40 Facts About AJ Lee

Early Life and Background

AJ Lee, born April Jeanette Mendez, has a fascinating background that shaped her into the wrestling icon she is today.

1. AJ Lee was born on March 19, 1987, in Union City, New Jersey. Growing up in a low-income family, she faced many challenges but found solace in wrestling.

2. Her real name is April Jeanette Mendez. The initials "AJ" in her ring name stand for her first and middle names.

3. She was inspired to become a wrestler by her brother. Watching wrestling with him sparked her interest in the sport.

4. AJ Lee attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She studied film and television production before dropping out due to financial issues.

5. She worked multiple jobs to support her wrestling training. These included being a janitor and a cashier.

Wrestling Career Beginnings

AJ Lee's journey into professional wrestling began with humble roots in the independent circuit.

6. She started her wrestling career in 2007. AJ trained at a wrestling school in New Jersey and began wrestling for independent promotions.

7. AJ Lee signed with WWE in 2009. She joined their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW).

8. Her first ring name was Miss April. This was used during her time in the independent circuit.

9. She won the Queen of FCW title in 2010. This was her first major championship in WWE's developmental system.

10. AJ Lee made her main roster debut in 2011. She appeared on the third season of NXT, a reality-based competition show.

Rise to Stardom

AJ Lee quickly rose to prominence in WWE, becoming one of the most popular female wrestlers of her time.

11. She became the General Manager of Raw in 2012. This storyline role showcased her acting skills and charisma.

12. AJ Lee won her first WWE Divas Championship in 2013. She defeated Kaitlyn at the Payback pay-per-view event.

13. She held the Divas Championship for a record 295 days. This was the longest reign in the title's history at the time.

14. AJ Lee was known for her "crazy" character. Her unpredictable behavior made her a fan favorite.

15. She had memorable feuds with top WWE stars. These included rivalries with Paige, Nikki Bella, and Stephanie McMahon.

Personal Life

Outside the ring, AJ Lee's personal life has also been a topic of interest for fans.

16. AJ Lee married fellow wrestler CM Punk in 2014. The couple has been very private about their relationship.

17. She is an advocate for mental health awareness. AJ has spoken openly about her struggles with bipolar disorder.

18. AJ Lee is an animal lover. She has several pets and often shares photos of them on social media.

19. She is a published author. Her memoir, "Crazy Is My Superpower," was released in 2017 and became a bestseller.

20. AJ Lee is involved in various charitable activities. She supports organizations that focus on mental health and animal welfare.

Legacy and Impact

AJ Lee's influence on women's wrestling and her legacy in WWE are undeniable.

21. She is considered a pioneer of the WWE Women's Revolution. Her success helped pave the way for future female wrestlers.

22. AJ Lee was ranked No. 2 in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Female 50 in 2012. This list ranks the top female wrestlers in the world.

23. She was named Diva of the Year by WWE in 2012 and 2014. These awards were voted on by fans.

24. AJ Lee's "Pipebombshell" promo is legendary. In this promo, she criticized the WWE Divas division, calling for better opportunities for women.

25. She has inspired many young female wrestlers. AJ's success story has motivated others to pursue their dreams in wrestling.

Post-Wrestling Career

After retiring from wrestling, AJ Lee has continued to make an impact in various fields.

26. AJ Lee retired from in-ring competition in 2015. She cited injuries and a desire to pursue other interests as reasons for her retirement.

27. She has pursued a career in writing. Her memoir received critical acclaim and she has expressed interest in writing more books.

28. AJ Lee has appeared in various media projects. These include television shows, podcasts, and conventions.

29. She is a strong advocate for women's rights. AJ often speaks out on issues related to gender equality and empowerment.

30. AJ Lee has a significant social media presence. She uses her platforms to connect with fans and promote causes she cares about.

Fun Facts

Here are some interesting tidbits about AJ Lee that fans might not know.

31. AJ Lee is a huge comic book fan. She has a particular love for Spider-Man and even incorporated comic book elements into her wrestling gear.

32. She has a tattoo of the date she won her first Divas Championship. The tattoo is on the back of her neck and reads "6-16-13."

33. AJ Lee's favorite wrestler growing up was Lita. She has cited Lita as one of her biggest inspirations.

34. She is a self-proclaimed video game nerd. AJ enjoys playing games in her free time and has even participated in gaming tournaments.

35. AJ Lee has a black belt in karate. This martial arts background helped her in her wrestling career.

Memorable Matches

AJ Lee has had many unforgettable matches throughout her career.

36. Her match against Kaitlyn at Payback 2013 is highly regarded. This match is often cited as one of the best Divas matches of that era.

37. AJ Lee vs. Paige at SummerSlam 2014 was a classic. Their chemistry and storytelling made this match a standout.

38. She participated in the first-ever women's Royal Rumble match in 2018. AJ made a surprise appearance, delighting fans.

39. AJ Lee's match against Nikki Bella at Survivor Series 2014 was significant. This match marked the end of her record-breaking Divas Championship reign.

40. Her final match was a tag team match on Raw in 2015. AJ teamed with Paige and Naomi to defeat the Bella Twins and Natalya.

AJ Lee's Lasting Impact

AJ Lee's career in WWE left a mark on wrestling fans. Her unique style, charisma, and in-ring skills made her a standout performer. She broke barriers for women in wrestling, proving they could be just as entertaining and skilled as their male counterparts. AJ's dedication to mental health advocacy after her wrestling career shows her commitment to making a difference beyond the ring. Her memoir, "Crazy Is My Superpower," inspired many by sharing her personal struggles and triumphs. AJ Lee's legacy continues to influence new generations of wrestlers and fans alike. Her story reminds us that passion, resilience, and authenticity can lead to lasting impact. Whether you followed her wrestling career or admire her advocacy work, AJ Lee remains a figure worth celebrating.