Nikki Bella Says She's 'Celibate' After Cooper DeJean Romance; What Really Happened Between Them?
Nikki Bella says she's 'super celibate' months after being linked to Eagles star Cooper DeJean. Here's what really happened between the rumored couple.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleNikki Bella has a candid update on her love life, and it's probably not what fans expected! Months after being romantically linked to Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean, the WWE Hall of Famer says she's currently "super celibate" and has little interest in dating as she juggles motherhood, business ventures, and her in-ring comeback.
Her comments have reignited curiosity about Nikki's rumored romance with the much younger rookie star and why it never culminated in anything serious.
Nikki Bella says she isn't prioritizing dating now after months of tumultuous romance
Ahead of her highly anticipated WWE SummerSlam, Nikki Bella shared her views about her current dating status in a candid revelation. Speaking to Us Weekly recently, Bella joked that her dating life has completely stalled. She told the publication:
"I'm pretty much like a nun at this point. Super celibate. I should just put on a ring...I wish I was out there getting wild. I just don't have energy for it."
Following her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, which was finalized in late 2024, Nikki Bella's focus has now almost entirely shifted to family and work, with her son, Matteo, being her top priority. The former couple now shares a 50/50 joint legal and physical custody of the 6-year-old.
Nikki's twin sister, Brie Bella, admitted that she has tried to play matchmaker but understands why Nikki isn't eager to return to the dating scene. Brie told the outlet that her sister would rather stay home with Netflix if she gets a rare free evening than dress up for a date. She said:
"Matteo is her world right now. She’s like, ‘I have no time between being on the road, our wine company and our podcast, and then Matteo.' I try. But she’s like, ‘No, no.’ This is the thing with her: If she has a free night, she wants to Netflix and chill. She’s like, ‘I don’t want to go on a date. I don’t have to dress up.’”
What really happened between Nikki Bella and Cooper DeJean?
Dating speculation with DeJean (22) began after Bella (42) visited Philadelphia and shared social media clips from inside the Eagles' locker room. In December 2025, Nikki Bella (real name Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace) shared Instagram stories from inside the stadium, including a clip taken near Cooper DeJean’s locker. Later that night, she was spotted celebrating at a Philadelphia bar where DeJean was also present.
Within minutes, fans were zooming in, screen-recording stories, and comparing timelines. With a glaring 20-year age gap between Nikki and Cooper, the rumors had split the internet and set the sports world buzzing with this unexpected crossover moment. She was later also seen wearing the rookie star's Eagles jersey at multiple games.
Reports in January 2026 claimed that the two had even gone on a few casual dates, but neither Bella nor DeJean ever described themselves as an official couple. Bella had even playfully acknowledged the buzz during a WWE appearance in Philadelphia when fans chanted "Coop." She cheekily responded:
"Can you blame a girl for having good taste? Pro Bowl, baby."
Despite the chemistry, the relationship never progressed beyond the early dating stage. The pair reportedly struggled with intense public scrutiny, demanding schedules and constant speculation surrounding their 20-year age gap. DeJean remained focused on his NFL career, while Bella balanced WWE, her businesses and raising Matteo.
On the Angie Martinez IRL podcast earlier this year, Bella made it clear where things stood. In her April 2026 appearance, she openly stated, "I'm single. I love being single. I love my space. I love how I do my routines." She added that dating currently feels like "another thing" on an already packed schedule.
Away from her personal life, Bella has plenty keeping her busy. She recently returned to WWE, continues to co-host The Nikki & Brie Show, helps run the sisters' wine business and is set to compete alongside Brie Bella and Paige against Fatal Influence at WWE SummerSlam.
For now, Bella appears content embracing single life, making it clear that while the Cooper DeJean rumors generated plenty of headlines, the pair never entered a serious relationship, and romance isn't currently at the top of her priority list.
What are your thoughts on Nikki Bella's views on relationships at this moment?
PC: Nikki Bella/Instagram
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