Nikki Bella's tough-love advice to fiance Artem Chigvintsev on disappointing 'Dancing With the Stars' scores

Nikki Bella gave fiancé Artem Chigvintsev a hearty dose of tough love after he expressed frustration over the disappointing scores and lackluster reviews he received while competing on "Dancing With the Stars."

Speaking with Us Weekly, the former pro wrestler said her fiancé wasn't seeing the criticism as an opportunity to learn and grow. In fact, she says the two "bumped heads on that."

"I think because Brie [Bella] and I have been athletes our whole life, I have been raised in such a way, like, 'Don’t cry about injuries. Suck it up,'" Bella revealed, adding that it sparked an intense discussion between the two. "I think he was so shocked because I was like, 'Why are you taking it so personal?'"

She went onto explain to him that the judges' harsh criticism was coming from a good place and not a personal attack on his dancing abilities.

In fact, the 36-year-old expressed that the feedback, especially from Carrie Ann Inaba, was meant to help him and partner Kaitlyn Bristowe become even better dancers by pointing out where they need to improve.

Thanks to their heart-to-heart, the "Incomparable" author says Artem took a closer look at the criticism and incorporated it into last week's rehearsals.

He and Bristowe achieved a perfect score on Monday thanks to their flawless Argentine tango. They were then voted through to compete in the semi-finals, which air next Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

"I go, 'She pushes you! You guys did better and look at the outcome,'" Bella recalled telling her fiance after their Monday performance. "I’m like, 'Carrie Ann's doing her job!'"

Bella added, "Imagine singing in front of Simon Cowell. Like, that’s kind of what you sign up for."