The relationship between Nikki Bella and John Cena was nothing short of a fairy tale—until it wasn’t. As two of WWE’s biggest stars, their romance captivated fans worldwide, blending the lines between reality and scripted entertainment. However, their engagement came to an abrupt end in 2018, leaving fans heartbroken and questioning: Was Nikki Bella right to end her relationship with John Cena?

The Fairytale Romance

Nikki Bella and John Cena’s relationship began in 2012, and it wasn’t long before they became one of WWE’s power couples. Their chemistry was undeniable, both in and out of the ring. Cena, known for his larger-than-life persona, and Nikki, a trailblazer for women in wrestling, seemed like a match made in heaven. Their engagement in 2017 at WrestleMania 33 was a moment fans will never forget. But behind the glitz and glamour, cracks began to show.

The Struggles Behind the Scenes

While their relationship appeared perfect on the surface, Nikki Bella revealed in interviews and on her reality show Total Bellas that their partnership was far from easy. One of the biggest issues was their differing views on marriage and family. Cena, who had previously been vocal about not wanting children, struggled to reconcile his stance with Nikki’s desire for a family. This fundamental difference created tension, leading to emotional strain for both parties.

Nikki also opened up about feeling pressured to conform to Cena’s lifestyle, which often left her feeling like she was losing her identity. In her own words, she felt like she was “living John’s life” rather than building a life together. This imbalance ultimately led her to question whether their relationship was sustainable.

The Decision to Walk Away

In April 2018, Nikki Bella made the difficult decision to call off her engagement to John Cena. The announcement shocked fans, but for Nikki, it was a necessary step toward reclaiming her happiness. She later shared that the breakup was one of the hardest decisions of her life, but she knew it was the right choice for her future.

Cena, too, admitted that the split was a wake-up call. In a surprising turn of events, he publicly expressed regret and a willingness to change, even proposing to Nikki again in an attempt to salvage their relationship. However, by that point, Nikki had made up her mind. She realized that staying in the relationship would mean compromising her dreams and desires, something she was no longer willing to do.

Was Nikki Bella Right?

The question of whether Nikki Bella was right to end her relationship with John Cena ultimately comes down to personal perspective. From a practical standpoint, Nikki’s decision was rooted in self-preservation and the pursuit of her own happiness. She prioritized her needs and aspirations, which is a powerful message for anyone facing a similar crossroads in their relationship.

On the other hand, some fans argue that love requires compromise and that Nikki and Cena could have worked through their differences. However, as Nikki herself has stated, staying in a relationship where fundamental values don’t align can lead to long-term unhappiness.

Life After the Breakup

Since their split, both Nikki Bella and John Cena have moved on. Nikki found love again with Artem Chigvintsev, with whom she shares a son, Matteo. Cena, too, has embraced a new chapter in his life, marrying Shay Shariatzadeh in 2020. While their paths have diverged, both have expressed gratitude for the lessons learned from their time together.

Nikki Bella’s decision to end her relationship with John Cena was undoubtedly a difficult one, but it was also a brave and necessary step toward prioritizing her own happiness. While their breakup marked the end of a beloved chapter, it also paved the way for new beginnings for both individuals. In the end, Nikki’s choice serves as a reminder that sometimes, walking away is the most empowering decision of all.