Nikki Bella has seemingly responded to swirling rumors about a relationship with 22-year-old NFL star Cooper DeJean by revealing she hasn’t been intimate or kissed anyone in “a really long time” since her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev.
Nikki Bella has delivered what appears to be a definitive response to speculation about her romantic life, specifically addressing rumors linking her to Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean. The 42-year-old WWE superstar made stunningly personal revelations during the December 18 episode of her podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, effectively shutting down dating rumors that had been circulating for days.
The Podcast Revelation That Changed Everything
During the candid conversation with her twin sister Brie Garcia, Nikki dropped what many are interpreting as a direct response to the Cooper DeJean speculation. “It’s crazy because I actually haven’t been touched or done anything in so long,” Nikki confessed. “It’s funny when people call me a wh— when I actually haven’t had intimacy in a really long time, [or even thought] of kissing.”
She continued with even more startling transparency: “I haven’t even kissed someone in so long. It’s, like, kind of crazy. I was thinking of this last night. Do I know how to kiss?”
Brie’s response—”You do. It’s like riding a bike”—provided some comic relief, but the message was clear: Nikki Bella hasn’t been dating anyone, despite what rumors might suggest.
How the Rumors Started
The speculation began when Nikki shared an Instagram video from her trip to Philadelphia on December 16. The video, set to Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” featured several intriguing elements that set fan forums ablaze:
- A clip of Nikki smiling in front of Cooper DeJean’s locker at the Eagles’ stadium
- A photo of Nikki and DeJean posing together at a bar
- The caption: “So blessed for the people around me, new friends and old, who make life so special and fun”
For fans, these elements combined created what seemed like evidence of a potential romance. DeJean, at 22 years old, is exactly 20 years younger than Nikki, which added an extra layer of intrigue to the speculation. The Iowa Hawkeyes alum is also a reigning Super Bowl champion, making him one of the NFL’s rising stars.
Nikki Bella’s Relationship History
Nikki’s personal revelation takes on greater significance when viewed in the context of her recent relationship history. She was previously married to her Dancing With The Stars partner Artem Chigvintsev from 2022 to 2024. The couple shares a 5-year-old son, Matteo.
Before her marriage to Chigvintsev, Nikki was engaged to WWE superstar John Cena, with their very public breakup occurring in 2018 after six years together. The high-profile nature of these relationships has made Nikki’s love life a constant topic of public discussion.
Why This Response Matters
Nikki Bella’s decision to address the rumors so directly and personally represents a significant shift in how celebrities handle dating speculation. Rather than ignoring the rumors or issuing a standard “no comment” through representatives, Nikki chose vulnerability and transparency.
This approach accomplishes several things:
- It directly addresses fan speculation without giving unnecessary attention to the rumor mill
- It humanizes the celebrity experience, showing the personal impact of public speculation
- It establishes boundaries while maintaining connection with her audience
- It demonstrates control over her own narrative rather than letting rumors define her
The response also highlights the double standards that often exist for women in the public eye, particularly regarding their dating lives and sexuality.
The Age Gap Discussion
While Nikki’s comments seem to have put the DeJean rumors to rest, the speculation did spark broader conversations about age gaps in relationships. The 20-year difference between Nikki (42) and DeJean (22) would have represented one of the more significant age gaps in celebrity relationships.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory in Hollywood—stars like Cher, Demi Moore, and Priyanka Chopra have all had relationships with significant age differences. However, the conversation typically takes on different tones when the woman is the older partner, something Nikki indirectly addressed with her comments about being called names.
What’s Next for Nikki Bella
With the dating rumors addressed, Nikski can focus on her numerous professional projects. She continues to host The Nikki & Brie Show podcast with her sister, maintains her various business ventures, and remains involved in the WWE universe despite stepping back from full-time wrestling.
Her openness about her personal life since her divorce from Chigvintsev has resonated with many fans going through similar experiences. By sharing her journey—including the aspects involving dating and intimacy—she’s created a genuine connection with her audience that transcends typical celebrity-fan relationships.
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