Nikki Garcia Granted Restraining Order Against Artem Chigvinsev After His Domestic Violence Arrest

Nikki Garcia filed for and was granted a restraining order against her estranged husband Artem Chigvinsev following his August arrest on domestic violence charges.

TMZ reported Thursday that Garcia submitted a sworn declaration to a California court, detailing how Chigvinsev assaulted her inside their Napa Valley home.

The former WWE star — who wrestled under the name Nikki Bella — claims the “Dancing With the Stars” alum “tackled [her] Multiple bars and pinning [her] When on the ground [their] Children were present,” per TMZ.

Garcia, 40, and Chigvintsev, 42, also share a 4-year-old son, Matteo.

According to the outlet, Garcia claimed that since the professional dancer was cut from “DWTS,” she became “increasingly angry, [her] and scream.”

The pair allegedly discussed his need to control his anger.

On the morning of the incident, the retired wrestler claimed that Chigvintsev had gone over how to toast Matteo's English muffins, allegedly making the kid a “picky eater”.

Garcia admitted that he was so overwhelmed by Chigvintsev's alleged yelling that he threw their son's toddler size 7 shoes at him.

He claimed that the shoes hurt his feet but were so light that they didn't actually hurt him.

Garcia alleged that Chigvintsev grabbed Matteo and ran upstairs with him as the boy yelled, “Mom! Mom!”

She claimed that when she went upstairs and tried to get into the room where they were, Chigvintsev opened the door and threw her to the ground.

He allegedly grabbed her arm and held her there for what felt like 30 seconds.

“Dad hit my hand,” Matteo allegedly told officers who responded.

TMZ reports that Garcia also accused Chigvintsev of being physically violent on an earlier occasion; In mid-2023, he alleged that he was “violently possessed [her] around [her] Waist” to keep him away from their child.

According to the mother of one, there were numerous incidents of verbal abuse.

Garcia told the court he wants Chigvintsev to get the therapy and anger management help he needs.

Chigvintsev is prohibited from contacting or coming within 100 yards of Garcia and Matteo, the only exception being court-ordered visits or exchanges with the child.

Per TMZ, Garcia asked if she could take the little one to London, where she would be filming a project, but the judge denied that request until a full hearing later this month.

The outlet reported that although Chigvintsev has not been living in the family residence since the incident that landed him behind bars, the judge will not grant a “move-out order” pending a hearing.

Garcia filed for divorce Matteo requested full custody from Chigvintsev — whom he married in August 2022 — less than two weeks after his Aug. 29 arrest.

That morning, Chigventsev called 911 to request medical assistance for someone – only to be called back and have the request canceled. However, the police still showed up.

After they observed visible injuries on the victim, who wanted “total privacy,” they cuffed Chigventsev and charged him with inflicting bodily injury on an intimate partner — a felony.

He was booked into the Napa County Jail and released hours later after posting $25,000 bail.

Although authorities have not released the victim's identity, audio of the call to police from the dispatcher indicates that Garcia was present during the alleged crime, as was Matteo.

“Initially, [the call] Came to request treatment, but now says he had a fight with his wife and threw a shoe at RP. [reporting party]” the dispatcher was heard to say.

“There is a child at the scene. Treatment on the way. … has an active 415 [disturbing the peace] responsible in the background.”

Charges against Chigvintsev were dropped late last month after a “thorough” investigation, due to a lack of supporting evidence.

The circumstances surrounding the pair's split are apparently “shocking but not shocking” to those who know them well.

Sources close to the two — who met in 2017 while competing together on “DWTS” Season 25 — claim their relationship has always been “volatile.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.