The appearance marked a significant milestone in Garcia's life, as it was her first public outing since the end of her marriage to Chigvintsev. The couple, who tied the knot in 2022, had shared a son, Matteo, aged 4. However, their separation became public months earlier and was officially finalized in November 2024.

The divorce was marked by a series of difficult events, including allegations of corporal injury on a spouse, which resulted in Chigvintsev’s temporary arrest in August 2024.

Despite the tense situation, no criminal charges were filed against Chigvintsev, and both he and Garcia claimed that the other was the aggressor in the altercation. The couple also obtained protective orders against each other, which were later rescinded once the divorce was finalized.

In an episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, co-hosted with her twin sister, Brie Bella, Nikki opened up about the emotional toll of the year. She discussed the challenges she faced and the lessons she has learned, emphasizing the personal growth she experienced through the process.

"I think what was the best for me was the disconnecting from so much and facing a lot — and to have been doing the work for so many years leading up that helped prep me and give me a great foundation — but I just want you to know that you are so much stronger than you think," Garcia shared with her listeners. "In our strongest moments, we definitely have been super weak moments, and we just have to figure out how we get through that."

Nikki Garcia (@nikkigarcia Instagram)

Garcia explained how her focus has shifted to spending time and energy around things that make her feel strong, noting that she’s been intentionally dedicating herself to this endeavor over the past few months, and it has truly helped her heal.

"I just want you to know that you are so much stronger than you think," Garcia continued. "In our strongest moments, we definitely have been super weak moments, and we just have to figure out how we get through that."

Despite the challenges, Garcia has expressed how important it is to surround herself with positivity and the people who lift her up. She also mentioned how certain songs, like Harry Connick Jr.'s "Be Not Afraid," have provided significant emotional support during this difficult time. The song has resonated with her deeply, helping her face the pain of her divorce with strength and resilience.

As she continues to process everything, Garcia has made it clear that she values privacy during this difficult personal transition. In previous statements, she asked for ongoing space and respect for her and her family’s privacy.

Chigvintsev, too, expressed relief following the dismissal of the domestic violence charges. In part of his statement, he mentioned, "I’m incredibly relieved and grateful that the truth has prevailed. I’m thankful for the support from family and friends during this time."