CJ Perry, best known to wrestling fans as Lana, is opening up about one of the most talked‑about angles of her WWE run — the brief on‑screen romance storyline involving Liv Morgan — and why it hit closer to home than many people realized.
Speaking on Ring the Bell, Perry explained that the angle was crafted during a period when Paul Heyman had significant creative influence on Raw and was actively pushing for more layered stories for the women’s division. She recalled that the plan was always designed to be a swerve, with the audience initially led to believe Liv Morgan was in love with Bobby Lashley before the reveal tied the story to Lana instead. She said the storyline wasn’t just something she performed — it was something she personally connected to.
“I really identified with that. Throughout my 20s and in college I really explored my own sexuality. So I really identified with that lived experience.”
Perry also revealed that Liv Morgan was not the only name considered for the angle. Creative had discussed multiple possibilities before settling on Liv, and Perry was open to any of them.
“They said it could be Daria, Ruby, or Liv. And I was like, all of that’s awesome. I of course thought Daria would be amazing to be with.”
Behind the scenes, there were logistical reasons for why the story ultimately went in the direction it did. Sonya Deville (Daria) was already tied to a different long‑term program on SmackDown, which shifted the decision.
“They originally were thinking to use Daria first… but then Vince started really liking the idea of the Otis, Mandy, and Daria story, so that’s why it came down to Liv and Ruby, and they selected Liv.”
Perry also acknowledged why Liv Morgan made sense from an audience connection standpoint.
“Liv has huge lesbian fandom, so this was like actually the perfect choice.”
When the storyline was quickly dropped, it sparked criticism online and confusion among fans. Perry didn’t back away from the authenticity of her comments about identity, making it clear that her personal experiences shouldn’t be erased just because of who she married. She added a direct message about identity erasure that she’s continued to stand by.
“Just because I married a man doesn’t mean I haven’t gone on my own exploration of sexuality.”
“No bi-erasure, guys. No bi-erasure.”
While the angle didn’t last, Perry’s comments offer a rare look at how closely her real life intersected with her television character during that period — and why the story meant more to her than it appeared on screen. Even years later, it’s clear this is one part of her WWE run she views with honesty and pride, regardless of how abruptly the company chose to move on from it.
What did you think of the Lana and Liv Morgan storyline when it happened? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
