CJ Perry Signs WWE Legends Deal, Open to Return

CJ Perry, known to wrestling fans as Lana, expressed surprise and joy upon signing a WWE Legends deal earlier this year, marking a new chapter for the former superstar even as she remains open to returning to the ring.

Perry, who performed in WWE from 2013 to 2021, revealed her emotional reaction during a recent appearance on TMZ Inside The Ring. "I was shocked when they called me," she said. "My agent called from Paradigm, and I cried. I just couldn't believe it. But now I'm having fun with it, so you're going to have to get used to it." She laughed off speculation about her future, adding, "On my way to the WWE Hall of Fame." The deal allows her to represent WWE in non-competitive capacities, though she has not yet appeared onscreen since her husband, Miroslav Barnyashev—better known as Rusev or Miro—returned to the promotion as an in-ring competitor in April.

Perry's signing comes amid a period of reflection on her career. She clarified misconceptions about her status, noting that a previous comment about retiring was not serious. "I think when I said I retired, I was being very sarcastic," she explained. "Well, because they let me go at 36, so I just claim that, apparently I...