History of Nikki Bella in Timeline

Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace (Nikki Bella/Garcia) is an American television personality and professional wrestler signed to WWE. She is also the host of the game show *Barmageddon*.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 21, 1983: Nikki Bella's Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

2002: Graduation from Chaparral High School

In 2002, Nikki Garcia graduated from Chaparral High School, marking the end of her secondary education.

2006: Participation in WWE Diva Search and Other Appearances

In 2006, the Garcia twins participated in the WWE Diva Search, though they did not make the cut. They were also the World Cup Twins for Budweiser and contestants in the "International Body Doubles twins search".

June 2007: Signing Developmental Contract with WWE

In June 2007, Nicole, along with her sister, signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW).

September 15, 2007: In-Ring Debut at FCW House Show

On September 15, 2007, Nicole and Brie, known as The Bella Twins, made their in-ring debut at a FCW house show, defeating Nattie Neidhart and Krissy Vaine, with Victoria Crawford as the special guest referee.

October 2007: Scripted Rivalry with Neidhart and Crawford

Throughout October 2007, Nikki Bella engaged in a scripted rivalry with Nattie Neidhart and Victoria Crawford in FCW, competing in a series of matches against them.

December 2007: Managing Derrick Linkin

Starting in December 2007, Nikki managed Derrick Linkin in FCW; the storyline was later cut short.

2007: Signing with WWE and Assignment to FCW

In 2007, Nikki Garcia signed with WWE and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), the developmental territory, alongside her twin sister Brianna.

January 2008: Derrick Linkin's Release

In January 2008, Derrick Linkin was released, which cut short the storyline involving Nikki managing him.

April 2008: Natalya Neidhart's Call-Up to WWE

In April 2008, Natalya Neidhart was called up to the WWE roster, affecting Nikki Bella's ongoing feud in FCW, after which Milena Roucka took her place in the feud.

August 29, 2008: Brianna's SmackDown Debut as Brie Bella

On August 29, 2008, Brianna debuted on SmackDown as Brie Bella, defeating Victoria, and began a scripted rivalry with Victoria and Natalya.

2008: SmackDown Debut

In 2008, Nikki Bella made her debut for the SmackDown brand, marking a significant step in her WWE career.

February 2009: On-Screen Relationship with The Colóns and Rivalry for Affection

In February 2009, the Bella Twins developed an on-screen relationship with The Colóns and the storyline expanded to include John Morrison and The Miz, who competed with Primo and Carlito for the twins' affection, eventually leading to Nikki turning heel.

April 15, 2009: Drafted to the Raw Brand

On April 15, 2009, The Bella Twins were both drafted to the Raw brand as part of the 2009 supplemental draft, marking a transition in their WWE careers.

June 29, 2009: Trade to the ECW Brand

On June 29, 2009, the Bella Twins were traded to the ECW brand. They debuted on ECW the following night.

January 4, 2010: WWE Divas Championship Tournament

On January 4, 2010, Brie participated in a tournament for the vacant WWE Divas Championship, but lost to Maryse in the first round after a switch resulted in Nikki being pinned.

June 2010: Feud with Jillian Hall

In June 2010, the Bella Twins began a feud with Jillian Hall. Brie defeated her after switching places with Nikki.

2010: Mentoring Jamie on NXT

In 2010, the Bella Twins took part in the all-female third season of NXT, mentoring Jamie, who was the first rookie Diva eliminated.

January 2011: Turn to Villainous Characters and Attack on Gail Kim

In January 2011, both Bellas turned into villainous characters for the first time in their careers. They discovered Daniel Bryan kissing Gail Kim backstage and assaulted her.

March 2012: Friction Between The Bella Twins

In March 2012, the Bellas began to show friction for the second time since joining WWE, after both twins lost to AJ Lee in singles competition, leading to dissension regarding WrestleMania XXVIII.

May 1, 2012: First Independent Wrestling Show Appearance

On May 1, 2012, the Bella Twins appeared at their first independent wrestling show in Newburgh, New York for Northeast Wrestling.

March 11, 2013: WWE Return

On the March 11, 2013, episode of Raw, The Bella Twins returned to WWE in a backstage segment with Team Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow).

April 6, 2014: WrestleMania XXX

On April 6, 2014, Nikki competed at WrestleMania XXX in the 14-Diva "Vickie Guerrero Invitational match" for the Divas Championship.

February 22, 2015: Nikki Retains Divas Championship Against Paige at Fastlane

On February 22, 2015, Nikki Bella retained her Divas Championship against Paige at Fastlane.

November 2015: Ranked No. 1 in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Female 50

In November 2015, Nikki Garcia ranked No. 1 in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Female 50.

December 2015: Named Diva of the Year by Rolling Stone

In December 2015, Nikki Garcia was named Diva of the Year by Rolling Stone, recognizing her achievements in wrestling.

April 3, 2016: Nikki Celebrates with Brie at WrestleMania 32

On April 3, 2016, Nikki Bella made a brief appearance at the WrestleMania 32 event, celebrating with Brie after she won a 10-Diva tag team match.

August 21, 2016: Nikki Bella's Surprise Return at SummerSlam

On August 21, 2016, Nikki Bella made a surprise return at SummerSlam, replacing Eva Marie and teaming with Natalya and Alexa Bliss against Becky Lynch, Naomi, and Carmella, securing a victory for her team.

November 21, 2016: Nikki and Brie Unveil Their YouTube Channel

On November 21, 2016, Nikki and Brie unveiled their new YouTube channel, "The Bella Twins", featuring content on fashion, beauty, travel, fitness, relationships, and health.

2016: Teen Choice Award for Choice Female Athlete

In 2016, Nikki Garcia, alongside her sister, won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Female Athlete.

March 2, 2017: The Bella Twins Appear in Lilly Singh's Video

On March 2, 2017, The Bella Twins made an appearance in YouTuber Lilly Singh's video "When Someone Tries to Steal Your BFF".

April 2, 2017: John Cena Proposes to Nikki Bella at WrestleMania 33

On April 2, 2017, John Cena proposed to Nikki Bella after their mixed tag-team match at WrestleMania 33.

August 21, 2017: Nikki and Brie Launch 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: Nikki and Brie Launch Birdiebee Brand

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

January 22, 2018: The Bella Twins Appear at Raw 25th Anniversary

On January 22, 2018, The Bella Twins made an appearance at the 25th Anniversary of Raw.

April 2, 2018: The Bella Twins Awarded YouTube Gold Creator Award

On April 2, 2018, The Bella Twins revealed that they were awarded the YouTube Gold Creator Award for reaching 1 million subscribers for their channel.

May 23, 2018: Bella Appears on American Ninja Warrior: Ninja vs Ninja

On May 23, 2018, Nikki Bella appeared in the celebrity edition of American Ninja Warrior: Ninja vs Ninja.

January 28, 2019: Nikki and Brie Launch Nicole + Brizee Body and Beauty Line

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

March 27, 2019: Nikki and Brie Launch The Bellas Podcast

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

January 3, 2020: Engagement to Artem Chigvintsev

On January 3, 2020, Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev got engaged.

February 21, 2020: The Bella Twins Named for WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2020

On February 21, 2020, The Bella Twins were announced as inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

March 2020: Nikki and Brie Release Memoir "Incomparable"

In March 2020, Nikki and Brie released their memoir, Incomparable, which became a New York Times Best Seller.

Incomparable

Check it on Amazon

July 31, 2020: Birth of first child

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

April 11, 2021: Nikki Attacks Bayley at WrestleMania 37

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

2021: WWE Hall of Fame Induction

In 2021, Nikki Bella and her sister Brie were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as The Bella Twins, recognizing their contributions to wrestling.

January 7, 2022: Nikki Participates in Women's Royal Rumble Match

On January 7, 2022, Nikki participated in the women's Royal Rumble match and was ultimately eliminated by her sister Brie. This marked the final WWE match for both sisters at the time.

February 21, 2022: America's Got Talent: Extreme Series Premiere

On February 21, 2022, Nikki Bella appeared as a judge on America's Got Talent: Extreme, alongside Simon Cowell and Travis Pastrana, at the series premiere.

August 26, 2022: Marriage to Artem Chigvintsev

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

March 2, 2023: Barmageddon Renewed for a Second Season

On March 2, 2023, Barmageddon, the bar-inspired game show that Nikki joined as the host on October 19, 2022, was renewed for a second season.

March 14, 2023: The Bella Twins Announce Departure from WWE

On March 14, 2023, Nikki and Brie announced on their podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, that they had mutually agreed with WWE to not renew their contracts and would be known as The Garcia Twins moving forward.

2023: WWE Contract Expiration and Return to Garcia Surname

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

June 5, 2024: Nikki Competes on The Traitors Season 3

On June 5, 2024, Nikki was named as one of the competitors on the third season of The Traitors, a reality competition series on Peacock.

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.

September 11, 2024: Divorce Filing

On September 11, 2024, Nikki Bella filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking custody of their child.

February 1, 2025: Nikki Bella Returns to WWE at Royal Rumble

On February 1, 2025, Nikki Bella made a surprise return to WWE as the final entrant in the 2025 Women's Royal Rumble match, eliminating Bayley before being eliminated by Nia Jax.