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WRESTLING WITH CONSCIENCE

Nikki Bella reveals she and John Cena grew apart over marriage and kids differences as WWE legend opens up on split

WWE legend Nikki Bella has revealed she "stuffed her desire for marriage and kids" away during her relationship with fellow wrestler John Cena.

The couple split after six years together back in 2018, with Bella at the time saying she "knows what's best for me".

 John Cena and Nikki Bella broke up in 2018 after six years together
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John Cena and Nikki Bella broke up in 2018 after six years togetherCredit: Getty - Contributor

Now In her new memoir, Incomparable — co-written with twin sister Brie — the two-time Divas Champion has revealed the issues that led to the pair calling off their engagement.

And it was Cena's concerns over marriage and children that appear to be the straws that broke the camel's back.

Bella, 36, wrote: "Rather than turn and face that, I pushed it under the carpet and figured I could pretend like it wasn't there.

"Because I was terrified of losing my love, I stuffed my desire for marriage and kids as deep as I could.

"He had made it clear that they weren't on the menu for him.

"That's tough, though, because if you're inclined that way, then the more you grow to love someone, the more you want it all.

"I stopped giving voice to those needs, though. I was worried my ex would call it off and let me go.

"And while I wanted those things very badly - I just wanted him more."

PREGNANT WITH FIANCE

After the couple split, Bella did come out in the press and admit she "regretted how one-sided it appeared".

She also admitted she would still "love" him, and described the 43-year-old as "a wonderful man".

Bella - real name Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace - is expecting a child with dancer fiance Artem Chigvintsev.

The couple have been dating since January 2019 after being paired together in Dancing With The Stars Season 25 back in 2017.

In the memoir, Bella also revealed the harrowing experience of being raped twice when she was at high school.

The Total Bellas star, 36, wrote that when she was 15 years old, she was attacked by a fellow high school student she "thought was a friend."

Months later, Nikki was assaulted again after being drugged by a college-aged man.

 Nikki Bella is now engaged with professional dancer
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Nikki Bella is now engaged with professional dancerCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Nikki Bella is expecting a child with her partner - it was disagreement over having children that caused issues between her and Cena
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Nikki Bella is expecting a child with her partner - it was disagreement over having children that caused issues between her and CenaCredit: Instagram
WWE star Nikki Bella shows off her 15-week bump and tells fans she is 'feeling better'
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