More than a decadeWWE’s Rusev and former WWE star CJ Perry were one of the most popular power couples in wrestling. even enduring the final split of 2023. And now the couple is ready to accept a more valuable challenge. parenthood People Magazine: reports that Perry and Rusev are expecting their first child, due on April 28, 2027. The wonderful news comes after what they called a “wild and emotional” ride.
“We started IVF in 2025, and on August 10, 2026, we did our embryo transfer,” Perry said. “We were so nervous. We had to wait nine days for our first pregnancy test on August 19th, followed by another on August 21st to confirm the pregnancy. Those days seemed to us the longest in our lives. Many were giving up, letting go and trusting God in the uncertainty.”
Rusev joked that the couple were planning to move to Spain with the intention of enrolling their son in the youth academy of La Liga soccer powerhouse Real Madrid. He also revealed that the couple were planning to name their son Arj Petrov Barnyashev in homage to Rusev’s father.
“Ten years ago, I had a vision to name our son Bear, and we chose his middle name to honor my father,” Rusev said. “The bear will be his first grandson.”
The news comes as Rusev has been out of WWE since July after losing to Jevon Evans in a singles match. After that it was confirmed that The former AEW TNT Champion was suffering from a neck injury that left his hands numb in the match. After recovering, Rusev got sick. He hoped to be released by the end of September, although that did not happen.