CJ Perry, formerly known to WWE fans as Lana, is set to reenter the wrestling-related media scene with her new podcast titled “Identity Crisis,” officially launching on November 3, 2025. Marking the beginning of this fresh venture, Perry has announced that her first guest will be none other than her husband and active WWE Superstar, Rusev, who currently competes on WWE’s main roster.
CJ Perry’s Transition from Wrestling to Media
CJ Perry’s career has spanned several prominent wrestling promotions, including WWE and AEW, before she transitioned into acting and producing. Known as Lana in WWE, she signed a legends deal with WWE earlier in 2025 but has yet to appear on WWE programming since then. Perry has balanced her wrestling roots with a growing interest in film, acting in the 2025 films Guns Up and The Stranger in My Home. She is also co-writing a new novel titled Bulletproof Angel slated for a book-to-film adaptation, showcasing her versatile career trajectory beyond the ring.
The launch of Identity Crisis marks another significant evolution in Perry’s career as she moves into podcasting alongside co-host Jonathan Saba, a seasoned film producer and executive with credits at Saban Films and other entertainment companies. The podcast branding playfully refers to Perry and Saba as “two professional fakers who’ve made a living playing the part,” highlighting their shared history in storytelling and performance[1][2].
What to Expect from “Identity Crisis”
The Identity Crisis podcast promises to deliver candid conversations blending Perry’s firsthand wrestling experience with broader entertainment industry insights. With former wrestlers and current industry insiders featured as guests, the show aims to explore identity within and beyond wrestling personas.
Launching the show with Rusev as the inaugural guest adds immediate wrestling credibility. Rusev is poised to compete for the WWE Intercontinental Championship soon, making his appearance perfectly timed to intersect with WWE storylines and engage wrestling fans who follow both in-ring action and personal narratives[1][5].
Insider Perspective on Podcast Ambitions
According to a WWE insider familiar with the project, “CJ’s podcast is more than just a wrestling show—it’s a deep dive into the complex lives wrestlers lead, both on the road and off camera. Having Rusev join for the first episode sets a powerful tone that this will be authentic and revealing.” The insider further noted the show could become a key platform for current and former talent to share stories and reshape wrestling narratives away from traditional scripted content.
The Significance of Rusev’s Role on “Identity Crisis”
Rusev, who recently returned to WWE TV and signed a new deal alongside Perry in April 2025, is coming off a high-profile storyline that involved challenging for the Intercontinental title at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. His participation on Identity Crisis lets fans glimpse his personality outside the ring, adding a personal dimension to his wrestling character.
His appearance on the podcast may also offer previews or behind-the-scenes commentary on upcoming WWE storylines, bridging the gap between televised wrestling and digital media platforms. WWE’s increasing embrace of podcasts and social media content underscores how stars like Rusev and Perry are expanding their relevance beyond televised matches[1][6].
Co-host Jonathan Saba: A Key Component
CJ Perry’s co-host Jonathan Saba brings a significant entertainment industry background to Identity Crisis. As co-president and executive producer at Saban Films with experience at Anchor Bay Film and Image Entertainment, Saba’s involvement reflects the podcast’s ambition to combine wrestling with broader cultural storytelling.
Their dynamic has been teased as two “professional fakers” who know the power of persona, creating a unique space that straddles sports entertainment and cinematic storytelling. This duality is expected to appeal to wrestling fans craving new content, as well as pop culture audiences interested in creative narratives behind the scenes[2].
Wrestling Community Reaction and Anticipation
The wrestling community has reacted positively to Perry’s announcement, with fans and insiders eager to hear the blend of wrestling insights and entertainment industry anecdotes. Social media buzz highlights enthusiasm especially for the first episode featuring Rusev, as the couple’s chemistry and inside knowledge are expected to yield engaging conversations.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes and other WWE talents have expressed curiosity about whether the podcast will include surprise guests and address current wrestling angles. This interest signals the potential for Identity Crisis to become an influential voice in wrestling media.
Timing and Availability
Identity Crisis will debut on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, starting November 3, 2025. With Perry’s growing presence as a podcast host and creative producer, the show is poised to become a go-to for wrestling fans and entertainment enthusiasts alike.
This new podcast demonstrates CJ Perry’s continued evolution from in-ring performer to multifaceted content creator. Her collaboration with Rusev and Jonathan Saba promises a compelling fusion of wrestling culture, personal stories, and entertainment industry insights — a fresh voice that fans should watch closely.
As a wrestling insider put it, “CJ’s podcast is exactly what the industry needs: authentic voices expanding beyond the squared circle to tell stories that resonate with fans on a deeper level.” The wrestling world will be watching how Identity Crisis shapes wrestling media in the months ahead.