CJ Perry and Rusev are preparing for their biggest adventure yet: becoming parents.

The couple are expecting their first child, a baby boy due on April 28, 2027, and have already chosen his name: Bear Petrov Barnyashev.

Sharing the happy news with PEOPLE, Perry described a “wild and emotional journey” after beginning IVF treatment in 2025.

“We started IVF in 2025, and on August 10, 2026, we had our embryo transfer,” Perry said. “We were so nervous. We had to wait nine days for our first pregnancy test on August 19, followed by another on August 21 to confirm the pregnancy.”

“Those days felt like the longest of our lives! There was a lot of surrendering, letting go and trusting God through the uncertainty,” she added.

Perry, known to WWE fans as Lana, opened up about the uncertainty that came with each stage of treatment.

“You start with so much hope. As you wait to see how many embryos continue developing through day three and then day five, the numbers can get smaller,” Perry said. “Then comes the wait for the genetic testing results. Every stage feels like another hurdle.”

“Our first embryo to come back with normal genetic testing results was a boy, and he was the one we transferred,” she continued.

Hearing their son’s heartbeat brought a moment of pure happiness.

“The first time we heard his heartbeat, I couldn’t stop giggling. I was so full of gratitude and joy. We’ve been blessed with such a miracle,” Perry said.

For Rusev, their son’s name is something he has imagined for a decade, with a special family tribute included.

“Ten years ago, I had a vision of naming our son Bear, and we chose his middle name to honor my father,” Rusev said. “Bear will be his first grandson.”

The WWE star already has big football ambitions for his little boy.

“I’m excited for his future at Real Madrid! We have plans to move to Spain to enroll him in the Real Madrid Football Academy!” he added.

Perry said becoming parents is a dream they have both held close.

“We’re so excited and incredibly thankful. Miro and I have both always wanted to be parents, so being given this blessing fills our hearts with so much gratitude,” Perry said. “After everything it took to get here, we can’t wait to meet our little boy.”

The couple married in 2016. Rusev returned to WWE in April 2025 after competing in AEW as Miro, while Perry also worked for AEW following her WWE career. Her debut novel, Bulletproof Angel, is due out on November 10.

What message would you like to send CJ Perry and Rusev as they prepare to welcome baby Bear? Share your congratulations in the comments.

Tags: CJ Perry, Rusev, Lana, Miro, WWE, Pregnancy