Wrestling superstars John Cena and Nikki Bella have broken up after six years together, calling off their engagement a year after his spectacular proposal at Wrestlemania 33.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Bella said “while this decision was a difficult one, we continue to have a great deal of love and respect for one another.”
The announcement comes shortly after two other cryptic images appeared on Cena’s own Instagram account.
Cena, 40, and Bella, 34, became professional wrestling’s most high-profile couple, after reality series Total Divas and Total Bellas gave an insight into their lives away from the ring.
Their relationship was pushed into the pop-culture mainstream after his proposal last year, which absolutely tickled wrestling fans worldwide.
But Cena himself recently mentioned the strains present in their relationship, telling Us Weekly that “love is beautiful, but we’ve had to come to the realization after being together for five years that love is not easy.”
He also hinted at the impact of their respective work schedules, saying “she’s super busy and sometimes we don’t see each other for months at a time, but when we do see each other, it’s our time together.
“I think, for now at least, that is certainly what’s making this work.”
Fans have responded to the breakup with sincere sadness, and more than a few wrestling-adjacent memes.
Dear Boss, I can’t come into work. Nikki & Cena broke up & I’m drowning in my own tears & emotionally eating snacks. Sincerely, #BellaArmy #NikkiBella
— Ashlee White (@AshleeWhite23) April 16, 2018
“John Cena & Nikki Bella have broken up” pic.twitter.com/RmTsFZmXgM
— AJ (@embracedvision) April 16, 2018
Dear Boss, I can’t come into work. Nikki & Cena broke up & I’m drowning in my own tears & emotionally eating snacks. Sincerely, #BellaArmy #NikkiBella
— Ashlee White (@AshleeWhite23) April 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/mathboywonder/status/985699911000784897
Just saw Blockers and then I get online to praise it and see that Cena and Nikki are broken up pic.twitter.com/aXedChCCUH
— Mega Ran (@MegaRan) April 16, 2018
