Nikki Bella, the 42-year-old WWE star and reality TV personality, has ignited speculation about a romantic link with 22-year-old Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean after posting an Instagram Reel from a recent NFL game. This development comes one year after her separation from former ‘Dancing With the Stars’ pro Artem Chigvintsev, marking her first public hint at a new relationship since the divorce.
Bella, who also goes by Nikki Garcia, documented her trip to Philadelphia where she attended the Eagles’ dominant 31-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field. In the Reel, she is seen sporting a black Eagles bomber jacket and a brown bucket hat, exploring VIP lounges, celebrating with friends in a suite, and strolling along the field before taking her sideline seat. Her high spirits were evident as she immersed herself in the game-day experience.
The most talked-about moment in the video was when Bella deliberately included footage of herself posing inside DeJean’s locker, smiling proudly as the Eagles secured their shutout win. Fans quickly screenshotted and circulated this clip, interpreting it as a clear signal of their connection. Post-game, the celebration moved to a local bar where DeJean was seen cozying up to Bella for a flirtatious pose, adding fuel to the dating rumors.
On social media, Bella captioned the post, ‘So blessed for the people around me, new friends and old, who make life so special and fun,’ and added, ‘And as always Fly Eagles Fly! Truly THE city of brotherly love!’ She also shared an Instagram carousel highlighting other moments from the trip, though it did not feature DeJean. Notably, Bella and DeJean follow each other on Instagram and have been actively liking and commenting on each other’s posts in recent weeks.
Representatives for both Bella and DeJean have not responded to requests for comment from news outlets like Page Six, leaving the nature of their relationship unconfirmed. The two have yet to publicly address whether they are dating or simply new friends bonding over a shared interest in the Eagles. This ambiguity has led to widespread speculation among fans and media alike.
Bella’s personal life has been in the spotlight since her high-profile engagement to fellow WWE star John Cena, which ended in 2018. She married Chigvintsev in 2022, but the couple split in 2024 following domestic violence charges against him. They share a five-year-old son, Matteo. A new relationship with DeJean would represent Bella’s first public romantic involvement since the divorce.
Cooper DeJean, a rising star for the Philadelphia Eagles, is 20 years younger than Bella, which has drawn attention to the age gap. As a cornerback, he has gained popularity for his on-field performances, and this rumor adds a new dimension to his public profile. The Eagles’ victory and Bella’s presence have intertwined sports and celebrity gossip in this story.
Looking ahead, the lack of official confirmation means the rumors are likely to persist until either party makes a statement. Media outlets will continue to monitor their social media interactions and public appearances. For now, the story highlights how social media can spark dating speculation, especially involving celebrities from different spheres like entertainment and sports.
