Former WWE Superstar CJ Perry, famously known as Lana, has opened up about a dramatic lifestyle change—she is now fully sober, stepping away from her previous hard-partying WWE days. In a heartfelt discussion on her new podcast Identity Crisis with fellow WWE alum Sonya Deville, Perry confirmed she has been sober for about five months, marking a pivotal turn in both her personal life and career outlook[1].
From WWE’s Party Scene to Sobriety: Lana’s Journey
During the podcast, CJ Perry candidly shared her decision to leave behind the often intense party atmosphere associated with WWE’s backstage culture—a culture she admits once defined much of her existence in wrestling. “I’m sober. Completely — like, for I guess five months now,” Perry disclosed, emphasizing a commitment to clarity and mental wellness[1]. Sonya Deville, a respected peer from WWE, responded with enthusiasm and support, indicating the significance of Perry’s decision within the wrestling community.
This revelation comes amid Perry’s broader career transformation since departing WWE in mid-2021. While Lana was once prominently featured in WWE storylines, especially alongside her real-life husband, Miro (formerly known as Rusev in WWE), she has since launched Identity Crisis, a podcast that dives deep into personal stories behind the wrestling personas, signaling a new focus on authenticity and self-reflection[2].
How Sobriety Has Impacted Perry’s Life and Career Moves
Sources close to Perry indicate that this lifestyle change has been deliberate and grounded not only in health but also in rebuilding her identity outside the wrestling spotlight. According to a WWE insider, “CJ’s sobriety has empowered her to connect more deeply with her fans and forge new creative paths, including her podcast and potential media projects beyond the ring.”
Perry’s sobriety is also intertwined with her personal life reconciliation with Miro. The couple, who renewed their wedding vows in 2025 after a brief separation, seem to be embracing stability and growth, both personally and professionally[3]. This newfound balance has apparently played a key role in Perry’s decision to adopt sobriety and pursue passions such as podcasting and potentially returning to wrestling under healthier circumstances.
Podcast ‘Identity Crisis’: A Platform for Real Talk
Since its launch in November 2023, Identity Crisis has quickly become an important outlet for Perry. The podcast format allows her to confront complex issues wrestling figures face beyond their ring personas. Launching the show with Miro as her first guest set a tone of honesty and real-life exploration[2].
The sobering conversation with Sonya Deville, a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion herself, not only broke stigma but also inspired fans and wrestlers alike to re-examine party culture and its toll. Perry has since used her platform to advocate for wellness, self-awareness, and transparency in wrestling’s demanding environment.
WWE Return Rumors and Future Prospects
Despite her sobriety and career shifts, Perry remains a topic of speculation regarding a potential WWE comeback. Recently, she teased a WWE return in 2025 via social media, stirring excitement among fans and industry insiders[5]. With WWE’s expansion into platforms like Netflix and evolving storytelling approaches, Perry’s mature outlook and sobriety could position her as a reinvigorated presence in the company.
An industry source remarked, “Lana’s decision to get sober and reshape her image makes her a strong candidate for WWE’s new era. The company values star power combined with life experience, and CJ’s narrative fits perfectly with that vision.”
The Broader Conversation on Wrestling’s After-Hours Culture
CJ Perry’s sobriety reflects a wider shift in professional wrestling. Backstage party culture, once considered a norm, has increasingly come under scrutiny due to its impact on wrestlers’ health and performance. Prominent wrestlers who have publicly addressed sobriety have helped reduce stigma and promote healthier lifestyles.
WWE’s wellness programs and AEW’s more open approaches to wrestler wellbeing show the industry is adapting. Perry’s openness about her journey amplifies this message and may encourage other wrestlers to prioritize mental and physical health.
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward
Fans tuning into Identity Crisis or following Perry’s social media encounter a more grounded and insightful CJ Perry than the Lana character many remember. Expect more candid conversations about sobriety, life after WWE, and the challenges wrestlers face behind the scenes. Perry’s evolution also suggests potential roles beyond wrestling, including media, advocacy, or mentoring younger talents.
With renewed personal commitments, a blossoming podcast, and whispered WWE comeback plans, CJ Perry signifies that life after the party lifestyle can lead to a richer, more balanced chapter. As one backstage source put it, “CJ Perry is rewriting her story on her own terms—free from the shadows of the past, sober, focused, and ready for what’s next.”
Covering today’s top WWE news and insider reports, this story reflects the latest in wrestling lifestyle changes and career reinvention.