 2020, Nikki Bella became engaged to her Season 25 Dancing with the Stars partner, Artem Chigvintsev.

July 31, 2020: Birth of First Child

On July 31, 2020, Nikki Bella gave birth to her first child, a son.

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April 11, 2021: WrestleMania 37 Appearance and Face Turn

On April 11, 2021, during the second night of WrestleMania 37, Nikki Bella, along with Brie, attacked Bayley, turning face once again.

2021: New Business Ventures

In 2021, Nikki and Brie launched another wine label called Bonita Bonita Wine and their own baby gear collection in partnership with Colugo.

2021: Relaunch of The Bellas Podcast

In 2021, The Bellas Podcast was relaunched after being acquired by Stitcher, a subsidiary of Sirius XM.

August 26, 2022: Marriage to Artem Chigvintsev

On August 26, 2022, Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev were married.

March 14, 2023: Departure from WWE

On March 14, 2023, Nikki and Brie announced on their podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, that they mutually agreed with WWE to not renew their contracts and reintroduced themselves as The Garcia Twins.

2023: Contract Expiration and Return to Garcia Name

In 2023, Nikki Bella's contract with WWE expired, and she and Brie retired the "Bella" surname, returning to their legal maiden name of "Garcia" professionally as The Garcia Twins.

August 29, 2024: Artem Chigvintsev's Arrest

On August 29, 2024, Artem Chigvintsev was arrested and booked into Napa County Jail on a felony domestic violence charge, involving inflicting corporal injury on a spouse. Nikki Bella did not publicly comment on the incident, with her representative calling it a private matter.

September 11, 2024: Divorce Filing

On September 11, 2024, almost two weeks after Chigvintsev's arrest, Nikki Bella filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking legal and physical custody of their child, while also allowing Chigvintsev visitation rights. Both were granted restraining orders against each other. Ultimately, the parents agreed to share joint custody.