John Cena and Nikki Bella announce they have ended their relationship as wedding day approached

John Cena and Nikki Bella issued statements on Sunday that they have separated as a couple. Nikki posted the following on her Instagram account.

“After much contemplation and six years of being together, Nikki Bella and John Cena announced today their decision to separate as a couple. ‘While this decision was a difficult one, we continue to have a great deal of love and respect for one another. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time in our lives.'”

Nikki and John made their relationship public with an in-ring proposal by John Cena at WrestleMania 33 last year and the filming of ups and downs of their relationship on “Total Bellas” in recent years. They dated for six years.

John Cena posted the following on Twitter this morning: “Hardship, loss, and humility are extremely difficult water to navigate, but perseverance thru them builds a strength to withstand anything life throws your way.”

People reports that Nikki is heartbroken and that Cena began to get cold feet about their planned wedding this May. They quoted an anonymous source commenting on their relationship.

“She never gave him an ultimatum. He talked a really good game about having changed, about having his priorities straight, about knowing what’s important, and that it was her. But as the day got closer, it was like he just went back to who he’s always been — which is someone who puts himself first, always. He’s an incredibly dedicated, driven, ambitious guy. And for the longest time he said he didn’t think he had room in his life for a spouse or kids. It seems like in the end that was still the truth. But in that case, he never should’ve proposed, let alone in front of millions of people. Now she’s heartbroken. This was supposed to be the happiest time of her life. He ruined it and blew everything up.”

Nikki’s twin sister, Brie, is married to Daniel Bryan.

CNN is among the many mainstream news outlets that covered their breakup.