CJ Perry Reveals Scrapped Brie Bella Retirement Match

CJ Perry, the former WWE performer known as Lana, disclosed in a recent interview several pivotal moments from her wrestling career, including a scrapped plan for her to retire Brie Bella in a high-stakes match and her frustration over a misrepresented video game character, while reiterating her long-held ambition to serve as an onscreen general manager.

Perry, whose real name is CJ Perry, reflected on creative discussions leading up to WrestleMania 32 in 2016. During that event, she participated in a 10-woman tag team match as part of a storyline rivalry with Bella, a former WWE Divas Champion. Perry revealed that Bella herself originated the concept and advocated for an extension of their feud. Specifically, Bella proposed a singles match on the following night's episode of Raw, where Perry would defeat her, marking Bella's final in-ring appearance before stepping away from full-time competition.

"It was all Brie. I'm so thankful," Perry said. "She actually pitched for me to have a singles match the next night against her and to go over, and actually put her into retirement."

The idea aimed to position Perry, then an emerging heel character, as a formidable force by having her...