Nikki Bella and Cooper Dejeans age difference: Inside the 20-year gap that has fans talking and headlines buzzing

| Global Sports Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jan 7, 2026, 17:00 IST

Nikki Bella has returned to headlines for reasons far removed from a wrestling ring. In early January 2026, reports confirmed that the WWE star has been spending time with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean. The news followed weeks of online speculation after Bella appeared at Eagles games in December 2025 wearing DeJean’s jersey.

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The attention did not come only from the pairing itself. It came from the age gap. Bella and DeJean are separated by nearly 20 years, a detail that quickly became the focus of fan discussion and media coverage. With both sports and entertainment audiences paying attention, the gap turned a quiet personal story into a widely discussed headline.

Who is Nikki Bella?

Nikki Bella, born Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace on November 21, 1983. She is among WWE’s most elite stars. She won several Divas Championships and became a key figure during WWE’s rise in mainstream pop culture during the 2010s.

After stepping away from full-time wrestling, Bella expanded into television and digital media. Her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev was finalized in 2024 after months of public attention. On The Nikki and Brie Show podcast in October 2025, she stated that she focuses on raising her son, Matteo, and maintaining her peace while navigating life after divorce.

What is the age difference between Nikki Bella and Cooper DeJean?

Cooper DeJean was born on February 9, 2003. Nikki Bella turned 42 in November 2025. DeJean will be 22 years old as of January 2026. The difference between them measures just under 20 years. The number draws attention because DeJean has recently entered the league. Bella already lived much of her life in public view, which sharpens the contrast for fans following the story.

Why is the age gap driving headlines?

Fans reacted because of where both stand in their lives. Nikki Bella has built her career over the past two decades in the public eye. Cooper DeJean just started his NFL journey. The contrast became visible when Bella attended Eagles home games late in the 2025 regular season.

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TMZ reported on January 6, 2026, that the two have gone on several dates. The report stated that the situation remains calm and low-pressure. That confirmation shifted attention entirely toward the age difference, which many fans find unexpected, given DeJean’s young age and rising profile.

How did Nikki Bella and Cooper DeJean meet?

The first public sign appeared on December 15, 2025, when Bella attended an Eagles home game against the Las Vegas Raiders. She wore DeJean’s jersey, which fans noticed instantly. The two later appeared together at a Philadelphia bar during an Eagles game night, according to eyewitness accounts.

DeJean’s profile continues to grow. The Eagles drafted him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft in April 2024. He gained national attention on February 9, 2025, when he intercepted Patrick Mahomes during Super Bowl LIX and returned it for a touchdown on his birthday. The buzz around Nikki Bella and Cooper DeJean centers on timing, visibility, and numbers.