Nikki Bella Shares How Son Matteo Changed Outlook On Marriage

Nikki Bella is getting candid about why she isn't rushing to tie the knot with fiancé Artem Chigvintsev and how their son, Matteo, changed her perspective on marriage.

The former WWE star has been engaged to the "Dancing With the Stars" pro since 2019, but their wedding has been delayed due to the pandemic.

Bella recently shared that after she welcomed her now-18-month-old son with Chigvintsev, she has become more cautious when it comes to her second marriage.

"Once I had Matteo and I started to raise him, I was like, when I say 'I do,' I want to make sure it's forever," Bella told E! News' "Daily Pop" Monday. "I know there are things that Artem wants too—like he really wants his parents there—but also, overall, I don't want my son to go through a divorce."

She pointed out that there is her past and "everything I've been through" to consider, especially since so much of her life has been "very public."

Bella previously revealed that she married her high school sweetheart at the age of 20 before divorcing him three years later. Then, in 2012, the TV personality entered a high-profile relationship with John Cena, and though the two got engaged five years later, they split in 2018.

Due to their experiences, Bella said she and Chigvintsev want to make sure that getting married is "absolutely" what they want to do.

The TV personality pointed out that their current arrangement is already "amazing," adding, "It's pretty much like a married life."

But regardless of whether or not they tie the knot, Bella said she just "really wanted to be with someone who was going to be an amazing father, and Artem is that."

In February, Bella gave an update about her fiancé's health after he stepped away from "The DWTS: Live!" tour on Jan. 20 due to pneumonia. She confirmed at the time that Chigvintsev had not yet recovered from the illness and that his lungs were swollen.

However, it seems all is well for the dancer as Chigvintsev has since returned to "The DWTS: Live!" tour, where he's joined by "Bachelorette" alum Kaitlyn Bristowe, with whom he won Season 29. Reigning celebrity champion Iman Shumpert and his fellow Season 30 contestants, Jimmie Allen and Amanda Kloots, were also part of the tour.

As for their wedding plans, Bella told People that they were considering Paris for the location due to Chigvintsev's parents.

"We feel like it's the easiest to get his parents there," Bella said. "We're figuring out dates, so we'll see, but we're thinking that Paris would be the perfect place."

They initially planned to tie the knot in fall 2021. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions putting a pause on international visas, his parents couldn't travel from Russia so they were looking forward to the "next Thanksgiving," according to Bella.