💔🥲 “I was genuinely saddened by John Cena’s retirement, but at the same time I was enjoying another sporting event, so I received a lot of criticism. Many people thought I was invited to watch John’s final match but deliberately declined. That’s not true, I was never invited.” Nikki Bella sadly revealed the reason behind the breakdown of her relationship with John Cena, deeply moving the entire WWE.

In the world of professional wrestling, few relationships have captured the public’s imagination quite like that of Nikki Bella and John Cena. Their romance, which spanned six years from 2012 to 2018, was a staple of WWE storylines and reality television. Fans watched as they navigated the highs and lows, culminating in a heartfelt engagement at WrestleMania 33. However, their fairy tale ended abruptly, leaving many to wonder about the underlying reasons for their split.

Nikki Bella, now 42, recently opened up in an emotional interview about her feelings surrounding John Cena’s retirement from WWE. Cena, a 16-time world champion, bid farewell to the ring in a poignant match against Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025. Bella’s revelations have stirred deep emotions within the WWE community, shedding new light on their past and her current perspective.

Bella expressed genuine sadness over Cena’s decision to retire. “I was sad at the fact that he was retiring,” she admitted candidly. Yet, her emotions were mixed as she was simultaneously enjoying a Philadelphia Flyers hockey game. This choice drew sharp criticism from fans who accused her of snubbing her ex-fiancé during his final moments in the spotlight.

The backlash was intense, with social media erupting in accusations. Many assumed Bella had been invited to the event and deliberately declined. “People acted as if I was invited to his last match and I denied the request,” Bella clarified. In reality, she revealed, no invitation was extended by WWE, allowing her to pursue her own plans without conflict.

Bella’s absence was not born of bitterness but circumstance. She explained that she was in Philadelphia because the Eagles were playing the following day. “So I was at the Flyers game because the Eagles were playing the next day, so I was in Philly,” she said. This simple explanation debunked the rumors, highlighting how misunderstandings can fuel unnecessary drama.

Despite the criticism, Bella emphasized her support for Cena’s choices. “It was more sad about him retiring. And I just wanted his run to be the way he wanted, so as long as he’s happy, I’m happy,” she stated. This sentiment reflects a mature outlook, evolved from their tumultuous breakup years ago.

Reflecting on their relationship, Bella and Cena’s split in 2018 shocked the wrestling world. They had planned a wedding, but differences in life goals proved insurmountable. Cena, known for his dedication to his career, was adamant about not having children. Bella, however, yearned for motherhood, a dream she later realized with her son Matteo.

In a 2022 interview, Bella delved deeper into her decision to end the engagement. “You almost wish it was bad, because it’s so much easier to walk away,” she shared. The love was real, making the separation even more painful. “It’s so much harder to walk away when it’s loving,” she added, capturing the heartache many can relate to.

Bella described the internal struggle she faced. “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,'” she explained. This realization came after deep reflection and prayer, leading her to trust her gut instinct despite the difficulty.

The breakup was publicized through their reality show “Total Bellas,” adding layers of scrutiny. Fans witnessed raw moments, from arguments to tearful goodbyes. Cena’s reluctance to start a family clashed with Bella’s desires, creating an irreconcilable divide. “That’s a hard thing about life, is we meet amazing people, but sometimes we’re just meant to live a different life,” Bella reflected.

Post-breakup, both moved on gracefully. Cena married Shay Shariatzadeh in 2020, finding happiness in a private life away from the cameras. Bella found love with dancer Artem Chigvintsev, whom she met on “Dancing with the Stars.” They welcomed their son in 2020 and married in 2022, building a family-oriented future.

Bella’s return to WWE in 2025 coincided with Cena’s farewell tour, leading to inevitable backstage encounters. Initially awkward after years apart, these meetings normalized over time. “The first time – we hadn’t seen each other in so many years, so you didn’t know what to expect,” Bella recounted. She even met Cena’s wife, fostering amicable interactions.

The WWE universe reacted strongly to Bella’s recent disclosures. Fans flooded social media with messages of support, empathizing with her position. “Nikki doesn’t owe anyone an explanation, but glad she cleared the air,” one commenter wrote. Others praised her for handling the situation with grace, turning potential negativity into a moment of unity.

Critics, however, persisted in dredging up old chants like “Cena left you,” reminiscent of hostile crowds during Bella’s matches post-breakup. “The hate’s so gross,” Bella once said about such taunts. Her resilience in the face of adversity has inspired many, particularly women navigating similar personal challenges.

Bella’s story underscores the complexities of relationships in the public eye. Wrestling icons like them face constant judgment, yet their humanity shines through. By sharing her truth, Bella not only defends her choices but also offers solace to those grappling with tough decisions in love and life.

The emotional weight of Cena’s retirement amplified these reflections. As a cornerstone of WWE for over two decades, his exit marks the end of an era. Bella’s mixed feelings—sadness tempered with joy for his happiness—mirror the bittersweet nature of farewells in sports entertainment.

Within WWE, Bella’s revelations have evoked widespread empathy. Colleagues and legends alike have voiced admiration for her candor. Triple H, WWE’s chief content officer, reportedly appreciated her respectful stance, ensuring Cena’s spotlight remained untainted by personal drama.

Fans have revisited iconic moments from Bella and Cena’s time together, from tag team matches to on-screen proposals. These memories, now tinged with nostalgia, highlight how their relationship enriched WWE narratives, blending reality with performance.

Bella’s journey post-Cena has been one of empowerment. Embracing motherhood and new love, she has redefined success beyond the ring. Her podcast and business ventures showcase a multifaceted woman who refused to compromise her dreams.

As the dust settles on Cena’s retirement, Bella’s words serve as a poignant reminder of unresolved threads in past relationships. Her sadness is genuine, yet her life moves forward, inspiring others to prioritize personal fulfillment.

The entire WWE community feels the impact of this revelation. From wrestlers to fans, the emotional resonance is palpable, fostering a deeper appreciation for the personal sacrifices behind the glamour.

In conclusion, Nikki Bella’s heartfelt disclosures bridge the past and present, offering closure while igniting conversations about love, loss, and legacy in wrestling. Her story, raw and relatable, continues to touch hearts worldwide.