Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean executed a WWE-style celebration during Saturday’s game against the Washington Commanders, performing John Cena’s signature Five-Knuckle Shuffle on teammate Quinyon Mitchell. The move comes just days after DeJean’s name became linked to former WWE star Nikki Garcia, Cena’s ex-fiancée, sparking widespread speculation about their relationship status.
The 22-year-old Eagles rookie turned heads during the pre-game warmups at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, where he engaged in an elaborate wrestling-inspired routine that culminated in Cena’s famous finishing move. Teammates gathered around as DeJean delivered the mock attack on Mitchell, with the entire team counting to three in a classic wrestling pinfall simulation.
This theatrical display arrives amid growing speculation about DeJean’s personal life. Earlier this week, Nikki Garcia posted a video montage on Instagram that included footage of herself posing in front of DeJean’s Eagles locker. The 42-year-old WWE Hall of Famer captioned the post with references to her Philadelphia visit and the “city of brotherly love,” complete with eagle emojis.
The Garcia Connection
Garcia’s social media activity has been closely watched since her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev in 2024. The former WWE star shares a son, Matteo, 5, with Chigvintsev. Her Philadelphia visit and subsequent posts sparked immediate speculation about a potential romance with the NFL rookie.
Interestingly, Garcia addressed her dating life just days before the Eagles game during an episode of SiriusXM’s The Nikki & Brie Show. “It’s crazy because I actually haven’t been touched or done anything in so long,” she revealed. “I haven’t even kissed someone in so long. It’s, like, kind of crazy.”
Cena’s Shadow Looms Large
The timing of DeJean’s WWE tribute is particularly noteworthy given recent events in the wrestling world. Just one week earlier, John Cena celebrated his retirement at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington D.C. The 17-time WWE Champion submitted to Gunther in his final match, ending a legendary career that included a six-year relationship with Garcia.
Cena and Garcia’s engagement was one of WWE’s most publicized storylines. The wrestler-turned-actor proposed to Garcia in the ring after their mixed tag team match at WrestleMania 33 in April 2017. Their relationship ultimately ended in July 2018, with Garcia telling Us Weekly that parting ways was “what’s best for me.”
Garcia recently described encountering Cena for the first time in “seven, eight years” backstage at a WWE event. She characterized the interaction as brief and professional, with no hug exchanged between the former couple.
DeJean’s Relationship History
Before the Garcia speculation emerged, DeJean was most recently linked to Steph Wilfawn, who joined him on the field after the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in February. During an appearance on “The Pivot” podcast that month, DeJean praised Wilfawn as “a trooper” who had “been there every step of the way.”
The Eagles cornerback has maintained silence regarding the dating rumors with Garcia. Neither party has confirmed or denied the speculation publicly, though DeJean’s wrestling tribute has certainly added fuel to the fire.
Why This Matters Beyond Gossip
This intersection of sports and entertainment represents a growing trend of cross-industry celebrity relationships. For the NFL, such high-profile dating speculation generates additional mainstream media attention beyond sports coverage. For WWE, it reinforces the organization’s continued relevance in pop culture conversations.
DeJean’s celebration also demonstrates how wrestling culture has permeated mainstream sports. WWE-inspired moves and celebrations have become increasingly common across various sports leagues, reflecting wrestling’s enduring influence on American entertainment.
The Eagles organization has historically embraced player personalities that generate media attention, and DeJean’s sudden entry into celebrity gossip columns follows this tradition. His performance on the field—culminating in a 29-18 victory over the Commanders—ensures that the focus remains primarily on his athletic achievements despite the off-field speculation.
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