WWE superstar Charlotte Flair ignited a flurry of speculation over the weekend after she was seen socialising with NFL star Puka Nacua at the prestigious Daytona 500 event in Florida. The sighting of the 39-year-old wrestling icon alongside the 24-year-old Los Angeles Rams wide receiver immediately set tongues wagging across social media and sports circles.
A Notable Age Gap Fuels Comparisons
The fifteen-year age difference between the three-time divorcee and the young Rams standout drew immediate parallels to another high-profile WWE and NFL pairing. Fans and commentators were quick to note the similarity to rumours surrounding WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, who at 42 has been linked to 23-year-old Philadelphia Eagles player Cooper DeJean.
Nikki Bella, twice-divorced, is nearly two decades older than the Super Bowl champion, creating a pattern that has not gone unnoticed by observers of celebrity relationships. This has led to suggestions that Flair might be following in Bella's footsteps by seeking companionship with a younger NFL athlete.
Social Media Activity Adds Fuel to the Fire
The speculation intensified when it was revealed that Flair and Nacua have recently followed each other on Instagram and have been actively engaging with each other's posts. This digital interaction provided further ammunition for those convinced a romance might be brewing between the wrestling champion and the football star.
However, a source close to the situation has provided clarification to the Daily Mail, insisting that the 14-time women's world champion remains unattached. 'She was having a blast at the Daytona 500 with both Puka and his brother Samson and literally everyone else,' the insider revealed. 'It was a big party and everyone was just having the time of their lives.'
Closer Connection with Brother Samson Revealed
Interestingly, the source indicated that Flair's attention at the event was actually directed more toward Puka Nacua's brother, Samson, rather than the NFL player himself. 'Charlotte's single, so she was letting off some steam and just hanging out with Puka and Samson,' they explained. 'If she was flirting with anyone specifically, she was flirting with Samson and he was giving it right back.'
While emphasising Flair's single status, the insider acknowledged that the wrestler is enjoying the attention generated by the rumours. 'Charlotte loves being tied to the rumors as it gives her a lot more clout,' they admitted. 'She isn't dating any of the Nacua brothers, she's just having fun and enjoying things.' Daily Mail has reached out to Flair's representatives for additional comment on the situation.
Flair's Complicated Romantic History
Despite her phenomenal success in the wrestling ring, Charlotte Flair—daughter of WWE legend Ric Flair—has experienced considerable turbulence in her personal relationships. Her romantic journey includes:
- Her first marriage to Riki Johnson, which lasted three years before ending in divorce in 2013.
- A subsequent marriage to English wrestler Thom Latimer later that same year, which dissolved after just two years in 2015.
- Her most recent marriage to Mexican wrestler and former WWE star Andrade El Idolo, whom she married in 2022 and divorced in 2024.
Reflecting on her decision to end her third marriage, Flair shared with daytime host Sherri Shepherd last year, 'When I made the decision to file for divorce, the only thing that I kept thinking is that I just don't want anyone to know. I felt like I was failing at my job. I felt like I was failing in my personal life. And the embarrassment of being divorced again and then being compared to my father.'
Parallels with Nikki Bella's Situation
The comparison to Nikki Bella's circumstances is particularly striking. Bella, star of Total Bellas, has sent mixed signals regarding her rumoured relationship with Cooper DeJean. Initially appearing to fuel speculation about their romantic involvement, she later told TMZ that she is currently single.
DeJean himself addressed the rumours on the Up & Adams podcast, describing Bella as 'amazing' but clarifying that she is just 'a good friend.' The pair were first linked after posing together at Philadelphia Eagles training camp last summer, followed by Bella attending an Eagles victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in December.
Bella's own romantic history includes a divorce from her second husband, Dancing with the Stars professional Artem Chigvintsev, in 2024 after two years of marriage. She was previously engaged to WWE legend and actor John Cena, but called off their wedding just weeks before the planned ceremony in 2018.
As the speculation continues, both Charlotte Flair and Puka Nacua remain at the centre of intense public curiosity, highlighting the enduring fascination with celebrity relationships and the blurred lines between friendship and romance in the spotlight.
