WWE releases superstars every year, and many of them choose to address their departures when they feel comfortable sharing their experiences with the audience. Recently, CJ Perry, better known as Lana, opened up about her 2021 release, revealing new details about her time with the Stamford-based promotion.
### Lana’s Final Years in WWE
In her last years with WWE, Lana focused primarily on her in-ring career following her split from Bobby Lashley. During this period, she engaged in a notable feud with Nia Jax on the red brand. What started as a singles rivalry eventually evolved into a tag team run, with Lana partnering with Naomi before her release in June 2021.
### Insights from CJ Perry on Her WWE Release
In a recent appearance on the podcast *Daria & Toni Unwrapped*, CJ Perry discussed her release from WWE, shedding light on some previously undisclosed details. The WWE veteran revealed that she actually had three years left on her contract at the time of her departure.
“No. I actually had three more years on my contract. So, I got released. I was on a five-year contract. I covered two, which was such a great blessing because I was on a higher-paying tier, which was so awesome. But it got cut short,” Perry explained.
She also shared that the release came unexpectedly, especially after she had received permission from WWE to participate in a reality TV show, *The Surreal Life*.
“Actually, *Surreal Life* came to WWE and asked if we could have [Lana], and Vince [McMahon] approved it, and Johnny Ace did too, and two days after they approved it, they let me go,” Perry said.
Despite the sudden nature of her release, Perry expressed no hard feelings towards WWE’s decision and is currently signed to a legends deal with the company.
### Lana’s WWE Career and Championship Runs
Lana first gained attention in WWE as the on-screen manager of Rusev, working in storylines alongside her then-fiancé. Over time, she gradually transitioned into a full-time in-ring performer. Between 2016 and 2017, she competed mainly on the house show circuit before adopting new gimmicks and making appearances on WWE SmackDown.
Throughout her tenure, Lana was featured in several championship matches and prominent storylines on the main roster. During her final run, she shifted focus to the tag team division with partner Naomi. Unfortunately, she never captured a championship title before her release in June 2021.
—
*If you use quotes from this article, please credit* Daria & Toni Unwrapped *and provide an H/T to* Sportskeeda Wrestling *for the transcription.*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-wwe-released-female-star-two-days-landed-new-role