Nikki Garcia Talks Dating Life Scrutiny Amid Cooper DeJean Rumors

The WWE star says finding love in the public eye has been 'difficult' as she balances motherhood and a WrestleMania return.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Nikki Garcia, 42, has been open about the challenges of dating in the spotlight since finalizing her divorce from Artem Chigvinstev in 2024. The WWE wrestler says there are 'moments where I feel super confident' about putting herself back out there, but other times she feels like 'such a girl' as rumors swirl about a potential romance with Philadelphia Eagles player Cooper DeJean. Garcia, who is preparing to return to the ring with twin sister Brie for next month's WrestleMania Tag Team Championship, admits the dating scrutiny can be 'difficult' but she's 'having fun and enjoying being single'.

Why it matters

As one of the most recognizable female wrestlers, Nikki Garcia's personal life has been heavily scrutinized by fans and media. Her comments shed light on the unique challenges celebrities face when navigating the dating world, especially as a single parent trying to balance a high-profile career.

The details

Nikki Garcia has been romantically linked to 23-year-old NFL player Cooper DeJean since late 2025, when she was spotted attending an Eagles game and wearing his jersey number. Garcia has not confirmed the relationship but has teased it, telling fans in Philadelphia 'Can you blame a girl for having good taste? I mean, Pro Bowl, baby.' DeJean has also acknowledged the attention, saying it was 'crazy' that Garcia gave him a shout-out. Prior to the DeJean rumors, Garcia finalized her divorce from fellow wrestler Artem Chigvinstev, with whom she shares a 5-year-old son.

  • In fall 2025, Nikki Garcia was rumored to be dating Cooper DeJean after being seen at an Eagles game and wearing his jersey number.
  • In December 2025, Nikki Garcia further fueled the DeJean dating rumors when she wore his jersey number while supporting the Eagles.
  • In January 2026, a source told Us Weekly that Nikki and DeJean have 'hung out' and that she is 'having fun and enjoying being single'.
  • In February 2026, Cooper DeJean told People magazine that it was 'crazy' Nikki gave him a shout-out during a WWE event in Philadelphia.

The players

Nikki Garcia

A 42-year-old WWE wrestler who is preparing to return to the ring for WrestleMania with her twin sister Brie.

Cooper DeJean

A 23-year-old NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles who has been rumored to be dating Nikki Garcia.

Artem Chigvinstev

Nikki Garcia's ex-husband, with whom she shares a 5-year-old son.

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What they’re saying

“It's been crazy. There's moments where I feel super confident, and then there's moments where I feel like 'such a girl' as I'm navigating this.”

— Nikki Garcia (Us Weekly)

“Sometimes [I'm] like, 'Can I just have fun and it just be fun?'”

— Nikki Garcia (Us Weekly)

“Can you blame a girl for having good taste? I mean, Pro Bowl, baby.”

— Nikki Garcia (Us Weekly)

“It's crazy that Nikki gave me a shout-out in Philadelphia.”

— Cooper DeJean (People)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.