Lana Says She’ll Surprise People on Total Divas, Talks Breaking Character For the Show

– Lana spoke with Channel Guide Magazine for a new interview promoting Total Divas. Some highlights are below:

On being interviewed to appear on Total Divas back in season two: “A month later I debuted with Rusev at Royal Rumble, and it would have been way too soon for me to come out as the Russian American that I am. We had a great first year doing a lot of Russian patriotic, Vladimir Putin stuff on Raw. I think seeing my American family on Total Divas might have hurt the gimmick or confused the fans a bit. Then season four again they talked about it. I’ve always wanted to be on the show. I think it’s a great show. I think Total Divas has brought the women more mainstream and so many opportunities. However, I’ve always thought if I’m supposed to be on the show I’ll be on the show. It’s all about timing.”

On the idea of breaking character on the show: “You are going to see me for me. And the truth is we all want to be liked as human beings. It’s human nature. We all want to be loved and accepted. Here I’m going to be vulnerable and let you into my life to see who I am. I have always protected my character, and Rusev has always protected his character. That said, I have always wanted to do interviews as myself like this because it’s who I am. Lana is 100 percent an extension of me, but just one side of me. I feel that’s what I get really excited about because on Total Divas you are going to see other sides of me. I feel it will also show I created this character. I grew up in Russia. I lived there for 13 years. I had crazy teachers who would yell at me and throw their bags at me at a Russian ballet school. That’s where I created this whole thing where I yell at Rusev when he isn’t doing well because that’s how they are.”

On what to expect from her on the show: “I think I will surprise people. I think I’m a lot quirkier than what people envision. I’m a little eccentric. You are going to see another side of me, so I really hope everyone tunes in and watches. I look forward to taking viewers on this ride. Anything can happen.”