WWE - Rusev & CJ Perry fka Lana expecting their first child after emotional IVF journey
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
It’s a boy!
Rusev’s potential return to WWE television has become a talking point among wrestling fans, with reports suggesting that the company has discussed plans for his comeback after a lengthy absence. The former United States Champion has reportedly been training for his return and recently competed at live events in Hawaii after recovering from an injury.
However, the latest news surrounding the Bulgarian Brute is about a much more personal milestone. Former US Champion and his wife, former wrestler Lana, now known as CJ Perry, have announced that they are expecting their first child together after an emotional in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) journey.
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Rusev and Lana announce pregnancy after emotional IVF journey.
Rusev and CJ Perry shared the news through an exclusive interview with People published on October 27. The couple is expecting a baby boy, with Perry’s due date set for April 28, 2027. They have also chosen a name for their son: Bear Petrov Barnyashev. The middle name honours Perry’s father, while The Bashing Bulgarian revealed that he had envisioned the name Bear around a decade ago. CJ Perry also shared the video on Instagram.
Their journey to parenthood began with IVF treatment in 2025. The embryo transfer took place on August 10, 2026, followed by pregnancy tests on August 19 and August 21 to confirm the result. Perry described the waiting period as emotionally challenging, with uncertainty surrounding embryo development and genetic testing.
The couple said hearing their baby’s heartbeat for the first time was an especially moving moment. Perry expressed gratitude after the difficult process, while both stars said they were excited to become parents. The announcement marks a major personal milestone for the pair, who had openly discussed their hopes of starting a family.
Rusev and Lana’s relationship history
The duo first made a name for themselves through their screen partnership. While Lana was Perry’s in-ring persona, she started as Rusev’s on-screen manager until their relationship became known to the general public. In 2016, the couple tied the knot on July 29.
Their relationship went through rough patches, leading to their separation in 2023, without them getting divorced. Rusev and Perry eventually made amends, renewing their vows in private in Los Angeles early in 2025. Now, announcing that they are expecting a baby will mark yet another milestone in their relationship.
Also, Perry disclosed that they were going through fertility treatments during one of their appearances on the Daria & Toni Unwrapped podcast in November 2025. Talking about their experience will give the fans a glimpse of the emotional toll they went through before finally getting their good news.
Rusev’s WWE return remains a separate talking point
Alongside the pregnancy announcement, Rusev’s professional future is attracting attention. Internal discussions about his return have been ongoing since September. He had been absent from televised action since his July 27 match against Je’Von Evans, during which he reportedly experienced numbness in his arms.
The Bashing Bulgarian returned to in-ring action at WWE live events in Hawaii on October 16 and 17, although those appearances did not establish a date for his television comeback. His return remains a separate development from the couple’s family news, but both updates have brought renewed attention to the former United States Champion.
Are Rusev and Lana expecting their first child?
Yes. Rusev and his wife, CJ Perry, formerly known as Lana in WWE, are expecting their first child, a baby boy named Bear Petrov Barnyashev.
When is Rusev and Lana’s baby due?
Their son is expected on April 28, 2027. The couple reached this milestone after beginning IVF treatment in 2025 and completing an embryo transfer in August 2026.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.