In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, where characters shift alliances and storylines get wilder by the week, some fans are still asking one question that’s more real than scripted: Are Lana and Rusev still married?
CJ Perry, famously known as Lana in WWE, and Miroslav Barnyashev—originally known as Rusev and now back under the WWE spotlight—have been one of wrestling’s most intriguing couples.
While fans have witnessed romantic betrayals and alliances play out on-screen, the duo’s off-screen relationship has remained far more grounded and genuine.
The Real Love Story Behind the WWE Curtain
The love story of Lana and Rusev, whom WWE fans adore, didn’t begin under the bright lights but rather behind the scenes in WWE’s developmental system. In 2013, while training at NXT, CJ Perry and Miroslav Barnyashev found themselves constantly paired during rehearsals. Their chemistry was undeniable, and before long, what started as a manager-wrestler storyline turned into a real-life romance.
“We were training together every day and traveling all the time—it just became more than just work,” Lana shared on Talk is Jericho. Their storyline eventually translated into WWE TV, with Lana portraying the loyal valet to the powerful, no-nonsense Rusev. Fans gravitated toward their dynamic, sensing that something real might be simmering beneath the surface.
By July 2016, the speculation was put to rest as Lana and Rusev got married in Malibu, California. They followed it with a traditional Bulgarian ceremony in Rusev’s home country. CJ Perry later posted on Instagram: “Two weddings, two cultures, one love. The happiest time of our lives.” Despite the WWE incorporating their wedding into a storyline, the real celebrations were deeply personal.
So, Are Lana and Rusev Still Married in 2025?
Yes, Lana and Rusev are still married as of 2025. It was previously reported that after seven years of marriage, the couple started experiencing problems in their relationship in 2023, but they never called it quits. They also never officially filed for divorce.
They began reconnecting in June 2024 and rekindled their relationship. CJ Perry and Rusev renewed their wedding vows and reconciled in March 2025, according to TMZ.
In a recent Twitch stream, CJ Perry confirmed their status: “We’re still together, we’re still in love, and we’re each other’s biggest supporters.” She also hinted at potential future appearances in WWE, teasing, “Never say never in wrestling.”
Rusev and Lana Together Survived WWE’s Toughest Storylines
Their journey together hasn’t always been sunshine and roses. The wrestling industry is infamous for its unpredictable scripts, and in 2019, WWE ran a controversial angle where Lana turned on Rusev and aligned herself with Bobby Lashley. The storyline drew massive criticism from fans for being overly sensational and bordering on tasteless.
“It was a test for us,” Rusev mentioned in a candid interview on the AEW Unrestricted podcast in 2021. “But we always knew what was real and what was for the show.”
After being released from WWE in 2020, Rusev joined AEW as “The Redeemer,” while CJ Perry ventured into acting, business, and content creation.
However, they frequently supported each other publicly, whether it was Lana appearing ringside at AEW or Rusev promoting her TV appearances.
As Rusev finds himself back under WWE’s spotlight, there’s growing speculation that Lana may soon return too. And if there’s one thing fans know about this couple, it’s that no matter what happens in the ring, their real-life story remains one of the most compelling romances WWE has ever seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Rusev (Miroslav Barnyashev) and Lana (CJ Perry) are currently happily married as of April 2025.
