Nikki Bella seeks custody of son with Artem Chigvintsev, reveals date of separation: divorce documents

New information has come out about the divorce of Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev.

The former WWE star, 40, is requesting legal and physical custody of their son, Matteo, 4, after filing for divorce from the “Dancing With the Stars” pro, 42, on Wednesday.

Bella cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split, according to documents obtained by TMZ.

He also listed the date of separation as August 29, the day Chigvintsev was arrested on domestic violence charges in Napa, California.

The filing comes weeks after Chigvintsev was taken into custody by the Napa County Sheriff's Department on a felony domestic violence charge under the California Penal Code that “makes it unlawful to injure a spouse, cohabitant or co-parent in an act of domestic violence.” Visible injuries must be present to raise the suspect's crime as criminal.

The ballroom vet's bail was set at $25,000, and he was released later that day. Shots of her face were soon published online.

TMZ reported that Chigvintsev's alleged victim asked for privacy after his arrest and is cooperating with police amid the investigation.

Chigvintsev also called 911 earlier in the day, seeking medical attention for the alleged victim after claiming his wife had thrown a shoe at him. Minutes later, the Broadway star called back to cancel emergency services; However, the police still showed up at the house.

Insiders told TMZ that the former couple had a history of alleged verbal altercations but claimed they were unaware of anything physical. Sources described Chigvintsev's arrest as “surprising but not shocking” and claimed he had not returned to their marital home after being released from lockup.

Bella and Chigvintsev celebrated their second wedding anniversary three days before the “Strictly Come Dancing” alum's arrest.

The athlete posted a reel of their 2022 Paris wedding featuring Haley Reinhart's rendition of the Elvis classic “Can't Help Falling in Love.” He explained the special meaning of the song, calling it their “love story”.

Chigvintsev also took to his own page and referred to Bella as his “everything”.

After the alleged altercation, the reality star asked for respect and understanding. “This is a personal matter, and Nicki wants privacy for her and her family at this time,” a rep for Bella told The Post.

Following Chigvintsev's arrest, a source told Page Six about the Mirrorball champ's future on the coveted dance floor, revealing, “Artem Chigvintsev had no plans to be a part of Season 33 of 'Dancing with the Stars,' which premieres in September. 17 on ABC