WWE superstar CJ Perry, widely recognized by her ring name Lana, found herself at the center of a social media storm after attending Thursday night's World Cup clash between the United States and Türkiye at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The former manager of Rusev opted for a patriotic yet polarizing ensemble—a bikini top emblazoned with the American flag—that left many fans questioning her fashion choices.
The United States men's national team had already secured Group D thanks to victories over Paraguay and Australia, prompting head coach Mauricio Pochettino to rest several star players. Despite a strong effort, the USMNT fell 3-2 after a late goal from Kaan Ayhan sealed the win for Türkiye. But the on-field action took a backseat to Perry's eye-catching attire.
Perry shared several selfies on her Instagram Story Friday morning, proudly sporting the swimsuit. The posts quickly went viral, drawing a mix of shock and criticism from the online community. One fan wrote, “Why go to a game dressed like that,” while another commented, “She must really need the attention.” The backlash echoes similar controversies in sports fashion, such as when a World Cup reporter was told to ditch an 'inappropriate' wardrobe.
Perry has been a fixture in WWE since June 2013, best known for managing Rusev—now known as Miro in AEW—during his dominant run. According to her WWE bio, “Following Rusev’s impressive debut in the 2014 Royal Rumble Match, Lana put The Bulgarian Brute on full display. Helping deliver their message of superiority to the WWE Universe, Lana also pledged her heart along with her service, accepting Rusev’s marriage proposal in 2015.” She has also competed in the ring on SmackDown LIVE and helped guide Rusev to three United States Championships.
This isn't the first time a sports figure's outfit has sparked debate. Recently, World Cup host Kennedy Smith turned heads in a stunning green dress, and a former Mexico City mayor fired back at critics over his own World Cup outfit. However, Perry's choice seems to have struck a particular nerve, with many arguing that a family-friendly soccer match isn't the place for swimwear.
The USMNT's defeat aside, Perry's appearance ensured she remained a talking point long after the final whistle. It's a safe bet that this won't be the last time the WWE star makes headlines—whether for better or worse remains to be seen.
