Nikki Bella appears to be turning a new page in her personal life. Less than two years after her tumultuous separation and divorce from professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, the WWE Hall of Famer and reality television star is reportedly back in the dating game.
According to a new report from TMZ, Bella has sparked a romance with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean. While sources emphasize that the relationship is still in its early stages, the pairing has already generated significant buzz across both the wrestling and NFL communities.
The “Spark” and The Jerseys
Sources with direct knowledge of the situation told TMZ that there is “for sure a spark” between Bella and the young NFL star. The two have reportedly been spending time together privately and have even gone on a few dates. The connection is described as having a “mutual attraction,” though insiders were quick to clarify to the outlet that the dynamic is currently “casual.”
Rumors of a potential romance began swirling on social media weeks ago when eagle-eyed fans noticed Bella’s presence at Lincoln Financial Field. Bella was spotted attending multiple Philadelphia Eagles games, and in what many took as a soft launch of their connection, she was seen rocking DeJean’s jersey in the stands. While celebrity appearances at NFL games are common, wearing a specific player’s jersey—particularly one she has no prior public familial or friendship ties to—often signals a deeper connection.
The Age Gap and Cooper DeJean
The pairing has drawn particular attention due to the significant age difference between the two athletes. Bella, 42, is a seasoned veteran of the entertainment industry, having spent over a decade as one of the top female stars in WWE before transitioning into reality TV and entrepreneurship. DeJean, on the other hand, is significantly younger. Born in 2003, the defensive back is in his early 20s and still in the early stages of his professional football career after being drafted by the Eagles in 2024.
Despite the age gap, sources indicate that Bella is “enjoying life” and that the relationship is merely just some fun dates at this point. “Nikki is still very single,” the source told TMZ, noting that she is not rushing into anything serious immediately.
Life After A “Rocky” 2024
This reported romance marks the first significant public dating news for Bella since her high-profile split from Artem Chigvintsev. The couple, who met when they were partnered on Dancing with the Stars, married in 2022 and share a son, Matteo, born in 2020.
However, their relationship came to a shocking end in late 2024. The split garnered massive headlines following a domestic disturbance incident at their home in Napa Valley, which resulted in Chigvintsev’s arrest. Bella filed for divorce shortly after the incident, citing irreconcilable differences. The ensuing legal proceedings were widely covered, painting a picture of a difficult and painful end to what had publicly appeared to be a fairytale romance.
Since the divorce was finalized, Bella has focused heavily on healing and rebuilding. She has frequently discussed her journey on The Nikki and Brie Show, the podcast she hosts with her twin sister, Brie Garcia. In recent episodes, Bella has reassured fans that the dust has settled. She recently stated that she and Artem are now in a “good place” and are successfully co-parenting Matteo, prioritizing their son’s well-being above their past personal grievances.
Focus on Career and Motherhood
While the dates with DeJean are a fun development, TMZ’s report makes it clear that romance is not Bella’s number one priority. Her primary focus remains on her multifaceted career and her role as a mother.
Bella continues to run several business ventures, including the Bonita Bonita wine label and her body care line. Additionally, she remains a fixture in the entertainment world through her podcast and various hosting gigs. For Bella, who spent years in high-pressure relationships—most notably her six-year relationship and engagement to John Cena, which played out in front of Total Divas cameras—keeping things “casual” with DeJean may be a deliberate choice to maintain her independence.
A “Pretty Big Step”
Still, for fans of the Bella Army, seeing Nikki back in the dating scene is a welcome sign that she has moved past the trauma of 2024. TMZ noted that even if it is just a few dates, stepping out publicly with an NFL player is a “pretty big step” for someone who has weathered such a public personal storm recently.
As of this writing, representatives for Nikki Bella have not responded to requests for comment regarding her relationship status with DeJean.
