Nikki Garcia and John Cena called off their engagement in 2018, and nearly a decade later they had a very business-like reunion — handshake and all.
Garcia, 41, recalled her first time seeing Cena, 48, in “seven, eight years” during the Wednesday, June 25, episode of Honestly Cavallari: The Podcast Tour, which filmed in March.
“It was very quick,” Nikki said while sitting beside her twin sister, Brie Garcia, during Kristin Cavallari’s final podcast stop in New York City.
Nikki teased that it was a brief moment because, “Respect, [he’s a] married man, of course.”
Nikki remembered being “in a circle talking to people” during her return to the WWE when Cena came into the group and “shook everyone’s hand.”
The Total Divas alum revealed, “He shook my hand,” which took Cavallari, 38, by surprise. Nikki noted there was “no hug” just the handshake.
“We just said, ‘Hello, good to see you. I think last time we were engaged. I don’t know. It’s been a while,’” Nikki said with a laugh.
After a brief silence, Cavallari teased, “Everyone wants you guys to be together.” Nikki made a face, replying, “Oh, gosh. Ooo, next question!”
Elsewhere in the episode, Nikki joined Brie and Cavallari for a game of “Sip or Spill,” where she hinted that her and Cena’s sex life wasn’t to blame for their broken engagement.
“Does John Cena have a little dick?” the first question read. Nikki played coy, cheekily responding, “You guys see the hands and the features, right?”
Nikki then took a shot, choosing not to say yes or no. “Big dick John!” Cavallari screamed as her guest took the drink.
Brie was on the hot seat next. “Brie, besides your husband [Bryan Danielson] who have you always thought was cute on WWE?” her question asked.
Brie joked, “Would it be so weird if I said, John?” prompting the crowd to cheer. “No, I’m kidding. I’d have to say The Rock,” she answered, referring to wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Cavallari finished off the drinking game by revealing the “most scandalous place” she’s ever had sex. “In a little photo booth at Six Flags,” she confessed, noting it was a long time ago.
Nikki and Brie’s tour visit came more than a decade after Nikki and Cena first crossed paths. The pair began as friends, connecting on their background as wrestlers and careers in WWE.
In 2012, Nikki and Cena’s relationship turned romantic, and Cena proposed in April 2017. However, one month before they were set to get married in May 2018, the pair broke up.
The duo briefly reconciled, but Nikki confirmed to Us Weekly in July 2018 that she and Cena were done for good.
“After I called off the engagement, we tried to work on our relationship to get back to where it was in order to move forward with our wedding,” Nikki said in a statement to Us at the time. “After much time and soul-searching alone, and together, we have decided to officially part ways. I had a beautiful and loving six-year relationship with a wonderful man. I have the utmost respect for John, but I know this is what’s best for me.”
Cena moved on with engineer Shay Shariatzadeh in spring 2019. The pair tied the knot in October 2020.
Nikki, meanwhile, began dating her former Dancing With the Stars partner, Artem Chigvintsev, in early 2019. The pair secretly got engaged in November of that year.
Nikki and Chigvintsev, 43, welcomed their son, Matteo, in July 2020 and two years later got married.
Us confirmed in September 2024 that Nikki filed for divorce weeks after the professional dancer was arrested for domestic violence. The charges against Chigvintsev were later dropped, and the exes finalized their divorce that November.
“Nikki and Artem have settled their divorce and will not be going to court,” Nikki’s’s rep told Us in a November 2024 statement. “Both parties decided to drop the domestic violence restraining orders against each other in an effort to move on with their lives and effectively coparent their son.”
The statement concluded: “Nikki’s number one priority has always been her son and privacy on the matter. She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received during this difficult time.”
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
