WWE fans were thrilled to see the return of Rusev, a dominant force in the ring - on the latest episode of RAW after WrestleMania 41. But while his in-ring comeback made headlines, it also renewed interest in his personal life, especially his high-profile relationship with former WWE star Lana, real name CJ Perry.
So who exactly is Rusev’s wife? And what is the story behind their relationship? Here’s everything you need to know about the former United States Champion’s marriage, split, and recent update.
From on-screen pairing to real-life marriage
Rusev and Lana’s story began in WWE’s developmental territory NXT, where Lana was introduced as Rusev’s manager and social ambassador. Their chemistry quickly clicked, and the duo transitioned to WWE’s main roster during the 2014 Royal Rumble. Together, they portrayed a controversial “anti-American” heel couple, drawing significant attention and heat from fans.
But behind the storyline, their real-life romance was blossoming. Despite scripted breakups on-screen (involving love triangles with Dolph Ziggler, Summer Rae, and Bobby Lashley), the couple announced their engagement in 2015 and tied the knot in real life on July 29, 2016.
Over the years, their WWE storylines mirrored chaos in real life. After Rusev lost his momentum following a defeat to John Cena at WrestleMania 31, tensions reportedly grew behind the scenes. Lana’s storyline relationships and accusations, including a bizarre angle claiming Rusev was a “sex addict” - only added to the drama.
In 2020, Rusev was released from WWE as part of budget cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lana was let go in 2021. Rusev moved to AEW under the ring name “Miro,” while Lana took a break before joining AEW in 2023. However, by this point, their marriage had already hit a rough patch.
Separation and rumors of a rekindled bond
In March 2024, TMZ confirmed that Miro and CJ Perry had officially separated after seven years of marriage. Lana shared that the decision was mutual and rooted in them growing apart, not infidelity or abuse. The former couple promised to remain friends and even hinted at future onscreen collaboration.
However, in an unexpected twist, reports in March 2025 suggested the two had rekindled their relationship and renewed their vows in a private ceremony. While neither has officially confirmed the remarriage, fans have noted their increasing public appearances together - including at backstage segments during WrestleMania weekend.
With Rusev now back in WWE and Lana reportedly signing a Legends deal with the company, the power couple could once again become a staple of WWE programming. Whether it’s ringside antics or storyline partnerships, fans are excited to see what’s next for the Bulgarian Brute - and the woman who’s been by his side through it all.
So who exactly is Rusev’s wife? And what is the story behind their relationship? Here’s everything you need to know about the former United States Champion’s marriage, split, and recent update.
From on-screen pairing to real-life marriage
Rusev and Lana’s story began in WWE’s developmental territory NXT, where Lana was introduced as Rusev’s manager and social ambassador. Their chemistry quickly clicked, and the duo transitioned to WWE’s main roster during the 2014 Royal Rumble. Together, they portrayed a controversial “anti-American” heel couple, drawing significant attention and heat from fans.
But behind the storyline, their real-life romance was blossoming. Despite scripted breakups on-screen (involving love triangles with Dolph Ziggler, Summer Rae, and Bobby Lashley), the couple announced their engagement in 2015 and tied the knot in real life on July 29, 2016.
Over the years, their WWE storylines mirrored chaos in real life. After Rusev lost his momentum following a defeat to John Cena at WrestleMania 31, tensions reportedly grew behind the scenes. Lana’s storyline relationships and accusations, including a bizarre angle claiming Rusev was a “sex addict” - only added to the drama.
In 2020, Rusev was released from WWE as part of budget cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lana was let go in 2021. Rusev moved to AEW under the ring name “Miro,” while Lana took a break before joining AEW in 2023. However, by this point, their marriage had already hit a rough patch.
Separation and rumors of a rekindled bond
In March 2024, TMZ confirmed that Miro and CJ Perry had officially separated after seven years of marriage. Lana shared that the decision was mutual and rooted in them growing apart, not infidelity or abuse. The former couple promised to remain friends and even hinted at future onscreen collaboration.
However, in an unexpected twist, reports in March 2025 suggested the two had rekindled their relationship and renewed their vows in a private ceremony. While neither has officially confirmed the remarriage, fans have noted their increasing public appearances together - including at backstage segments during WrestleMania weekend.
With Rusev now back in WWE and Lana reportedly signing a Legends deal with the company, the power couple could once again become a staple of WWE programming. Whether it’s ringside antics or storyline partnerships, fans are excited to see what’s next for the Bulgarian Brute - and the woman who’s been by his side through it all.
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