It looks like WWE legend and reality TV star Nikki Bella is taking a major step back from the dating world — and she’s completely owning it. The former wrestling champion has opened up about her decision to embrace celibacy following her brief but buzzworthy romantic connection with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean.
For those who missed it, Nikki and Cooper were linked together earlier this year, turning quite a few heads given the age gap and their very different worlds — one a pop culture icon, the other a rising NFL talent. While the romance appeared to fizzle out relatively quickly, it clearly left Nikki doing some serious soul-searching about what she truly wants in her personal life.
Rather than jumping back into the dating pool or rushing toward the next relationship, Nikki has chosen to pump the brakes entirely. Going celibate isn’t always the easiest choice to talk about publicly, but Nikki has never been one to shy away from honesty. She’s built her entire brand on being open and authentic, whether that’s through her reality shows, her social media presence, or her candid interviews.
This kind of self-reflection actually makes a lot of sense when you look at Nikki’s romantic history. She went through a very public and emotional split from fellow wrestling star John Cena, followed by a relationship and co-parenting journey with French actor Artem Chigvintsev. Life has thrown a lot at her in the romance department, and choosing to pause and focus on herself feels like a genuinely empowering move.
Celibacy, whether practiced for emotional, spiritual, or simply personal reasons, is having a bit of a cultural moment right now. More and more public figures are speaking out about stepping away from physical relationships to prioritize mental health and self-discovery. Nikki joining that conversation adds a refreshing and relatable voice to the mix.
At the end of the day, Nikki Bella seems to be in a place where she’s putting herself first — and honestly, that’s something worth celebrating. Whether this celibacy chapter is short-lived or a longer journey, one thing is certain: Nikki is clearly done settling for anything less than what she deserves. We’re here for it.
