WWE News: Lana divulges details on how she seamlessly drops her Russian accent
What's the story?
WWE SmackDown Live's Lana has played a Russian gimmick since debuting on the main roster in 2013, on SmackDown, as the manager of her real-life husband, Rusev. She recently spoke about how she effortlessly switches from the Russian accent to her natural, American accent, on Total Divas, in an interview with Baby Huey & Bimbo Jimbo.
She likened herself and the gimmick that she portrays to how actors like Nicole Kidman or Leonardo DiCaprio act on the big screen.
Also Read: WWE News: Lana comments on facing backstage heat
In case you didn't know...
Before her pro wrestling and WWE career, CJ Perry, who goes by the ring name Lana, was a model and backup dancer. She was signed to the WWE in 2013 and made her NXT debut the very same year, before joining the main roster on SmackDown Live.
Lana began her WWE career as a manager to Rusev, before competing in tag team matches as a wrestler, and then as a singles Superstar earlier last year.
The heart of the matter
In the interview, Lana said that as soon as she walks through the curtains, she transforms into a Russian villain and is at her 'Ravishing' best:
"When I walk through that curtain on SmackDown Live I am a Russian villain, at least at this point in time. To me, just like when you watch a movie or you watch a TV show you know Nicole Kidman or Leonardo DiCaprio you know that they are actors, but also great actors find that extension of themselves.
"So, when I walk through that curtain I find the extension of myself of being the Ravishing Russian in there," said The Ravishing Russian.
Lana said that WWE Superstars are actors and entertainers, but more importantly, storytellers and the storytelling aspect is exciting to her.
Here's Lana (minus the Russian accent) and Rusev on Total Divas
What's next?
Lana is currently not a prominent player on SmackDown Live Television, but you can catch her on WWE's reality show, Total Divas, on the WWE Network.
"The Ravishing Russian" will also team with real-life husband, Rusev, in the Mixed Match Challenge, and will face off against RAW's Elias and Bayley. The Mixed Match Challenge will air on Facebook Watch after SmackDown Live, every Tuesday night.
Author's take
Lana may not be the best wrestler in the WWE, but she does make a fine manager! It's interesting to hear the WWE Superstars' thought process when embracing a gimmick.
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