The world of WWE has always been a stage for dramatic storylines, both inside and outside the ring. One of its most talked-about real-life romances was between superstars John Cena and Nikki Bella. Their journey, from a public engagement to a surprising split, captivated fans for years. Now, fresh developments suggest Nikki Bella has firmly turned the page, entering a new chapter with a young NFL athlete.
From WrestleMania Engagement to a Surprising Split
The love story of John Cena and Nikki Bella was a cornerstone of WWE programming for a long time. It reached a cinematic peak at WrestleMania 33, where Cena proposed to Bella in front of a global audience, making their engagement one of the most memorable moments in sports entertainment history. The couple seemed destined for marriage, but life had other plans. Merely months after the grand proposal, they called off their engagement, citing irreconcilable differences.
Both stars eventually found love elsewhere. John Cena married Shay Shariatzadeh in 2020. Nikki Bella walked down the aisle with her Dancing with the Stars partner, Artem Chigvintsev. However, Bella's marriage ended in divorce last year following allegations of domestic violence and battery she made against Chigvintsev.
A Tribute, a Return, and New Beginnings
Following her divorce, Nikki Bella made a powerful return to WWE in 2025, rejoining the active roster. During this comeback, she revealed she had encountered her ex-fiancé, John Cena, a few times in the locker room. In a move that sent the internet into a frenzy, Bella paid a direct tribute to Cena on the December 29 edition of RAW. In her match, she applied Cena's signature submission hold, the STF, which prompted the live audience to chant "Thank You Cena." This gesture led to widespread speculation among fans about unresolved feelings.
However, recent events have clarified the situation. Reports and sightings confirm that Nikki Bella is now dating 22-year-old NFL player Cooper DeJean. The evidence is compelling: Bella has been spotted wearing DeJean's team jersey, attending his games, and DeJean himself was present at an episode of RAW to support her. This new romance strongly suggests that her tribute to Cena was precisely what it appeared to be—a respectful acknowledgment of his significant role in her WWE journey and personal life, rather than a signal of longing.
Diverging Paths: Retirement vs. Active Competition
The professional paths of the two former lovers have also diverged significantly. John Cena officially retired from WWE after his final match against Gunther at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event in December. In a shocking conclusion, Cena submitted to Gunther's sleeper hold, a moment marked by his own smile but which drew mixed reactions from the WWE Universe.
In contrast, Nikki Bella remains an active and central figure on the main roster. Since her return in June 2025, she has undergone a character shift, turning heel (villain). She is currently embroiled in a fierce rivalry with her former friend, Stephanie Vaquer, battling for the WWE Women's World Championship. While Bella has fallen short in title opportunities at Survivor Series and in a subsequent triple-threat match also involving Raquel Rodriguez, her quest for the championship is expected to continue into 2026.
As 2026 approaches, Nikki Bella's focus is clear: pursuing championship gold in WWE and building a new life with Cooper DeJean away from the ring. The chapter with John Cena, while iconic, is firmly in the past, making way for new stories and triumphs.
