Nikki Garcia hints at what went wrong with Artem Chigvintsev

Nikki Garcia enter the new year with a new perspective and focus on self-growth.

On the Dec. 30 episode of “The Nikki & Brie Show” podcast, Garcia took to the microphone to candidly share the lessons learned during 2024. The former WWE star and reality TV personality opened up about her personal journey in an insight that appears to reference her recent split from Artyom Chigvintsevwhich after his domestic violence arrest in August.

During her podcast session, Nikki Garcia reflected on the emotional toll of trying to “fix” others in a relationship and encouraged listeners to recognize these patterns early and understand the importance of setting boundaries before these behaviors become deeply ingrained.

One of the research topics she mentioned was the “divine feminine,” which helped her accept the idea that she didn't have to “fix, change, or improve others.”

“We're not here to fix other people, we just aren't,” the “Total Bellas” alum explained. “We are here to lead by example. We are here to teach our children, to raise our children, to teach others—by example—but we are not here to fix. And it took me 41 years to figure that out, and I'm definitely taking that into account in my 2025 year.

“You can be there for support, but you're not there to fix, especially in the relationships that you have,” she added.

Chigvintsev was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence Aug. 29 in Napa County, but the district attorney ultimately chose not to file criminal charges. on September 11, Garcia filed for divorcewho wants sole legal and physical custody of her child, with supervised visitation rights for Chigvintsev. In addition, she asked the court to terminate the spousal maintenance of both parties.

Reflecting on the energy she had spent trying to correct others, she encouraged the audience to identify this behavior early before it became a problem.

“When you're in this type of relationship that you're fixing, you have to find a way out,” she said on her podcast. “Because trying to fix someone will not bring love, happiness and change. Honestly, you will end up draining yourself and creating sadness. And it hit me really hard, because I'm definitely in this space now, and this new era of me in 2025 is no longer fixed. i will lead i will help i will support I will love, but I will not mend.”

Later, she said, “God will come to them and help them get on that path.”

Chigvintsev responded to Garcia's filing, seeking joint custody, spousal support from his estranged wife and his attorney's fees. While the details of the settlement remain unclear, a representative for the reality star announced at the time.

“Nick's number one priority has always been her son and her privacy in this matter,” her rep said in November. “She is grateful for all the love and support she has received during this difficult time.”

“I disconnected from social media, from the world, and I just knew that I had to disconnect because I'm a mom first, and my son's protection and privacy is the most important thing. So I did whatever it took, that's the most important thing, and then only necessary a place for healing, for dealing with trauma, all of that,” she said, referring to her 4-year-old son Matteo, whom she shares with Chigvintseva.

“It's been really hard. I've been heartbroken. Sad. You know, you dream of this family and you have this incredible love and it just goes the other way,” she continued. “And you go from a great love story to a terrible one. And I never saw that coming, you know what an ending that would be.”

The retired WME star officially finalized her split from the “Dancing with the Stars” pro last month through private mediation. According to a statement in November, the couple, who share a 4-year-old son, Matteo, agreed to “lift the domestic violence restraining orders against each other in an effort to move on with their lives and effectively parent their son.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Nikki Garcia seems determined to prioritize her well-being and continue sharing her wisdom with her fans.