Nikki & Brie Bella’s WWE Return: Cooper DeJean, Daniel Bryan Explained

And yet, Brie is back.

Now, with The Bellas suddenly re-entering the spotlight—and embarking on a calculated media tour that feels like WrestleMania week—fans have questions. Let’s address the most common ones.

Is Nikki Bella Dating Cooper DeJean?

At minimum, the two appear to be romantically linked, even if nothing has been made official.

The chatter only intensified after Nikki responded to WWE fans chanting DeJean’s name on the February 2 episode of Raw, joking that she has “good taste.”

DeJean played things coy when asked about the speculation earlier this week on Up & Adams with Kay Adams. The pair have also been spotted together at Super Bowl LX events, including the Xfinity Club Cortina gathering.

For context: Nikki Bella is 42. DeJean is 22 and turns 23 on February 9.

Is Daniel Bryan Returning to WWE?

That remains an open question, but the odds appear higher now than they have in years.

Bryan exited WWE respectfully in 2021 after headlining WrestleMania 37 in a critically acclaimed Universal Championship Triple Threat match against Roman Reigns and Edge.

He went on to have an impressive run in AEW, delivering the intense, classic style of wrestling he’s long been known for. His full-time in-ring career effectively concluded at WrestleDream on October 12, 2024.

Since then, Bryan has transitioned into backstage and on-screen announcer roles and has publicly stated that he’s content in that position. While he has also said he has “no interest” in a WWE Hall of Fame induction, history suggests that one conversation with Triple H and Nick Khan can change a lot.

Why Are The Bella Twins Back in WWE?

There are two primary reasons.

Money.
While the Bellas were doing well outside WWE, both are still in their early forties, and WWE remains the most lucrative platform available. Under TKO leadership, returning talent can maintain outside ventures while working a lighter schedule. It has also been speculated that Nikki’s divorce from ex-husband, Artem, played a role in the timing of the return.

Legacy.
When The Bella Twins stepped away from active competition, the women’s division was still emerging from the “Divas” era. That era benefited the Bellas—most notably through reality television exposure—but it didn’t offer the level of in-ring competition or respect that today’s women’s roster commands.

Facing modern stars like Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY gives Brie and Nikki a chance to test themselves in a vastly different environment—and potentially redefine the second act of their Hall of Fame careers.