If you were watching WWE or E! back in 2017, you probably remember the moment. John Cena, the face of a generation, down on one knee in the middle of a wrestling ring at WrestleMania 33. He was proposing to Nicole Garcia—known to the world as Nikki Bella—after years of telling anyone who would listen that he wasn't the "marrying type."
It felt like a movie script. The crowd went wild. The ring was massive. But behind the camera, the reality was a lot messier. Honestly, looking back at it now, the signs of the end were everywhere, even when they were smiling for the paparazzi.
Why the John Cena and Nicole Garcia split was inevitable
For six years, John Cena and Nicole Garcia were the ultimate power couple of sports entertainment. They had the looks, the fame, and the shared career. But they had one massive, fundamental disagreement that no amount of red-carpet chemistry could fix: kids.
John was famously "child-free." He was open about his lifestyle choice, often citing his intense work schedule and his desire to give 100% to his career. Nicole, on the other hand, had a biological clock that was ticking loudly. On Total Bellas, fans watched her struggle with the idea of giving up motherhood just to stay with the man she loved.
It wasn't just about babies, though. The dynamic was... intense. Remember the "cohabitation agreement"? Before Nicole could even move into John’s house, he made her sign a 75-page legal document. It basically classified her as a "guest." While some saw it as John protecting his massive business interests, many fans felt it set a cold tone for what should have been a romantic partnership.
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The WrestleMania proposal that changed everything
By the time the proposal happened in 2017, the pressure was at an all-time high. John finally bent. He decided he wanted Nicole more than he wanted his "no marriage" rule. But even after the ring was on her finger, the fundamental issues didn't vanish.
In 2018, just weeks before their planned destination wedding in Mexico, they called it off.
John actually went on the Today show later and basically begged for her back. He even said he’d be willing to have his vasectomy reversed to give her a child. It was a shocking 180-degree turn for a man who had been so set in his ways for decades. They tried to reconcile, but it didn't stick. Nicole eventually realized that she didn't want him to have a child just to "keep" her; she wanted someone who actually wanted to be a father.
Where are John Cena and Nicole Garcia now?
Life moved on fast. By 2026, both have completely different lives, and surprisingly, they both seem much more settled in their choices.
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John Cena found love again with Shay Shariatzadeh, an engineer he met in Vancouver while filming Playing with Fire. They married in a private ceremony in 2020 and have kept their relationship much more low-key than the "Nikki and John" era. Interestingly, John has remained child-free in this marriage, suggesting that his earlier stance wasn't just a phase—it’s who he is. He’s currently navigating his final WWE retirement tour, closing out a legendary career on his own terms.
Nicole Garcia took a much more public, and at times, tumultuous path.
- She joined Dancing with the Stars and met pro Artem Chigvintsev.
- They welcomed a son, Matteo, in 2020—giving Nicole the motherhood she always dreamed of.
- They married in 2022, but the relationship took a dark turn.
- In late 2024, the couple went through a high-profile divorce following a domestic violence incident involving Artem.
As of early 2026, Nicole is focused on co-parenting Matteo and has recently been linked to Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean. It's a big age gap, and the tabloids are having a field day, but Nicole seems to be enjoying her independence.
The 2025 Royal Rumble Reunion
People still obsess over this duo, which is why the internet melted down when they were spotted in the same room at the 2025 Royal Rumble. It was the first time they’d been under the same roof in about seven years.
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According to Nicole, the interaction was "quick" and respectful. She made it clear she didn't want to linger out of respect for John's wife, Shay. It was a "grown-up" moment. No drama, no lingering glares—just two exes who have lived entire lifetimes since they last saw each other.
Lessons from a very public breakup
Looking at the John Cena and Nicole Garcia saga, there are a few real-world takeaways that apply to anyone, not just celebrities.
- Non-negotiables are real. If one person wants kids and the other doesn't, someone is going to end up resentful. You can't "compromise" on a human life.
- A proposal isn't a fix. Getting engaged doesn't solve the underlying problems in a relationship; it usually just puts a spotlight on them.
- Privacy matters. The transition from the "Total Bellas" era of oversharing to John’s current private life shows how much easier it is to maintain a marriage when the whole world isn't watching your every argument.
If you're still following their journeys, keep an eye on Nicole's podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, where she often drops nuggets about her current dating life and her "slow dating" approach in 2026. For Cena fans, his final matches through the end of this year are the last chance to see the "Doctor of Thuganomics" in the ring before he pivots fully to Hollywood.
The story of John and Nicole is a classic case of two people who loved each other deeply but simply weren't meant for the same future. It happens to the best of us.
Actionable Insights for Following the Stars in 2026:
- Track John Cena’s Retirement: Follow official WWE social channels for the "Farewell Tour" schedule as he winds down his wrestling career this year.
- Nicole’s Next Chapter: Listen to the Nikki & Brie Show for first-hand updates on her co-parenting journey and her new ventures in the wine industry.
- Check Official Sources: Avoid tabloid rumors regarding their 2025 reunion; rely on verified interviews from People or E! News for accurate quotes.