CJ Perry Addresses WWE Return

CJ Perry — known to WWE fans as Lana — has addressed her continued absence from WWE television despite returning to the company under a Legends contract in 2025, and gave a characteristically layered answer that blended kayfabe with genuine personal reflection. Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Perry was asked about her absence and the possibility of appearing alongside her husband Rusev.

“Lana, right now, is exiled in Siberia. She let her country down and is doing work there. CJ — when the time is right, I will appear. Hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later, but in the meantime, I’m focusing on writing for Uncrowned. I love new journeys,” Perry said. While Rusev has been visible on WWE television for nearly a year and is competing in the Intercontinental Championship ladder match at WrestleMania 42, Perry has not appeared on-screen since returning to the company.

CJ Perry Describes Working With Rusev as a “Dream” and Calls Him One of the Most Creative People She Knows

Perry was warmly candid about her desire to eventually share screen time with her husband again. “That would be a dream, for sure. I love working with my husband. One of my favorite things to do is collaborate with and create with other creatives, and I think my husband is one of the most creative, smart, funny, athletic, iconic wrestlers and creative minds that I know.” In the meantime, she is keeping herself connected to storytelling through multiple avenues, noting that being able to write, do stand up, and participate in podcasting keeps her engaged with the entertainment world regardless of her current WWE television status.