“She’s Old Enough to Be His Mom”: Fans Mock Cooper DeJean Over Creepy Locker Room Pic with 42-Year-Old Nikki Bella

Social media erupted after Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean was photographed in an unexpected setting with a celebrity nearly twice his age. The image, shared publicly on Instagram, stirred up controversy about appropriate relationships and age differences in the public eye. 

What started as a simple game-day post quickly spiraled into widespread speculation about the nature of their connection. The 20-year age gap has become the focal point of intense online discussion and criticism from fans across multiple platforms.

Cooper Dejean’s locker room photo with Nikki Bella ignites dating speculation

Rumors of a romance between WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, 42, and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean, 22, have exploded online following a December 15, 2025 Instagram post. 

Cooper DeJean is 22 years old.

Nikki Bella is 42 years old.

A 20-year age gap. https://t.co/0ShpCZfQvS pic.twitter.com/Z74DgJ4Tju

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) December 18, 2025

Bella attended the Eagles’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders. She shared a video recap that included a photo of her posing alone at DeJean’s locker, immediately drawing fan attention and speculation.

The locker room image represents just one piece of mounting circumstantial evidence. Fans and WWE personnel have noted multiple interactions between the pair. For example, DeJean attended a WWE event in Philadelphia in August specifically to see Bella.

The two reportedly posed together during NFL training camp and were spotted at a local bar following the Eagles’ victory.

Neither party has officially confirmed a relationship. Bella finalized her divorce from her ex-husband, Artem Chigvintsev, in November 2024. She has publicly discussed her single status while focusing on co-parenting her son.

DeJean previously dated college girlfriend Steph Wilfawn, though that relationship appears to have ended.

The substantial 20-year age difference has become the primary controversy. It is dominating social media conversations as fans both criticize and defend the potential pairing.

Fan reactions to age gap controversy between Cooper Dejean and Nikki Bella

The rumored relationship has generated polarizing responses, with the significant age difference drawing sharp criticism and occasional support.

One fan acknowledged the dynamic, “Oh wow. These young rich guys love a cougar,” recognizing a pattern of younger athletes pursuing older women.

A second commenter celebrated DeJean’s success, “Bro is winning on and off the field,” viewing the potential relationship as another achievement for the cornerback.

A third fan expressed concern for the young player, “Bro is in a trap. Somebody better save him,” suggesting DeJean may be vulnerable to manipulation.

Another commenter referenced Bella’s previous relationship, saying, “John Cena really saved himself by her breaking up with him,” implying that the WWE legend dodged complications by their split.

The harshest criticism came from a fan, who emphasized the age gap, “22? That’s literally a child,” rejecting the appropriateness of a 42-year-old pursuing someone barely out of college and young enough to be her son.