“Dancing with the Stars” alum Nikki Bella is stepping back into the dating scene and keeping things light. The WWE Hall of Famer is casually dating Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean, following weeks of speculation and fan chatter, according to TMZ. Sources tell the outlet the two have gone on a few dates and share a mutual attraction, but there are no labels and no pressure. Bella, 42, is described as “very single” and enjoying life as it comes.
The news comes after months of subtle hints that had fans connecting the dots. Bella, a longtime Eagles fan, was spotted at several games late last season, drawing attention for her visible support of DeJean. Still, those close to the situation stress that this is a low-key connection and not something either party is rushing to define.
How the Dating Rumors Started
Dating buzz first picked up in late 2025 when Bella attended Eagles games wearing DeJean’s No. 33 jersey. She turned heads on Dec. 28 when she arrived at Lincoln Financial Field in a cropped DeJean jersey during Philadelphia’s 13-12 win over the Buffalo Bills, according to the New York Post. Earlier that month, she was also seen smiling and posing at DeJean’s locker after the Eagles’ dominant 31-0 shutout of the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 14.
Fans began speculating even more when Bella appeared on “Raw” wearing Kelly Green-inspired ring gear, which many interpreted as a playful nod to the Eagles standout. That moment helped push the rumors from quiet curiosity to full-on conversation online, per The Spun.
Despite the attention, sources emphasize that Bella is keeping her priorities front and center. Her focus remains on her career and her 5-year-old son, Matteo, whom she shares with her ex-husband, former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Artem Chigvintsev.
Where Nikki Bella and Cooper DeJean Stand After Her Divorce
Bella finalized her divorce from Chigvintsev in May 2025 following a highly publicized split. She filed for divorce in September 2024 after Chigvintsev was arrested at their Napa Valley home on suspicion of domestic violence. Since then, Bella has spoken openly about finding balance again.
On her podcast, “The Nikki and Brie Show,” Bella previously shared that she and Chigvintsev are now “in a good place” and focused on co-parenting. “We are co-parenting so amazing and it makes Matteo’s life so amazing,” she said during a past episode.
As for DeJean, the 22-year-old cornerback has quickly become one of the Eagles’ rising stars. During his rookie season in 2024, he recorded 51 tackles, six pass breakups and three forced fumbles. He also made headlines with a standout moment in Super Bowl LIX, intercepting a pass from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and returning it for a 38-yard touchdown, according to The Spun. DeJean was previously linked to Steph Wilfawn.
For now, Bella and DeJean are keeping things simple and casual, with no rush to define what comes next. As one source summed it up to TMZ, Bella is enjoying life, staying focused on what matters most and taking things one day at a time.
Nikki your biggest mistake was breaking up with Jihn Cena. He would have given you a baby and he would have made a great father. He wanted to give you the world. He was a super star way before you came into the wrestlers life. You became a superstar but faded after you left. Cena is still a star. But we all believed you lived John Cena very deeply. But you didn’t want to share him with the big screen. He was ready to do anything to make you his wife and make you happy. Ys in the begining of your relationship he did nit want to get married or have children. But once he fell deeply in love with you. He would have gone to the moon and back with you. Nikki you certainly screwed up your life. You would have had the greatest life with your true soul mate. You ruined your life cause you had a crush on your ex husband. And now your having an affair with a twenty something year old foot ball player. You and you alone screwed up your life, by breaking up with the man who would have given you the world on a silver platter……PERIOD