Nikki Garcia, the former WWE star and reality TV personality, is standing up against online trolls questioning her parenting after her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev. In a recent Instagram Story, she addressed a comment from a follower who insinuated that her son Matteo, aged 4, might not see her often. The 41-year-old mother responded directly, clarifying her commitment to her son and the time they spend together.
In her post, Nikki shared a screenshot of the troll’s comment, which asked if Matteo “ever” sees his mother. She replied, “Wonder if you write that to Dad’s? And yes, he was with me 🙂 All week. Just because I don’t post him all the time doesn’t mean he isn’t with me. I try to keep as much as I can private for his sake. Thank you.”
Nikki’s response was not just a rebuttal to the troll but also a public service announcement about her parenting routine. She elaborated on her co-parenting relationship with Chigvintsev, stating, “My son is with me a lot. Majority of the week when I’m home. Every Tuesday when I land, I drive straight to get him, and drop him off on Sundays when I leave. Sometimes I am gone longer, and his Dad and I have a great co-parent system. He understands how much he needs his mommy.”
The couple, who began dating after Nikki’s split from John Cena, finalized their divorce in November 2024, just weeks after Chigvintsev was arrested on domestic violence charges, which were later dropped due to lack of evidence. Their divorce settlement included Nikki paying Chigvintsev $3,500 per month in child support, along with a lump sum of $200,000.
In her podcast with twin sister Brie Garcia, Nikki discussed the divorce process, noting, “Divorce has to deal with the paper, the contract you signed during marriage. The judge said, ‘You should be so damn proud that you built such an empire that someone wants a piece of it.’” This acknowledgment of her success was bittersweet, as she expressed the emotional toll of the divorce.
Nikki also emphasized her choice to limit her son’s presence on social media, stating, “I wish it could be protected more. I understand sharing certain moments every now and then but not all the time. So please no more comments like this.” She highlighted the misconception that not posting about her son equates to not spending time with him, urging her followers to respect her family’s privacy.
The former couple’s relationship, while strained due to their divorce, appears to have a solid foundation for co-parenting. Nikki recently shared a humorous story about a graduation event for Matteo, where she and Artem navigated the challenges of parenting together, including retrieving a balloon that got stuck in a tree. “Matteo wants me to untie the balloon so he can run around with it. So I give it to him. As I give it to him, it starts going in the air,” she recounted with laughter.
As fans of Nikki Garcia, it’s essential to recognize the complexities of her life as a public figure and a devoted mother. While social media often highlights the glamorous aspects of celebrity life, it can also lead to unwarranted scrutiny and judgment. Nikki’s candidness about her parenting journey serves as a reminder that every family has its unique challenges, and the love for one’s child is paramount, regardless of the circumstances.
In conclusion, Nikki Garcia’s response to online criticism reflects her dedication to her son and her desire to maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship with Artem Chigvintsev. As she navigates life post-divorce, her focus remains on providing a nurturing environment for Matteo, proving that love and commitment to family always come first.