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CJ Perry Reflects on WWE Career and Future Return

Published 3 December 2025

CJ Perry, the former WWE star known as Lana, has shared candid reflections on her wrestling career, personal challenges, and potential future in the industry during a series of recent interviews. Speaking primarily on the podcast Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Perry discussed everything from her on-screen romances and in-ring achievements to the emotional toll of releases and her evolving relationship with husband Miroslav Barnyashev, better known as Rusev or Miro.

Perry's journey in WWE began in NXT, where she developed her iconic Lana persona under the guidance of figures like Dusty Rhodes and Triple H. She described arriving at promo classes with multiple character ideas, including storylines involving her and Rusev in comedic roles where he attempted to "unbrainwash" her from American influences. Rhodes encouraged her creativity, predicting a long career, while Triple H refined the character by suggesting elements like her signature suit, bun hairstyle, and Russian accent. The duo quickly paired up for serious promos, leading to her main roster debut as Rusev's manager.

Over the years, Perry transitioned from valet to competitor, making her in-ring debut in 2016. She...

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