Nikki and Brie Garcia, better known to many fans as The Bella Twins, are two of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling and reality television. With their fierce personalities, undeniable talent, and strong family bond, the twin sisters have built a brand that extends far beyond the wrestling ring. Over the years, they have grown into media moguls, entrepreneurs, and influential voices for women empowerment. Their journey from WWE superstars to cultural icons is both inspiring and impactful, making Nikki and Brie Garcia household names around the world.
Early Life and Background
Growing Up Garcia
Born on November 21, 1983, in San Diego, California, Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace (Nikki) and Brianna Monique Garcia-Colace (Brie) are of Mexican and Italian descent. They were raised on a farm in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they learned the value of hard work and family unity from an early age. Despite being identical twins, Nikki and Brie each have distinct personalities that complement each other both professionally and personally.
The twins played competitive soccer and even considered a future in sports before fate led them to the world of modeling and entertainment. Their close bond and natural charisma soon opened doors in Los Angeles, where they began their careers in the public eye.
The WWE Era
Rise of the Bella Twins
Nikki and Brie Garcia made their WWE debut in 2008 under the ring names Nikki Bella and Brie Bella. They quickly rose to fame with their twin magic gimmick, where they would secretly switch places during matches. This strategy not only entertained fans but also highlighted their athletic abilities and in-ring chemistry.
Throughout their wrestling careers, the Bella Twins won numerous accolades. Brie became a one-time WWE Divas Champion, while Nikki held the Divas Championship for a record-breaking 301 days. Their success paved the way for a new generation of female wrestlers and played a major role in shifting WWE’s focus toward women’s wrestling.
Feuds, Fame, and Fan Base
Their popularity exploded with high-profile feuds, particularly Nikki’s long-standing rivalry with AJ Lee and Brie’s storylines involving Daniel Bryan and Stephanie McMahon. These moments helped establish them as more than just performers they became characters with depth, ambition, and emotional resonance.
With their massive fan base, Nikki and Brie helped elevate women’s wrestling and contributed to the larger Women’s Evolution in WWE, a movement that promoted equal recognition and opportunities for female superstars.
Beyond the Ring
Total Divas and Total Bellas
In 2013, Nikki and Brie joined the cast of the E! reality seriesTotal Divas, which offered fans a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of female WWE superstars. Their presence on the show quickly turned them into breakout stars, known for their honesty, humor, and family dynamics.
Following their success onTotal Divas, the sisters launched their own spin-off,Total Bellas, which focused more deeply on their personal lives, relationships, and entrepreneurial ventures. The show ran for six seasons and gave fans intimate access to their milestones, including motherhood, business expansions, and life transitions.
Personal Lives
Family and Relationships
Brie Garcia married fellow WWE superstar Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson) in 2014. The couple has two children together and often shares moments of their family life on social media and television. Brie has consistently been vocal about balancing motherhood with her professional ambitions.
Nikki Garcia’s personal life has also been under the spotlight. After a high-profile relationship with WWE superstar John Cena, Nikki eventually found love with Artem Chigvintsev, a professional dancer fromDancing with the Stars. The couple welcomed their son, Matteo, in 2020.
Business Ventures and Brand Expansion
Garcia Twins Enterprises
The Garcia twins are more than entertainers they are savvy businesswomen. Over the years, they have launched a range of successful ventures, including:
- Bonita Bonita Wine: A wine label celebrating their love for wine culture and their Latin roots.
- Nicole + Brizee: A line of body and beauty products that promote wellness and self-care.
- Bella App: A lifestyle and fitness application aimed at empowering users through workouts, nutrition tips, and mental wellness.
These ventures showcase their desire to inspire and uplift others, particularly women looking to take control of their lives in business, health, and self-expression.
Podcasting and Authorship
The Bellas Podcast
Nikki and Brie also hostThe Bellas Podcast, where they discuss everything from pop culture to motherhood and entrepreneurship. The podcast gives listeners an unfiltered glimpse into their thoughts and beliefs, often blending humor, vulnerability, and empowerment.
Incomparable Memoir
In 2020, the sisters co-authored a memoir titledIncomparable, which became a New York Times Bestseller. The book details their upbringing, struggles with identity, experiences in the wrestling industry, and their paths to finding their true selves. Through heartfelt storytelling, they offer a message of resilience, authenticity, and hope.
Rebranding as Nikki and Brie Garcia
New Chapter Beyond WWE
In 2023, Nikki and Brie made the decision to officially part ways with their WWE personas and rebrand themselves using their real names, Nikki and Brie Garcia. This shift symbolized a new chapter in their journey one focused on full creative control and broader ambitions in media, philanthropy, and business.
Although their time in WWE helped define their early careers, the Garcia twins are now crafting a legacy that goes far beyond the ring. Their transformation into media personalities and entrepreneurs reflects their commitment to evolving and challenging themselves creatively.
Impact and Legacy
Inspiring the Next Generation
Nikki and Brie Garcia have left an undeniable mark on popular culture and women’s sports entertainment. Through their talent, resilience, and fearless pursuit of their goals, they have become role models for young women everywhere. Their story is one of perseverance, unity, and reinvention proving that strong women can redefine their paths at any stage of life.
Whether through the impact of their wrestling careers, their success in business, or their voices in media, Nikki and Brie continue to push boundaries. Their influence has helped reshape how female wrestlers are viewed and elevated the standard for what it means to be multifaceted, empowered women in the public eye.
Nikki and Brie Garcia represent a dynamic blend of strength, creativity, and authenticity. From the wrestling arena to boardrooms, red carpets, and podcast studios, they have continually reinvented themselves without compromising their core values. Their legacy is built on more than fame it’s rooted in family, ambition, and the desire to inspire others. As they continue to grow their empire, the Garcia twins remain powerful symbols of what is possible when passion meets purpose.