In an exclusive revelation, WWE superstars CJ Perry and Miro Barnyashev have announced that they are expecting their first child together. The couple shared the joyous news with PEOPLE, expressing their immense excitement and gratitude as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.
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Perry, aged 41, is currently pregnant with a baby boy, due to arrive on 28 April 2027, after a challenging journey involving in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Barnyashev, who is 40, and Perry both reflected on the emotional rollercoaster they have endured throughout the IVF process, which commenced in 2025. Perry detailed the couple’s experience, stating that their embryo transfer took place on 10 August 2026, which was a nerve-wracking time for them.
“The waiting period felt like the longest days of our lives,” Perry recalled. “We had to wait for nine days for the first pregnancy test. Each moment was filled with significant uncertainty and required a great deal of trust in the process and in God.” The couple received confirmation of their pregnancy shortly after, marking a pivotal moment in their journey.
Sharing the joyful news with friends and family proved to be an emotional occasion for Perry and Barnyashev. “It was such a special moment for us,” Perry explained. “After everything we had been through, sharing this news felt surreal.” She also described her joy at hearing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, a moment that left her overwhelmed with gratitude.
During her early pregnancy, Perry experienced specific food cravings, notably for pickled vegetables and eggs. However, from the ninth week onwards, she began to face nausea and developed a range of food aversions. Lately, she has turned to kefir, kale, and fruit smoothies to manage her nutrition.
Reflecting on the IVF experience, both Perry and Barnyashev described it as extremely emotional. The process required patience and resilience, as they faced several hurdles along the way. “When you begin, there’s so much hope,” Perry shared. However, anxiety can set in as the number of viable embryos fluctuates through various stages of development.
They felt immense relief when their first embryo passed the genetic testing. “When they informed us that the first embryo was a boy, I knew I wanted to find out immediately,” Perry mentioned. “The uncertainty of IVF makes it crucial for us to gather as much information as possible.”
The couple has chosen a name for their son, which they plan to call Bear Petrov Barnyashev. Barnyashev shared that naming their son Bear was a vision he had held for a decade. The middle name, Petrov, is a tribute to his father, making this choice deeply personal and significant for the new parents.
As they look toward the future, both Perry and Barnyashev are brimming with enthusiasm about parenthood. Barnyashev playfully remarked about their son’s potential football aspirations, jokingly noting plans to move to Spain so he can attend the Real Madrid Football Academy.
Both parents expressed their deep gratitude for this opportunity. “Miro and I have always wanted to be parents, and now that this blessing has come, our hearts are filled with gratitude,” Perry stated. “After all the hurdles we faced to get here, we cannot wait to meet our little boy.”
As the couple prepares for their family’s expansion, their story serves as a testament to resilience and hope in the face of challenges. They look forward to welcoming their son into a life full of love and cherished moments.