Catherine Joy "CJ" Perry, widely known by her ring name Lana in WWE and now as CJ Perry in AEW, has navigated a public career that has often intertwined with her romantic life. While her on-screen personas have engaged in various dramatic romantic storylines, her real-life love story has predominantly centered around one significant relationship: her marriage to fellow professional wrestler, Miroslav Barnyashev, better known as Miro (formerly Rusev).
CJ Perry and Miro first crossed paths within the demanding world of professional wrestling, specifically during their time in WWE's developmental system, NXT. Their connection quickly blossomed beyond the confines of the ring, evolving into a private relationship before becoming a public spectacle. Their real-life romance mirrored, and at times influenced, their on-screen characters, creating a unique dynamic that captivated wrestling fans for years.
Their engagement became public knowledge in October 2015, a development that reportedly caused some internal friction within WWE, as it was revealed before planned on-screen storylines. Despite the initial behind-the-scenes challenges, the couple moved forward with their plans. CJ Perry and Miro officially tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony on July 29, 2016. Their wedding was a highly anticipated event, reflecting the popularity of their on-screen partnership and real-life chemistry.
Throughout their tenure in WWE, their relationship was often a focal point of storylines, blurring the lines between reality and entertainment. In 2015, a notable storyline saw CJ Perry briefly align with Dolph Ziggler, leading to a temporary on-screen split from Miro. This was purely a fictional narrative designed to create drama and was not indicative of any real-life separation. Similarly, in 2019, Perry was involved in a controversial storyline where she had an on-screen affair with Bobby Lashley, culminating in a televised wedding segment. This storyline, while generating significant buzz, was also entirely fictional and did not reflect any actual romantic involvement between Perry and Lashley.
After their respective departures from WWE, both CJ Perry and Miro eventually found their way to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Miro joined AEW in September 2020, and Perry made her debut in September 2023, initially in an adversarial role towards her husband. Despite their on-screen tension, their real-life bond remained. However, in late 2023 and early 2024, reports began to surface about a real-life separation between the couple. In March 2024, CJ Perry confirmed the difficult decision to separate to TMZ, stating, > "Miro and I have made the difficult decision to separate after many wonderful years together, and have decided to move on as friends, and hopefully onscreen characters somewhere down the road."
The separation was described as amicable, with both parties expressing a desire to remain friends and potentially continue working together professionally. This period saw Miro return to his home country of Bulgaria, while CJ Perry continued her endeavors, including addressing public speculation. During this time, rumors briefly circulated in late 2024 about CJ Perry possibly dating WWE star Damian Priest after they were seen together in photos and videos. However, Perry swiftly debunked these rumors, clarifying in November 2024 that she and Priest were simply friends and that such speculation often arises when she is seen with male friends.
Despite their confirmed separation in early 2024, the love story of CJ Perry and Miro took another turn. According to reports in March 2025, the couple began to rekindle their relationship in June 2024 after Miro returned to the United States. Their reconciliation progressed steadily, with Perry even visiting Miro in Bulgaria for the Christmas holiday. This renewed connection culminated in the couple renewing their wedding vows in a small ceremony at a church in Los Angeles in March 2025. The couple is now reportedly living together, signifying a full reconciliation and a new chapter in their enduring romantic journey.
Through the highs and lows, the on-screen drama and real-life challenges, CJ Perry's romantic history is largely defined by her deep and evolving relationship with Miro. Their story is a testament to a bond that has weathered public scrutiny, professional pressures, and personal changes, ultimately finding its way back to a confirmed and committed partnership.