CJ Perry isn’t done with WWE just yet, and the former Lana already knows exactly what she wants to do if the company brings her back. While her husband Rusev has returned to WWE, Perry remains absent from television, but she’s making it clear that she would love another opportunity. There’s just one catch: she isn’t interested in returning to compete for championships.
Speaking on Nick Club Wrestling Happy Hour, Perry was asked whether she could see herself returning to WWE or getting involved in professional wrestling again. She didn’t hesitate to express interest, but explained that any comeback would need to make sense creatively.
“I mean I would love to do something back in wrestling. I’d love to do something back in WWE if the story calls for it and it’s the right fit.”
Perry believes WWE already has plenty of women competing for championships. Instead of joining that crowded field, she thinks her greatest value would come from working as a manager or an on-screen character who can help develop storylines and get other talent over.
“I believe that my strong suit and where I can help move the needle in storytelling and and on the business side I think is definitely as a manager and as a character and you know, I don’t I don’t think they need any new women fighting for championships out there.”
She continued by explaining that WWE’s women’s division already has considerable talent, but she still believes there’s a place for someone with her experience on the microphone and in character-driven storytelling.
“I think they have a very very strong roster and a lot of options but I do believe I’m a very good storyteller. I believe I’m very strong on the mic, and I’m I I yeah, I and I would love to do something in the future.”
Perry also brought up Paul Heyman as an example of someone who has remained an important television personality for years without needing to compete inside the ring. She believes her own age shouldn’t prevent her from contributing in a similar role.
“You know, Paul Heyman’s been around for a long time, so I like to hope and believe that age wouldn’t stop me.”
However, Perry understands that simply wanting to return isn’t enough. She explained that WWE makes creative decisions based on several factors that performers aren’t always aware of, including business relationships, merchandise sales and other corporate considerations.
“Uh but, it’s all about story. It’s all about We don’t see all the back ends in WWE. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned over time is And when you guys asked earlier about stories, like if you pitch something or not, like we don’t know everything on the back end.”
This isn’t the first time Perry has expressed interest in returning. As Ringside News previously covered, she discussed her WWE absence in April 2026 and admitted that reuniting with Rusev on television would be a dream. She’s also signed a WWE Legends deal, although that hasn’t resulted in a regular on-screen role.
Perry finished by pointing out that rejected ideas can eventually become reality in WWE. She recalled how Rusev once pitched working with Kurt Angle before his return, only for the idea to be dismissed at the time. That experience is one reason she refuses to give up on getting another opportunity.
“And I think a big part of life is keeping dreams alive, you know? So I keep that dream alive, that’s for sure. I’ll be ready if they call me. I mean, that’s why I’m in acting class.”
For now, Perry remains outside WWE’s weekly television product, but she clearly isn’t ready to close that chapter. With Rusev already back in the company and Perry openly campaigning for a character-driven role, the possibility of seeing Lana return to WWE television is still very much on the table. Whether WWE actually has something planned for her is another story.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
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