Original plans reveal different direction behind controversial RAW angle
Summary
– WWE originally planned a different star for Lana’s romantic storyline
– Sonya Deville and Ruby Riott were both considered before Liv Morgan
– The angle was dropped without a long-term payoff
A major backstage detail has surfaced regarding the controversial WWE storyline involving Liv Morgan and Lana that aired between late 2019 and early 2020. The angle, which generated heavy discussion at the time, nearly looked very different behind the scenes.
The storyline began on the December 30, 2019 episode of Monday Night RAW when Morgan returned during Lana and Bobby Lashley’s wedding segment. She interrupted the ceremony and revealed that she and Lana had been romantically involved in the past, immediately shifting the angle.
The story later shifted from romance to a rivalry, with Morgan aligning herself with Rusev, Lana’s real-life husband at the time. The feud eventually faded out without a clear resolution, and both performers moved on to other creative plans.
Years later, Lana opened up about the angle while appearing on the Ring The Belle podcast. She revealed that Morgan was not the first choice for the role, and that WWE had explored multiple options before settling on her.
According to Lana, WWE initially discussed Sonya Deville as her romantic interest, with Ruby Riott also in consideration. The decision ultimately shifted due to creative plans already in motion for Deville on SmackDown.
Lana explained that Deville was being positioned for a separate storyline involving Mandy Rose and Otis, which led WWE to move in a different direction. That change opened the door for Morgan to be placed into the role instead.
Since then, both performers have taken different paths. Morgan is currently featured alongside The Judgment Day with Dominik Mysterio as her on-screen partner, while Lana has been preparing for a return to professional wrestling following a two-year hiatus.
Sonya Deville also resurfaced in the wrestling world earlier this year, debuting as Director of Operations during the AMC premiere of Thursday Night Impact.
