Jill O'Rourke
Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
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| March 16, 2023 SIGN IN TO SAVE POST
Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for NickelodeonReading Time: 2 minutes
Nikki and Brie Garcia recently opened up on their podcast about their decision to change their names. The sisters were formerly known as the Bella Twins during their time in the WWE, but they announced this week that they’re going back to their birth names.
Nikki and Brie Garcia Talk About Changing Their Names
At the same time they announced their new names, the sisters also announced that their podcast had been rebranded from The Bellas Podcast to The Nikki & Brie Show. During Wednesday’s episode, the sisters explained that as they’re approaching 40 and have become mothers and entrepreneurs, they knew it was time for a change.
“When our contract came up with WWE, mutually we all knew we just needed to head into this new chapter,” Nikki explained. “And we are so grateful for the past 17 years. I have learned so much in and out of that ring. I have traveled all over the world. I have an incredible fandom from over 146 countries.”
Nikki went on to say that it’s “a part of relationships” that sometimes you decide to “go separate ways.” She emphasized that it “doesn’t mean it’s forever.” Brie chimed in to say that it also “doesn’t mean it’s bad.” She called the decision “something beautiful” that was “years coming.”
Fans will also be happy to know that Nikki will be returning to Barmageddon for Season 2. She noted that she wasn’t part of the recent renewal announcement due to the upcoming name change, but she’ll be going by Nikki Garcia on the show.
SEE ALSO: NIKKI AND BRIE DROP ‘BELLA’ FROM THEIR NAMES, WILL NOW GO BY GARCIA
Why Aren’t the Twins Going by Their Married Names?
Some fans might be wondering why the twins chose to go back to their maiden names instead of their married names — Chigvintsev and Danielson. The sisters also explained this decision during Wednesday’s podcast.
Nikki explained that “everything legal” like their driver’s licenses will have their husbands’ last names. However, she also pointed out that her husband Artem Chigvintsev’s name is “a real tough one.”
“Our dad right now is doing backflips,” Nikki continued. “He’s super excited, he’s super happy. Why not go back to our roots? We love our Mexican culture. And let’s go back to Garcia, how everyone knew us.”
During the podcast, the sisters also announced that they’ll be doing a live show in San Francisco at Cobb’s Comedy Club on April 19. You can go here for more information about the event.
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