WWE Star Nikki Bella Appears to Confirm Relationship with NFL's Cooper DeJean
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, 42, has seemingly confirmed the swirling rumours of a romance with Philadelphia Eagles star Cooper DeJean, 22, during a live television broadcast. The confirmation came in an unexpected manner when Bella was subjected to chants from the Philadelphia crowd during Monday Night Raw at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Philadelphia Crowd Chants Spark On-Air Exchange
During the WWE event, the Philadelphia audience began chanting "Coop" repeatedly, referencing the Eagles defensive back. Initially mistaking the chants for boos directed at her and twin sister Brie Bella, Nikki responded with confusion, asking whether the crowd was expressing disappointment about the Eagles missing the Super Bowl or about their appearance.
Brie Bella then clarified the situation, telling her sister: "I actually think they're saying 'Coop'..." After sharing a laugh about the misunderstanding, Nikki delivered what appeared to be confirmation of the relationship rumours, joking: "Can you blame a girl for having good taste? I mean, Pro Bowl baby!"
Months of Speculation and Public Hints
The relationship speculation between Bella and DeJean has been building for several months, beginning when they were photographed together at the Eagles' training camp during the summer. The connection deepened when Bella attended Philadelphia's victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in December, where eagle-eyed fans spotted her sitting at DeJean's locker inside the team's changing room.
Bella has dropped numerous hints about the potential romance in recent months, including wearing Eagles-inspired colours to the ring during a December edition of Raw. WWE announcers commented on air about her Philadelphia Eagles-themed outfit, with one noting: "She's got those nice Philadelphia Eagles colors on..." and another adding: "She does, that's been noticeable with much attention on social media lately."
Previous Denials and Current Status
DeJean had previously appeared to dismiss romance rumours when he performed a John Cena-themed celebration on the NFL field, seemingly referencing Bella's high-profile former relationship with the WWE legend. However, sources revealed to the Daily Mail last month that Bella has become "smitten" with the NFL player despite their twenty-year age difference.
An insider explained: "Nikki spent New Year's Eve with her sister. But it doesn't mean she wasn't thinking about Cooper. She's smitten by him and playfully talks about him to friends. She's really happy and it's an exciting time for her - but she is definitely keeping it as casual as possible, for now."
The source added that DeJean's football commitments during the season have contributed to the casual nature of their relationship, stating: "Cooper is in the middle of football season so he can't do much until it's over. That's why they're keeping it casual and not forcing anything."
Relationship Histories and Current Lives
Bella's romantic history has been well-documented through reality television, particularly her engagement to John Cena that was famously proposed in the ring at WrestleMania in 2017. The couple called off their engagement the following year after six years together due to differences regarding marriage and children.
More recently, Bella was married to Dancing With The Stars professional Artem Chigvintsev, with whom she shares a son named Matteo. The couple wed in 2022, but Bella filed for divorce in September 2024. Beyond her wrestling career, Bella has built a substantial business empire, starring in the reality series Total Bellas and hosting The Bellas Podcast.
DeJean has maintained a notably more private personal life, having previously been linked to his college sweetheart Steph Wilfawn during his time at the University of Iowa. The pair reportedly split after DeJean transitioned to professional football, allowing him to focus on his burgeoning NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Neither Bella nor DeJean has made an official statement regarding their relationship status following the on-air exchange, leaving fans to speculate about the future of this unexpected cross-sports romance.
