Bobby Lashley has built a reputation in professional wrestling as one of the most dominant powerhouses of his era. From his early years in WWE to his successful MMA career and his current run in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Lashley has proven himself to be a versatile and resilient performer. But in a recent reflection, “The All Mighty” opened up about one of the most controversial storylines of his WWE career—the love triangle angle involving Rusev (Miro) and Lana (CJ Perry)—and gave credit to Perry for helping him feel comfortable in the role.
The storyline, which unfolded in late 2019, saw Lashley romantically linked with Lana, Rusev’s real-life wife. The angle sparked plenty of attention both on-screen and online, with fans split between finding it entertaining and criticizing it as awkward or over-the-top. For Lashley, who had never been involved in such a personal and provocative angle before, stepping into that storyline required a level of trust and professionalism. That trust, he says, came largely from CJ Perry.
“CJ was amazing throughout the whole thing,” Lashley admitted in an interview. “It wasn’t easy for me at first because I’m not naturally comfortable with being part of those types of storylines. But she really went out of her way to make sure I felt at ease. She was confident, she carried herself like a pro, and she helped guide me through it.”
The storyline led to memorable moments, including multiple in-ring confrontations between Lashley and Rusev, wild wedding segments, and even backstage brawls that kept fans talking. While the angle may not have been universally praised, it undeniably kept Lashley in the spotlight and gave him a chance to show a different side of his character. For many, it was a turning point that showcased his ability to adapt and connect with storylines outside of pure athletic competition.
Lashley acknowledged that while the love triangle was not something he initially envisioned for himself, it gave him valuable experience in storytelling and performance. “At the end of the day, wrestling is about telling stories,” he said. “Sometimes those stories are about championships and sometimes they’re about drama. Having someone like CJ as a partner in that angle made it work. She had incredible timing, she understood the character, and she helped me understand mine.”
Interestingly, all three figures in the storyline have since moved on to new chapters in their careers. Lashley is now an AEW star, continuing to establish himself as a top competitor. CJ Perry (Lana) has been making waves outside WWE, embracing new projects while continuing her connection to professional wrestling. Rusev, now known as Miro in AEW, has also carved out his own success, reuniting with Perry at times on-screen.
Looking back, Lashley sees the angle as a challenging but rewarding part of his journey. “I learned a lot during that time,” he said. “It might not have been everyone’s favorite storyline, but it gave me another layer as a performer. And for that, I’ll always give CJ credit for being such a great partner.”
For Lashley, the experience underscored the importance of teamwork, trust, and professionalism in wrestling—qualities that continue to define his career today.
