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Nikki Bella’s name has been lighting up tabloids and social media feeds for years—not just because of her legendary WWE career, but also because of her undeniable charm and the whispers of her romantic life. After years of speculation, including the recent buzz around her relationship with NFL star Cooper DeJean, the 41-year-old superstar has finally put the record straight. In a candid interview with TMZ Sports, Nikki confirmed what many fans had been hoping for: she’s still single, and her heart is wide open. But what does this mean for her future? How does she balance fame, motherhood, and a potential love life? And why is this update so important for WWE fans and pop culture followers alike? Let’s break it down—with all the latest details, insider insights, and what this could mean for Nikki’s next chapter.
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Nikki Bella’s Love Life: The Latest Update and What It Means
Nikki Bella’s recent comments to TMZ Sports have sent shockwaves through the wrestling and sports fandoms. While she’s been linked romantically to Cooper DeJean—an NFL wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles—she made it crystal clear that she’s not officially tied down. Here’s what we know, why it matters, and what fans can expect next.
The Cooper DeJean Connection: Rumors vs. Reality
The speculation around Nikki and Cooper began to heat up after a particularly emotional moment at a WWE event in Philadelphia. During her appearance on Monday Night RAW, fans in the crowd chanted “Coop!”, and Nikki’s playful response—“Can you blame a girl for having good taste?”—fueled the flames of romance rumors. Brie Bella, Nikki’s sister and fellow WWE legend, even chimed in, joking that she thought the crowd was referring to Cooper.
But here’s the kicker: Nikki shut down the idea of an official relationship when asked directly by TMZ Sports. “Nope, single,” she said, leaving no room for doubt. However, she didn’t entirely dismiss the possibility of future romance. “That label doesn’t mean there isn’t mutual attraction,” she hinted, leaving fans wondering if this is just a phase or the beginning of something bigger.
Why the Confusion?
The back-and-forth between Nikki’s playful comments and her firm “single” statement has left many scratching their heads. Here’s why the confusion persists:
– Nikki’s Playful Nature: Known for her wit and humor, Nikki often teases fans and adds drama to her public persona. Her response to the crowd wasn’t necessarily a declaration but a moment of fun.
– Cooper’s Presence: DeJean was spotted in San Francisco preparing for the Pro Bowl, while Nikki was in New York promoting her WWE appearances. Their physical separation might have contributed to the ambiguity.
– Media Speculation: Tabloids and social media thrive on drama, and when two high-profile figures like Nikki and Cooper are in the same circle, rumors spread like wildfire.
What the Fans Are Saying
Social media has been abuzz with reactions. Some fans are relieved by Nikki’s confirmation, while others are still hopeful:
– “Finally, someone with sense told the truth!” – A WWE fan on Twitter.
– “She’s still single but still has good taste. I’ll take that.” – A fan joking about Nikki’s comment.
– “Cooper, you better start planning a proposal.” – A hopeful supporter.
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Nikki Bella’s Life Beyond the Rumors: Career, Motherhood, and Personal Growth
While the romance rumors keep fans guessing, Nikki Bella’s life is far from just dating drama. She’s a multifaceted woman with a thriving career in WWE, a devoted mother, and a passion for fitness and wellness. Here’s a deeper look at what makes her more than just a love interest in the tabloids.
A WWE Legend: From Bella Twins to Solo Stardom
Nikki Bella’s journey in WWE is nothing short of legendary. Alongside her sister Brie, they formed the dynamic duo known as the Bella Twins, dominating the women’s division in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Their chemistry, both in and out of the ring, made them fan favorites. However, Nikki has since carved out her own path, becoming a solo star known for her technical wrestling skills and charismatic persona.
– Recent Comebacks: Nikki made headlines in 2025 with her return to WWE, proving she’s still one of the most exciting performers in the company. Her appearance at the Royal Rumble and her ongoing role on RAW have reignited her fanbase’s excitement.
– Future Prospects: With WWE’s renewed focus on women’s wrestling, Nikki is perfectly positioned to continue her reign as a top-tier performer. Her ability to adapt and evolve keeps her relevant in an ever-changing industry.
Motherhood: The Heart of Nikki’s Story
One of Nikki’s most touching aspects is her role as a mother. She and her ex-husband, Matt Striker, have a son named Matteo, who was born in 2018. Nikki has been open about the challenges and joys of balancing motherhood with her career, often sharing glimpses of her life with Matteo on social media.
– Support System: Nikki has spoken about how her family—including her parents and sisters—have been her rock throughout her career. Her mother, Loretta Fontana, and sister Brie Bella have been instrumental in her personal and professional growth.
– Public Glimpses: While Nikki keeps her private life relatively low-key, she occasionally shares moments with Matteo, such as his first steps or his love for WWE. These personal touches make her even more relatable to fans.
Fitness and Wellness: The Woman Behind the Mask
Nikki Bella is known for her dedication to fitness, which has been a constant in her life since her wrestling days. In interviews, she’s shared how her training regimen helps her stay sharp both in and out of the ring.
– Post-Wrestling Fitness: Even after her WWE career, Nikki remained active, transitioning into fitness modeling and wellness coaching. She’s been a vocal advocate for postpartum fitness and body positivity, encouraging women to embrace their bodies at every stage of life.
– Recent Projects: Nikki has been involved in various fitness initiatives, including collaborations with brands focused on women’s health and wellness. Her authenticity and relatable approach resonate deeply with her audience.
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The Impact of Nikki’s Love Life on WWE and Pop Culture
Nikki Bella’s romantic life isn’t just a tabloid fascination—it’s a reflection of how celebrity culture intersects with professional sports and entertainment. Her relationship (or lack thereof) with Cooper DeJean has sparked conversations about fame, public perception, and the pressures of being in the spotlight.
How WWE Handles Celebrity Relationships
WWE has a long history of stars dating outside the ring, from The Rock and Dwayne Johnson’s early WWE days to Triple H and Stephanie McMahon’s high-profile relationship. However, the company often treads carefully when it comes to endorsing or promoting romantic relationships among its talent.
– Professional Boundaries: While WWE doesn’t officially discourage relationships among its stars, it encourages them to keep personal lives separate from their public personas. This helps maintain the focus on the product—wrestling—rather than drama.
– Nikki’s Approach: Nikki has always been more reserved about her personal life compared to some of her peers. Her recent “single” confirmation aligns with WWE’s general stance, ensuring that her on-screen persona remains consistent and professional.
The Cooper DeJean Factor: NFL vs. WWE
Cooper DeJean is no stranger to the spotlight. As a rising star in the NFL, he’s been involved in his own share of romance rumors, most notably with actress and model Ashley Benson. However, his connection to Nikki Bella adds a unique layer to the conversation.
– Public Perception: Cooper’s NFL career gives him a different kind of fame compared to Nikki’s wrestling legacy. While Nikki is a household name in wrestling circles, Cooper’s popularity is more mainstream, appealing to a broader audience.
– Potential for Cross-Pollination: If Nikki and Cooper were to pursue a relationship seriously, it could create a fascinating crossover between WWE and NFL fandoms. However, for now, the focus remains on Nikki’s solo career and her openness to future connections.
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Nikki Bella’s Future: What’s Next for the Icon?
With her career in WWE still going strong, her son growing up, and her love life wide open, Nikki Bella’s future looks bright. Here’s what fans can look forward to in the coming years.
WWE: The Next Chapter
Nikki’s recent appearances have shown that she’s not slowing down. As WWE continues to expand its women’s division, Nikki is perfectly positioned to be a leader in the next generation of female stars.
– Potential Storylines: With her experience and charisma, Nikki could easily take on a heel or face role, adding depth to her character. Her ability to connect with fans—both young and old—makes her a valuable asset to any storyline.
– Hall of Fame Status: At 41, Nikki is already a WWE Hall of Famer, but her career isn’t over yet. She could continue to be a mainstay in WWE for years to come, inspiring new generations of wrestlers.
Personal Projects and Branding
Beyond WWE, Nikki has expressed interest in expanding her personal brand. Whether through fitness ventures, social media influence, or even a reality show, she’s exploring ways to stay relevant outside of wrestling.
– Fitness Empire: Nikki’s passion for fitness could lead to more collaborations with health brands, personal training programs, or even a fitness app tailored to women’s needs.
– Social Media Influence: With millions of followers across platforms, Nikki has the potential to become a major influencer. She could use her platform to advocate for causes like women’s health, body positivity, or mental wellness.
The Single Life: What’s Next for Nikki’s Love Life?
While Nikki has confirmed she’s single, that doesn’t mean she’s not open to love. Her playful comments about Cooper DeJean suggest she’s not opposed to romance—she’s just taking things at her own pace.
– Lessons from the Past: Nikki’s previous relationships, including her marriage to Matt Striker, have taught her valuable lessons about commitment and balance. She’s likely more selective now, focusing on quality over quantity.
– The Right Partner: If Nikki decides to pursue a relationship again, she’ll want someone who respects her career, supports her goals, and understands the pressures of fame. Cooper DeJean, with his own high-profile career, could be a strong candidate—but only time will tell.
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FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Nikki Bella’s Love Life and Career
Is Nikki Bella officially single?
Yes, Nikki Bella confirmed to TMZ Sports that she’s single and enjoying her life as a career-focused woman. While she hasn’t ruled out romance entirely, she’s currently not in a committed relationship.
What did Nikki mean when she said, “Can you blame a girl for having good taste”?
Nikki’s comment was a playful response to fans chanting “Coop!” during her appearance at RAW. It didn’t necessarily mean she was confirming a relationship with Cooper DeJean, but it did hint at her appreciation for his talent and popularity.
Where is Cooper DeJean now?
As of February 2026, Cooper DeJean is preparing for the Pro Bowl in San Francisco. He’s been busy with his NFL duties, and there’s no confirmed update on whether he’s currently in a relationship with Nikki.
How has Nikki Bella balanced motherhood and her WWE career?
Nikki has spoken openly about the challenges of being a single mother in the entertainment industry. She credits her support system—including her family and WWE management—for helping her balance her career and personal life. She often shares glimpses of her son, Matteo, on social media, showing how she prioritizes her family.
Will Nikki Bella ever return to WWE full-time?
While Nikki has been a WWE Hall of Famer, she hasn’t officially announced her retirement. Given her recent appearances and the company’s focus on women’s wrestling, it’s likely she’ll continue to be involved in the sport in some capacity—whether as a performer, commentator, or executive.
Could Nikki Bella and Cooper DeJean’s relationship happen in the future?
While nothing is confirmed, Nikki’s playful comments and Cooper’s NFL fame make for an intriguing possibility. However, both have busy careers, and Nikki has made it clear she’s not rushing into anything. If they do pursue a relationship, it would likely be a slow, carefully managed process.
What’s next for Nikki Bella’s career?
Nikki is currently focused on her WWE role, but she’s also exploring personal branding opportunities, including fitness ventures and social media influence. Fans can expect more of her on-screen presence, as well as potential collaborations outside of wrestling.
How has Nikki Bella’s love life affected her WWE persona?
Nikki has always been more reserved about her personal life compared to some of her peers. Her recent “single” confirmation aligns with WWE’s preference for keeping talent’s personal lives separate from their public personas. This helps maintain focus on her wrestling career and ensures her on-screen persona remains consistent.
What’s the best way to follow Nikki Bella’s updates?
Nikki is active on Instagram (@nikkibella), where she shares glimpses of her life, career, and fitness journey. She also occasionally updates fans through Twitter (@nikkibella) and WWE’s official channels. For the latest on her career, follow WWE’s news outlets and trusted sports/tabloid sources like TMZ Sports.
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Conclusion: Nikki Bella’s Story is Far From Over
Nikki Bella’s recent confirmation that she’s single might have put some rumors to rest, but it’s also opened the door to even bigger conversations about her future. From her legendary WWE career to her role as a mother and fitness advocate, Nikki is a woman of many talents—and her story is far from over.
What’s clear is that Nikki Bella isn’t just a wrestling icon; she’s a modern-day celebrity who’s redefining what it means to balance fame, family, and personal growth. Whether she’s in the ring, the gym, or just living her best life, one thing is certain: the world will be watching.
So, are you rooting for Nikki to find love? Or are you just happy she’s enjoying her solo glory? Either way, her journey is one worth following—and we can’t wait to see where it takes her next.
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What do you think about Nikki Bella’s love life update? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
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