On a recent episode of SiriusXM’s The Nikki and Brie Show, WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Garcia, aka Nikki Bella, took the time to address online criticism she has received regarding her approach to dating as a single mother. She explained that a recent comment she made about protecting her son, Matteo, drew a negative reaction from some people online.
Bella detailed the situation, explaining what sparked the backlash. “Let me tell you what has made men, a very specific audience though, on X angry,” she began. “I make a comment that I’m like, ‘Yeah, I don’t want whatever man,’ like there was a dating question or whatever and I go, ‘Yeah, and I don’t want to introduce anyone to Matteo for years and years and years.’ I say it like that. They go, I mean, they are going at me. ‘Major red flag. This girl has so many issues.’”
She then pointed out what she feels is a double standard for mothers in the dating world. “So, as a woman, if you introduce a bunch of men or some men to your kid, you’re bad,” Bella said. “I’m now a woman who has red flags because I’m choosing not to introduce someone to my kid.”
Despite the criticism, Bella clarified her stance, stating that while she uses the phrase “years and years and years” as a protective measure, the actual timing will be a matter of heart and faith. “If I fall in love with someone and it’s an incredible connection and I know that in my heart I want to spend the rest of my life with this person. I know that God will give me the feeling that it will be time for this person to meet my son,” she explained. “That’ll be a year. That’ll be two years. That will be a time that I don’t know because that is in God’s hands, and so I don’t care what people say. I will always make the remark of years and years and years.”
Ultimately, Bella noted that her son’s well-being is her top priority, and she trusts her judgment as his mother above any outside opinions. “No one knows my son better than me, his dad, his auntie, all these people and I know what’s best for him and I will always do what’s best for Matteo because there will be a time when mama can go get her groove back in certain ways, but my main focus is him.”
Nikki Bella and her former partner, Artem Chigvintsev, announced their separation in July 2025. The couple co-parents their son Matteo, and since the announcement, Bella has been focusing on her WWE career, business ventures, and podcast while navigating life as a single mother.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit The Nikki & Brie Show with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
