In the latest episode of As the Reality TV World Turns, Nikki Garcia has officially thrown down the gauntlet against her estranged husband, Artem Chigvintsev, by securing a restraining order faster than you can say “Dancing with the Stars.” This 40-year-old former WWE superstar is done wrestling with domestic drama, and let’s just say, Artem is now in the penalty box!
Earlier this week, Nikki filed for the restraining order, presenting her sworn declaration of alleged abuse. According to the latest gossip from TMZ, things got a little too intense on the home front, and it appears Artem might have taken a few too many pointers from the wrestling ring. Nikki claims he “tackled me multiple times and pinned me to the ground while our child was present.” So, in case you were wondering, this is not how you win “Parent of the Year” awards!
The drama escalated after Artem’s eviction from the Dancing with the Stars ballroom. According to Nikki, he transformed from a charming dancer into the Hulk, becoming “increasingly angry, snapping at me, and yelling.” I guess all that practice in the spotlight didn’t include how to manage emotions at home!
The final straw, or should we say, the last English muffin, came one fateful morning when Artem lost his cool over their son Matteo’s breakfast order. Apparently, young Matteo wanted his muffin toasted a specific way, which sent Artem into a frenzy. He was “screaming” about how Nikki was turning their kid into a “picky eater.” Cue the dramatic music!
Overwhelmed by the muffin madness, Nikki decided to take matters into her own hands and launched Matteo’s shoes in Artem’s general direction. Unfortunately, it hit his leg, which led to an all-out game of tag—Artem scooped up Matteo and darted upstairs, because when you can’t handle the heat, you run away!
When Nikki attempted to reclaim her position as the sane parent and entered the room, Artem channeled his inner linebacker and tackled her outside of their son’s room, holding her down for what felt like an eternity. It was like a scene straight out of a reality show—just without the confetti and cameras!
In a twist that rivals any plot from a daytime soap, Artem then dashed back into Matteo’s room, closed the door, and when Nikki tried to push it open again, he was ready for Round Two. He pushed her across the hall into their bedroom and forced her down in the bathroom, claiming he was just “helping” her with a dramatic floor demonstration.
Nikki described feeling like she was “suffocating,” while trying to fend off Artem’s bear hug. Talk about a situation that’s gone off-script!
Now, here’s the kicker: the restraining order dictates that Artem must stay 100 yards away from Nikki, their son, and their home. There’s only one loophole, though—he can still swoop in for “court-ordered” child exchanges. So, folks, save the drama for your llama because this custody saga is set for a full hearing on October 21st.
And let’s not forget, this comes right after Artem was arrested for felony domestic violence back in August. A few weeks later, Nikki filed for divorce, and the plot thickened when it was revealed last week that no charges are being filed against him at this time. Oh, the irony!
Stay tuned for the next episode of The Real Housewives of Parenting—where the drama never ends, and the muffins are always just a little too toasted!