Behind the Glamour: CJ Perry (Lana) Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles Post-WWE Release
The wrestling world was abuzz when CJ Perry, known to fans as Lana 'The Ravishing Russian,' announced her WWE Legends deal, coinciding with her husband Rusev's return to the company. But beneath the glitz and fanfare lies a deeply personal story of struggle and resilience. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Perry revealed the profound impact her 2021 WWE release had on her mental health, shedding light on a side of the industry rarely discussed.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Perry's on-screen partnership with Rusev (2014-2020) catapulted them to WWE stardom—highlighted by Rusev's undefeated streak and their iconic WrestleMania 31 entrance on a tank—their momentum waned by 2019. A poorly received storyline involving Perry's character cheating on Rusev with Bobby Lashley further complicated matters. Rusev's eventual release in 2020 and Perry's own departure in 2021, cited as 'budget cuts,' marked a turning point in her life.
And this is the part most people miss... Perry candidly shared how her release, coupled with her ADHD and anxiety, triggered a manic and deeply challenging period. 'WWE was my dream, my life,' she explained. 'Being around my friends, performing in new cities—it was constant stimulation. When that stopped, I turned to all the wrong things, even relying on Miro [Rusev] too much for happiness.' It wasn't until hearing Kendall Jenner discuss anxiety on Jay Shetty’s podcast that Perry recognized her own struggles, realizing how her mental health had affected her relationships and marriage.
Perry's journey took another turn in 2023 when she battled a severe MRSA infection, which she attributed to stress and anxiety. 'Stress can kill us,' she warned, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental and emotional health. Her vulnerability in sharing these experiences has sparked both criticism and support, particularly regarding her WWE Legends deal. 'People were mad, calling it a stretch,' she noted, acknowledging the debate over her 'legend' status while defending WWE's contract terminology.
With her new deal, fans speculate a potential in-ring return, especially with Rusev back on WWE TV. But Perry's story goes beyond wrestling—it's a powerful reminder of the human behind the character. Is the wrestling industry doing enough to support its stars' mental health? Let’s discuss in the comments—agree or disagree, this conversation matters.
