• Former WWE Star Is Coming Out Of Retirement
The “Ravishing Russian” is officially coming out of retirement. During an appearance on TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast, CJ Perry aka Lana confirmed that she is re-entering the world of professional wrestling, with a specific focus on the independent circuit. The announcement marks a major shift for the star who had recently suggested she was stepping away from the ring for good.
Perry told TMZ that while she isn’t looking for a full-time in-ring role, she is “hitting the indy scene” to find the next generation of superstars. Drawing inspiration from Paul Heyman, whom she called her “spirit animal,” Perry plans to lean heavily into her strengths as a manager and promo artist. To prepare for this new chapter, she revealed she is enrolling in stand-up comedy classes to ensure her microphone work is sharper and more “iconic” than ever before.
While she aims to be a powerhouse manager, Perry warned that she won’t shy away from physicality if needed. “If someone has an issue with me… you better believe I’m gonna be ready,” she noted during the interview.
This move follows her signing of a WWE Legends deal in 2025, which keeps her connected to the company while allowing her the freedom to explore these independent opportunities.
• Backstage News On Drew McIntyre Becoming The WWE Champion
In the main event of SmackDown in Berlin, Germany, Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes 2-1 in their 3 Stages of Hell match to win the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The first stage was a normal wrestling match. Drew low-blowed Cody behind the referee’s back and picked up the win. The second stage was a Falls Count Anywhere match, where Cody hit Drew with a Cross Rhodes on top of the announce table to pick up the win.
During the third stage, which was a steel cage match, Jacob Fatu returned and stopped Drew from escaping the cage. Jacob entered the ring to attack Drew. Cody tried to stop Jacob, but Jacob attacked Cody as well. While Cody and Jacob were brawling, Drew escaped the cage to win.
Drew McIntyre wins the WWE Championshippic.twitter.com/6Yg0IbjjIK
— WrestleFeed (@WrestleFeedApp) January 9, 2026
According to Bodyslam, Cody and Drew went to WWE management before the match and pitched this finish, as they believed a title change was needed in such a high profile bout.
Drew’s first televised title defense will be at the Royal Rumble. General Manager Nick Aldis announced the following 4 qualifying matches for next week’s SmackDown in London:
– Randy Orton vs. The Miz
– Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams
– Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa
– Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov
The winners of these matches will compete in a Fatal 4-Way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Winner of that match will face Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2026 in Saudi Arabia on January 31.
