Cooper DeJean denies public relationship amid Nikki Bella rumors. [Image Source: FOX]
Cooper DeJean finally spoke out regarding the swirling rumors tying him to WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, though his response did little to clarify the situation. On the February 4, 2026 episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the NFL player was asked pointedly about his so-called public relationship, a clear hint toward Bella, yet he stopped short of confirming anything definite.
A Deliberate Avoidance or Privacy Protection? DeJean’s Vague Denial
During the interview, host Pat McAfee asked DeJean,
“You want to talk about your public relationship or no?”
Instead of confirming or denying the reports, DeJean replied,
“I don’t think I have a public relationship.”
Pat acknowledged the vague answer and chose not to press further, commenting,
“There you go. Let’s move along. The internet talks about it—whatever you want to do, you’ve earned it.”
This ambiguous stance leaves the rumors intact while raising questions about whether DeJean is intentionally keeping the details private or genuinely dismissing the speculation.
Nikki Bella’s Recent Comments Add to the Uncertainty
Just days before DeJean’s interview, Nikki Bella was spotted at the Philadelphiaairport on February 1 and was asked directly about her relationship status. She confirmed, “Yes, I am single.” However, when questioned about dating, Nikki smiled and said simply, “I’m having fun.” These cryptic remarks only fuel ongoing gossip about her personal life.
How the Rumors Began: Public Appearances and Social Media Clues
The dating speculation first erupted in December when Nikki Bella made appearances that suggested a connection to DeJean. She was seen attending an Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field, captured moments from inside DeJean’s locker room, and shared intimate photos with the NFL star. Prior to the Eagles-Bills game, Nikki posted a video showing her walking confidently in DeJean’s jersey, captioned:
Image of: Cooper DeJean
“Walking into Sunday like…. 🦅🔥 ‘Been there, WON that.’ 🙌🏼 #flyeaglesfly.”
DeJean’s addition of heart and eagle emojis on her post sparked further buzz among fans.
Background Context: Nikki Bella’s Recent Divorce and Relationship Status
Nikki finalized her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev in November, creating a fresh landscape for potential new romances. While she has not openly discussed Cooper DeJean by name, her public gestures and expressions have kept speculation alive. Both DeJean and Nikki maintain a low-key approach, with him denying any public relationship and her suggesting she is enjoying her single life without commitments.
What Lies Ahead for This Unfolding Story?
The situation surrounding Cooper DeJean and Nikki Bella remains ambiguous, leaving fans uncertain about the true nature of their connection. With neither party providing clear confirmation, the rumors are likely to persist. Whether DeJean is deliberately shielding his personal life or simply caught in viral speculation, the story highlights how public figures manage privacy amidst intense media and fan attention. Observers will be watching closely for any future developments or clarifying statements as this story continues to evolve.
