Why did John Cena break up with Nikki Garcia? Wrestling diva recalls meeting actor for first time after split

Nikki Garcia is opening up about meeting John Cena for the first time since they broke up in 2018.

Garcia, who also goes by the name Nikki Bella, was previously engaged to the WWE champion. She sat down for an interview on Honestly Cavallari: The Podcast Tour, which was filmed in March, though it dropped just this Wednesday, June 25.

“It was very quick,” she said of meeting her former partner after “seven, eight years." She said they kept things brief because, “Respect, [he’s a] married man, of course.”

According to the Daily Mail, Nikki Garcia, 41, and John Cena, 48, parted ways after a six-year relationship in the public sphere. She has since revealed that it was mainly because their goals for their future didn't align.

'Rather than turn and face that, I pushed it under the carpet and figured I could pretend like it wasn't there. Because I was terrified of losing my love, I stuffed my desire for marriage and kids as deep as I could,' she said, per the outlet. 'He had made it clear that they weren't on the menu for him. That's tough, though, because if you're inclined that way, then the more you grow to love someone, the more you want it all,' she continued. 'I stopped giving voice to those needs, though. I was worried my ex would call it off and let me go. And while I wanted those things very badly - I just wanted him more.'

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Nikki Garcia and John Cena's relationship explored: From the proposal to its eventual downfall

Seated next to her twin sister, Brie Garcia, she spoke to Kristin Cavallari about meeting John Cena, now as a married man. She said she was “in a circle talking to people” after returning to the WWE when the superstar joined the group and “shook everyone’s hand.”

“He shook my hand,” she said, taking her by surprise. There was “no hug," she revealed. “We just said, ‘Hello, good to see you. I think last time we were engaged. I don’t know. It’s been a while,’” she added. 'But the thing was, when he walked away, all the girls were like, "Oh my gosh." I'm like, "Shh, shh, He's married, be respectful." And that was it.'

Nikki Garcia also said that the encounter was "nice," adding,

'It was great because breaking the ice and you know, we just both happened to be back at the same time. It's a good feeling.'

Nikki Garcia and John Cena began dating in 2012. Five years later, he asked her the big question during WrestleMania 33 in 2017. He said in front of the masses at the time:

'I have been waiting so long to ask you this. Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, will you marry me?'

She agreed. However, the following year, they announced that their wedding, which was scheduled for May 2018, was axed. As reported by Us Weekly at the time, the pair said in a joint statement:

'While this decision was a difficult one, we continue to have a great deal of love and respect for one another. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time in our lives.'

The pair later reunited but officially called things off in July 2018.

'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 Garcia told Us Weekly. '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.'

Nikki Garcia eventually moved on with Artem Chigvintsev by 2019, while John Cena began dating Shay Shariatzadeh. They eventually tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Florida. Nonetheless, the two have been outspoken about their support for each other.

Back in July 2022, the reality television star told Entertainment Tonight:

“You almost wish it was bad because it’s so much easier to walk away. It’s so much harder to walk away when it’s loving. I think a lot of women get into this situation when it’s like, ‘I love this person, but I don’t know if it’s right for my life,’ and that’s a hard thing. Sometimes we meet amazing people, but we’re just meant to live a different life.”

In her recent podcast segment with Cavallari, the latter teased Nikki Garcia, saying,

“Everyone wants you guys to be together.” Nikki retorted, “Oh, gosh. Ooo, next question!”

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