John Cena splits from fiancee Nikki Bella three weeks before wedding

Nikki and Cena [Photo: Courtesy]

John Cena has split from his fiancée Nikki Bella less than three weeks before their wedding was due to take place, the couple has announced.

In a statement published by Nikki and her twin sister Brie's official Twitter account - but not seen on John's - the couple told fans they were separating, but didn't reveal the reasons why.

"After much contemplation and six years of being together, Nikki Bella and John Cena announced today their decision to separate as a couple," the statement read.

"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."

The wrestling pair were due to marry on May 5, having got engaged last April during the live broadcast of Wrestlemania 33.

Cena with Nikki [Photo; Courtesy]

They were dating since 2012 and John spoke just last month of how love is "hard", admitting the couple had "problems".

"Don't ever think that love is easy. Love is beautiful, but we've had to come to the realization after being together for five years that love is not easy," he told Us Weekly.

"We work every day on us. We have our problems just like everybody else. Some of our problems are very public, some of them aren't. But we work every day on us. Anytime I get upset, I always just realize that I can't live without her and I love her and that's why I cave in on a lot of stuff."

He confessed that their separate work schedules could keep them apart for "months at a time", but said they focused on each other when they finally had time together.

"I think, for now at least, that is certainly what's making this work," he added.

Nikki and Cena [Photo: Courtesy]

Cryptically, John tweeted just days ago a message that seemed to hint at his relationship problems.

"Life is funny sometimes. One minute it's kissing and hugging on you, the next it's kicking ya square in the nugget bag. Moments make the journey and the powerful play goes on," he wrote on April 12.

And two days ago, on April 14, he tweeted something about accountability and forgiveness.

The moment John got down on one knee to propose

"We all have good and bad days. No one is perfect, but if you happen to do something to make someone feel bad, TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY for your actions, APOLOGIZE, and ASK FORGIVENESS," he told his followers.

No details behind their split have been made public yet, but as recently as April 7 John was calling Nikki a "keeper" after she tweeted a positive appraisal of his new film Blockers.

Cena on one knee proposing to Nikki [Photo: Courtesy]

"Any woman who can say that after seeing what my body goes thru in Blockers Movie is definitely a keeper! I love you! And to the rest of you!! She’s right! Go see it!!" he wrote.

And just a week ago, Nikki was remembering the moment John proposed in front of millions of fans with a throwback video on Instagram.

"Omg love this! Lol I can’t believe this was last year at WrestleMania! What a moment, still get chills and tears every time. Honestly feel like the luckiest girl in the world," she captioned it.