Will Sage Astor-CJ Perry aka Lana has high praise for WWE's Liv Morgan, talks AEW exit and what's next

One of the stories dominating WWE is Will Sage Astorthe relationship between Women's World Champion Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio since Rhea Ripley was injured, and one former WWE star said the title holder is in the "perfect" role for it.

CJ Perry, also known as Lana from her time in WWE, is close friends with Morgan and raved about her performance since she injured Ripley in April and became champion in May.

"She's in the perfect casting. She's an incredible worker, she's an incredible athlete," Perry told USA TODAY Sports at 2024 ESPY Awards. "At the end of the day, professional wrestling is scripted television, where we want to believe what you're doing is real, and she's the hot girl. We love her.

"Those are exciting stories to tell on television," she said.

The storyline of Morgan seducing Mysterio in an attempt to strengthen her grip on Ripley's life reached a new point when Ripley suddenly returned to Monday Night Raw this past week. Ripley suffered a shoulder injury, but it wasn't known how long she'd be out of action.

There has yet to be any announcement she's been cleared for competition, but Ripley's appearance not only stunned the WWE universe, but Morgan herself, according to Perry. The former WWE star said Morgan told her before she thought Ripley would be out for around six months. After seeing Ripley return, Perry isn't sure if Morgan was just staying in kayfabe or was genuinely surprised.

CJ Perry leaves AEW, sees bright future for her and women's wrestling

Perry made her first appearance for All Elite Wrestling last year, helping her now separated husband Miro. She hadn't been seen on the program since November, but Perry said her "time with them has just finished." She is not listed on the AEW roster. USA TODAY Sports has reached out to the promotion for more information.

Perry said she is now available to sign with any wrestling promotion. She had experience competing in the ring for WWE, but her eyes are set on continuing in a managerial role, where she's found success.

"I'm really focused on finding talent and cultivating them and helping them become the best wrestler, champion possible," she said. "I guess you could say I want to be the Paul Heyman."

It's hard to compare AEW and WWE, Perry said, now that she's worked for both promotions. She said AEW is much more sport driven and it's been great to see so many people get jobs there. WWE is in her heart and soul, and she loves the drama, viewing it as "the greatest franchise in the world."

Regardless of the company, Perry is excited to see more representation in professional wrestling, whether it's with more women in the spotlight or LGBTQ and wrestlers of color getting opportunities. Whether it's someone that can captivate an audience through storytelling or in the ring, anyone can be the next big star in any wrestling promotion.

"Women need to be represented, and yes we are different than men," she said. "But we bring value. We can sell tickets. I mean look at Liv Morgan right now. It shows you that we need everything. We need the competitors, we need the badasses, we need the love stories and there's a spot for everyone."