Former WWE champion Nikki Bella confirmed her relationship with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean during a segment on Monday Night Raw, drawing cheers and chants from the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center.
Bella, 42, appeared alongside her twin sister, Brie Bella, in a promo that initially targeted the Eagles following their recent playoff loss. As the audience began chanting “COOOOP,” Brie Bella remarked, “I actually think they’re saying Coop…” Nikki Bella responded, “Can you blame a girl for having good taste? I mean, Pro Bowl baby.”
Nikki Bella confirms her relationship with Eagles Pro Bowl CB Cooper DeJean on #WWERaw in Philadelphia as fans were chanting “COOOOP”
— Pro Wrestling Countdown (@_wrasslinsource) February 3, 2026
The exchange appeared to reference ongoing rumors about Bella and DeJean, 22, who was selected to the Pro Bowl in his second NFL season. DeJean, a former Iowa standout, attended the event and was shown watching from the audience.
The moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans expressing surprise at the 20-year age difference and the crossover between wrestling and football.
Reactions poured in on X, formerly known as Twitter. One user posted, “Nikki Bella is weird for dating Cooper DeJean and I don’t care what yall have to say.” Another wrote, “THE CROWD IN PHILLY CHANTING “COOOOOOOOP” AT NIKKI BELLA FOR COOPER DEJEAN WAS WILD.”
Sports accounts amplified the news, with one noting, “Nikki Bella is 42 years old. Cooper DeJean is only 22 years old. A 20 year age-gap.” A wrestling fan account added, “NOT NIKKI CONFIRMING SHES DATING COOPER DEJEAN😭😭😂.”
Bella, whose real name is Stephanie Garcia-Colace, has been linked to DeJean in tabloid reports since late last year. She previously dated wrestler John Cena and dancer Artem Chigvintsev, with whom she shares a son.
DeJean, drafted by the Eagles in the second round in 2024, has emerged as a key defensive player, recording 78 tackles and two interceptions this season. Neither Bella nor DeJean has commented further on the relationship.
The segment highlighted WWE’s tradition of incorporating local sports rivalries, especially in Philadelphia, home to passionate Eagles fans. Raw continued featuring top stars like CM Punk and Roman Reigns.
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