Artem Chigvintsev has filed for an order of protection against his estranged wife, WWE Hall of Famer Nikki “Bella” Garcia, following her restraining order against him.
The New York Post reported that this development comes after Garcia filed for divorce in the wake of Chigvintsev’s August 29 arrest for domestic battery.
Although he was arrested, the Napa County District Attorney’s office declined to prosecute.
Chigvintsev’s attorney provided a statement, claiming that Chigvintsev sought police protection from Garcia’s aggression on the day of the incident. “While he was on the phone with the police, Ms. Garcia-Colace made a pointed statement, saying, ‘Do you understand where this is going now, Artem? You just ruined my career, and you know it.’ That day, someone was going to be arrested, and it wouldn’t have been Mr. Chigvintsev if Ms. Garcia Colace had told the truth.”
Chigvintsev denies tackling Garcia and claims he was unaware of the allegations until two weeks later. His attorney emphasized, “Men can also be victims of domestic violence; Mr. Chigvintsev’s case highlights this reality. He was not the primary aggressor.”
In the court filing, Chigvintsev described the argument stemming from criticism over their son Matteo’s breakfast.
He alleges that Garcia verbally berated him and later threw their son’s shoes at him, all while their son was present.
He claimed his priority was protecting their son from witnessing Garcia’s behavior, leading to a struggle where both fell to the ground.
Chigvintsev’s filing includes photos of injuries allegedly caused by Garcia, and he insists she was the aggressor. The case is set for a hearing on October 21.
Below is the detailed statement that Chigvintsev’s attorney issued to The New York Post:
“It is crucial to consider the motivations of both parties in this situation. Mr. Chigvintsev contacted law enforcement on 8/29/24 seeking protection from his wife’s persistent aggression. While he was on the phone with the police, Ms. Garcia-Colace made a pointed statement, saying, ‘Do you understand where this is going now, Artem? You just ruined my career, and you know it.’ That day, someone was going to be arrested, and it wouldn’t have been Mr. Chigvintsev if Ms. Garcia Colace had told the truth. Chigvintsev denies ever tackling her. He was shocked to learn two weeks after the incident that she made this allegation against him; at that point it made sense to him why he was arrested. As a result of wife’s self-serving statement, Mr. Chigvintsev’s career suffered, with numerous opportunities being canceled due to these false allegations. Men can also be victims of domestic violence; Mr. Chigvintsev’s case highlights this reality. He was not the primary aggressor.”
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