WWE

Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he's going to wait before vilifying Artem Chigvintsev for his domestic violence arrest ... saying his alleged actions don't jibe with the man he knows -- though he will hold him accountable if they turn out to be true.

The "Dancing with the Stars" pro sat down for a chat on "The TMZ Podcast" ... and, we had to ask him all about his friend and former costar -- and, he says he texted him after he heard about the arrest.

MC says the Artem he knows would never abuse a woman ... but, he also texted Artem and told him if he did hit his wife Nikki Bella, then he needed to accept responsibility for his actions.

If basketball ends anytime soon for NBA star Tyrese Haliburton ... he's clearly got a career in the wrestling world -- as during another WWE appearance on Tuesday, he played the heel role perfectly, taking a swipe at Orlando Magic fans!!

The 24-year-old Indiana Pacers forward stopped by NXT -- the company's developmental brand -- in Orlando with initial goals of helping set up a match contract between Trick Williams and Ethan Page.

Haliburton wasn't alone, though ... he rolled to the squared circle with a ton of his Pacers teammates -- and when the Florida fans weren't happy to see him, he showed off his villain skills on the mic.

Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev are tag-teaming quality time with their son, Matteo ... weeks after the "Dancing With the Stars" pro was arrested for domestic violence.

The retired WWE star came into contact with her estranged husband in Napa Valley on Sunday ... marking the first time the exes have been photographed together since their drama at home.

Their exchange was all business, as Artem arrived at the house he previously shared with Nikki for some one-on-one time with 4-year-old Matteo ... when he briefly crossed paths with his estranged wife in the front yard.

Nikki Bella isn't just a former WWE Superstar ... she's a super-mom too -- spending some quality time with her four-year-old Matteo after filing for divorce.

The former wrestler stepped out in Napa Valley Friday ... taking her son to his dance class with a big smile on her face.

Check out the pics ... both Nikki and her son look ready to work out -- twinning in all-black, sporty outfits.

Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella's divorce is already getting ugly ... because they are at odds over two major issues ... money and their son.

According to a report by Us Weekly, Artem responded Friday to Nikki's divorce filing ... and he's asking for joint legal and physical custody of their 4-year-old son, Matteo.

The "Dancing With The Stars" pro is also asking for spousal support from Nikki.

Nikki Bella wants to keep her son with her ... asking for legal and physical custody of her son Matteo in her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev.

The former WWE star cites irreconcilable differences in the dissolution docs ... citing August 29 as the date of separation, the day Artem was arrested for felony corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant.

Bella checked the box to block the court's ability to award spousal support to either of them.

Paola Mayfield has proven she's the "GOAT" of reality TV, but she's now looking to get that same title in the squared-circle ... 'cause she was just announced as the newest member of the upcoming season of WOW -- Women of Wrestling!!

"We couldn't be more thrilled to have Paola Mayfield join WOW - Women Of Wrestling," David McLane, co-founder of the all-female organization tells TMZ Sports. "I have been following her wrestling journey and her success on reality TV for some time now, and we can’t wait to see her take her talents and flare to the WOW ring in the new season."

Mayfield -- known for her memorable appearances on "90 Days Fiancé" and "The GOAT" -- is no stranger to the wrestling world ... having made her ring debut back in 2021.

Nikki Bella is tapping out when it comes to her marriage ... because she just filed to divorce Artem Chigvintsev ... only weeks after he was arrested for domestic violence.

The retired WWE star beelined it to court Wednesday and filed for divorce after 2 years of marriage ... according to online records.

The divorce filing comes nearly 2 weeks after Artem was arrested Aug. 29 for felony corporal injury to spouse or cohabitant for allegedly attacking Nikki -- resulting in a visible injury that triggered his arrest.

Dwight Howard hasn't fully committed to retirement from the NBA, but there is one sport we'll never see him in again -- as he tells TMZ Sports his wrestling dreams are over ... and it's all thanks to Ric Flair!!

We caught up with the former Lakers center out in L.A. this week ... and as he gets ready to enter into the world of tangos and waltzes on this season of "Dancing With The Stars" -- we just had to ask how his WWE aspirations were going.

You'll recall, back in 2022, he actually tried out for the org. ... and one of the promos he cut went so viral -- many expected him to enter the biz when his hooping career officially finishes.

WWE's Monday Night Raw went down live in Calgary on Monday ... and the wrestling promotion and one of its Superstars paid tribute to the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, after an alleged drunk driver tragically killed the brothers.

The emotional tribute in Calgary -- where Johnny spent the first seven years of his NHL career -- started off with Sami Zayn rockin' a Flames jersey with Gaudreau's number 13 as fans in the arena sang along to his music.

It didn't stop there ... after a segment involving Zayn, WWE kicked it to reporters outside the arena, showing off a massive display fans created outside the arena in honor of the brothers.

Nina Agdal is spending her final days of pregnancy in the buff ... rocking her birthday suit for a recent maternity photo shoot -- and the camera guy was none other than papa-to-be Logan Paul!!

The engaged couple documented their special getaway in Millbrook, New York before becoming parents ... where they spent quality time out on the lake and experienced all the little village had to offer.

At one point in the trip, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model got naked and propped herself up on a rock to display her growing baby bump for a few pics ... and she looks stunning.

Artem Chigvintsev's domestic violence arrest is moving along ... 'cause the Napa County Sheriff just turned the case over to the D.A. -- and, formal charges could be coming.

Napa County D.A. Spokesperson Carlos Villatoro tells TMZ ... their office is currently reviewing the case, and no decision has been made yet on charges the pro dancer may face.

We're told the D.A. will make a decision after a thorough review of the case and will then make a public announcement.

Nikki Bella is on the hunt for a divorce lawyer ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Nikki has been making calls since Friday, and we're told her intention is to file to end her marriage to Artem Chigvintsev.

Nikki began the search a day after Artem allegedly attacked her, resulting in some physical injury that triggered his arrest for felony domestic violence.

WWE Superstar Kairi Sane put it all on the line Monday Night ... jumping from the top turnbuckle to the ring floor, leaving her with a gnarly eye injury!

The scene went down in Denver during Monday Night Raw -- as Sane and her tag team partner Iyo Sky -- took on Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn in a number one contender match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles.

After making her way to the top rope ... Sane attempted to take out Bianca Belair -- who was standing ringside for the match. However, Sane got a little too much airtime ... missing her target and smacking her face on the announcer's table at ringside.

Joey Chestnut and his longtime nemesis Takeru Kobayashi went head-to-head in a hot dog eating contest for the first time in 15 years ... with Joey winning in a landslide and setting a record in the process.

The rivals matched up Monday on 'Unfinished Beef,' a Netflix special live from Las Vegas, and stuffed their faces full of wieners and buns ... with a huge crowd cheering them on.

Joey cruised to victory ... leading all the way. When the 10-minute timer expired, Joey's total sat at 83 hot dogs ... compared to a final tally of 66 for Kobayahsi.

Nikki Bella was seen for the first time since Artem Chigvintsev's domestic violence arrest ... and her bare ring finger speaks volumes about the state of their marriage.

The former WWE star was just spotted in Oakland, boarding a private plane with a gal pal ... likely headed to Las Vegas where she'll be cohosting Netflix's live hotdog eating competition, "Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef" Monday.

Bella hopped on the plane with a big grin, hat pulled low over her eyes ... but, obviously, everyone's looking at her finger -- 'cause she's ditched her wedding ring after a tumultuous week.