Summary (tl;dr)

Nikki Bella is trending due to widespread speculation about a new romantic relationship with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean, fueled by recent social media posts and public appearances. Her ongoing return to WWE programming and a recent announcement as the Grand Marshal for the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade also contribute to her current visibility across sports and entertainment.

Essential Background

Nikki Bella, a two-time WWE Divas Champion and WWE Hall of Famer, gained prominence alongside her twin sister Brie as "The Bella Twins" in professional wrestling and through their reality television series, "Total Divas" and "Total Bellas". Known for her strong presence in sports entertainment, Bella has recently returned to WWE programming in 2025 after her contract with WWE expired in 2023, where she briefly used her maiden name, Garcia, before reverting to Bella upon her WWE return. She finalized her divorce from her former "Dancing With The Stars" partner, Artem Chigvintsev, in May 2025 after a September 2024 filing due to an alleged domestic violence incident.

The Full Story

Nikki Bella is currently trending due to intense speculation that she is dating Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean. Rumors ignited after Bella posted a video recap of her visit to Lincoln Financial Field for a Philadelphia Eagles game against the Las Vegas Raiders, which included her socializing in a luxury box, celebrating on the field, and posing for a picture inside DeJean’s locker room under his #33 banner. The two were also reportedly spotted together at a local bar in Philadelphia celebrating the Eagles' victory. DeJean further fueled the speculation by commenting on one of Bella's Instagram posts. Fans and media have noted the 20-year age difference between Bella, 42, and DeJean, 22, sparking considerable online discussion. Amidst these dating rumors, Bella also revealed on "The Nikki & Brie Show" that she has not been intimate in a long time, addressing public misconceptions about her romantic status.

In addition to her personal life, Bella's professional career is also keeping her in the spotlight. She made a surprise return to WWE at the Royal Rumble in February 2025 and has maintained a consistent presence on WWE's Raw brand, including a return to Arizona in June. She recently competed in a championship match at November’s Survivor Series: WarGames and is reportedly involved in a storyline that could lead to a triple-threat match at an upcoming WWE Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, on December 10, 2025, it was announced that Nikki Bella, an Arizona native, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 53rd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade in Central Phoenix on January 3, 2026, highlighting her continued ties to sports and entertainment events.

Why It Matters

Nikki Bella's trending status reflects the significant public interest in the intersection of celebrity, sports, and entertainment. The rumors surrounding her relationship with a younger NFL player captivate audiences, highlighting societal discussions around age gaps in relationships and the constant media scrutiny faced by public figures. Her active return to WWE and high-profile involvement in events like the Fiesta Bowl Parade also demonstrate her enduring influence in both wrestling and broader pop culture, appealing to her established fanbase and drawing new attention to her multifaceted career. This trend underscores her continued relevance as a television personality and a figure in the sports entertainment world.

Geographic Location

• Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, United States (Philadelphia Eagles game, locker room appearance, and celebratory outing related to dating rumors)
• Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, United States (WWE Raw return; future Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade where she will serve as Grand Marshal)
• Saudi Arabia (Potential location for an upcoming WWE Royal Rumble match)