AJ Lee, born April Jeanette Mendez, captivated wrestling audiences during her original WWE run from 2009 to 2015, then vanished from the ring for a decade. In September 2025, she made a stunning return, stepping back into the spotlight alongside her husband, CM Punk. Her comeback reignited interest not only in her in-ring career but also in her life after wrestling—her bestselling memoir, her mental health advocacy, and the personal journey that shaped her.
The 38‑year‑old from Union City, New Jersey, built a legacy as a three‑time Divas Champion, held the longest reign in that title’s history, and later became an author and advocate. Today, she is once again an active WWE performer, picking up where she left off more than a decade ago.
Is AJ Lee Back in WWE in 2025?
April Jeanette Mendez
Active in WWE (as of Sep 2025)
3× WWE Divas Champion
CM Punk (Phil Brooks)
Key Insights
- AJ Lee’s return to WWE in September 2025 marked her first in‑ring appearance in about a decade, following a surprise appearance on SmackDown.
- She immediately aligned with CM Punk, entering his feud with Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins.
- After returning, she competed in a mixed tag match at Wrestlepalooza, later appeared in WarGames, and went on to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Elimination Chamber on February 28, 2026.
- She lost the title to Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 42 on April 18, 2026.
- Her memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower, became a New York Times bestseller, establishing her as a credible voice on mental health.
- AJ Lee publicly discussed the challenge of managing anxiety when stepping back in front of the camera after years as a writer and producer.
Facts at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | April Jeanette Mendez |
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Union City, New Jersey |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| WWE Debut | 2009 (NXT) |
| Retirement / Break | 2015–2025 |
| Return Date | September 5, 2025 |
| Book | Crazy Is My Superpower (2017) |
| Spouse | CM Punk (m. 2014) |
| Advocacy | Mental health, animal rights, anti‑bullying |
Who Is AJ Lee? Real Name, Age, and Background
What Is AJ Lee’s Real Name?
AJ Lee is the ring name of April Jeanette Mendez. She was born on March 19, 1987, in Union City, New Jersey, and is of Puerto Rican descent. She stands 5 ft 2 in (157 cm).
Is AJ Lee Latina?
Yes. AJ Lee has publicly identified as being of Puerto Rican heritage, which places her within the Latina community. She has spoken about her background in interviews and in her memoir.
How Old Is AJ Lee?
Born in 1987, AJ Lee turned 38 in March 2025.
April Jeanette Mendez chose the name “AJ Lee” when she entered WWE’s developmental system. The “Lee” is a tribute to her father’s middle name. She has used the name throughout her wrestling and writing career.
AJ Lee’s WWE Career: Championships, Debut, and Highlights
When Did AJ Lee Debut in WWE?
She made her television debut on WWE NXT in 2009. Over the next few years, she evolved from a valet and comedic character into one of the most dominant women in the company.
How Many Times Did AJ Lee Win the Divas Championship?
AJ Lee won the WWE Divas Championship three times. Her first reign began in 2012, and her third reign lasted a record 295 days—the longest in the title’s history. She held the belt from June 2013 to April 2014.
What Is AJ Lee’s Finisher Move?
Her signature finishing moves are the Black Widow (a bridging submission hold) and the Shining Wizard. Both were used frequently during her peak years.
Has AJ Lee Won Any Awards Outside WWE?
Yes. Her 2017 autobiography Crazy Is My Superpower landed on the New York Times bestseller list, a significant recognition beyond the wrestling world.
AJ Lee’s 2012 “Crazy AJ” character—portrayed as unstable and unpredictable—made her a breakout star. The persona allowed her to cut long, theatrical promos and engage in storylines that often blurred real and fictional relationships, including with CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and John Cena.
Who Is AJ Lee Married To? Husband and Family Life
Who Is AJ Lee Married To?
AJ Lee is married to fellow professional wrestler CM Punk (Phil Brooks). The couple married in June 2014. Their real‑life relationship became a recurring topic in wrestling storylines, especially after Punk’s return to WWE in 2023 and AJ Lee’s own comeback in 2025.
Does AJ Lee Have Any Children?
As of early 2026, AJ Lee has no publicly confirmed children. She has dismissed pregnancy rumors in the past, stating that she and CM Punk have chosen not to have children at this time. Fans continue to speculate, but no official announcement has been made.
Despite persistent online chatter, there is no credible evidence that AJ Lee and CM Punk have had a baby. The couple keeps their personal life private and has not addressed the rumors beyond occasional denials.
Career Timeline: From Debut to 2025 Return
- March 19, 1987 – Born April Jeanette Mendez in Union City, New Jersey.
- 2009 – Debuts on WWE NXT as AJ Lee.
- 2012 – Wins first Divas Championship; begins “Crazy AJ” character.
- 2013–2014 – Second and third Divas Championship reigns; sets record for longest reign (295 days).
- 2014 – Marries CM Punk.
- March 2015 – Retires from in‑ring competition due to a neck injury.
- April 2017 – Publishes Crazy Is My Superpower, which becomes a New York Times bestseller.
- 2020–2025 – Focuses on writing, mental health advocacy, and animal rescue; works as executive producer and commentator for WOW (Women of Wrestling) from 2021 to 2023.
- September 2025 – Signs a new WWE contract; returns on SmackDown on September 5, 2025.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Returned to WWE in September 2025. | Net worth varies across sources; AJ Lee has not issued a verified public statement about her finances. |
| Real name is April Jeanette Mendez. | The exact nature of her return role (in‑ring versus managerial) had not been detailed in official statements immediately after her comeback. |
| Married to CM Punk. | Whether she has children. She has denied pregnancy rumors, but speculation continues. |
| Three‑time Divas Champion, longest reign. | No confirmed plans for a sequel to Crazy Is My Superpower. |
Why Does AJ Lee’s Return Matter?
AJ Lee’s 2025 return comes at a moment when WWE is emphasizing its post‑WrestleMania season and pushing women’s storylines to the forefront. Her legacy as a bridge between the “Divas” era and the “Women’s Evolution” makes her comeback symbolically significant. Outside the ring, her work as a bestselling author and mental health advocate adds a layer of mainstream credibility that aligns with WWE’s current focus on crossover appeal. Her presence—alongside her husband CM Punk—also injects real‑life drama into storylines, blurring the lines between performance and personal history.
Sources and Quotes
“The hardest part [of returning] was managing my anxiety after spending the previous 10 years as a writer and producer rather than as the person in front of the camera.”
— AJ Lee in a 2025 interview, discussing her mental health challenges upon returning to WWE
AJ Lee has spoken openly about anxiety and mental health in multiple interviews, often referencing her memoir Crazy Is My Superpower and her work with organizations such as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Her public appearances have reinforced her image as a candid advocate for resilience and recovery.
Summary: AJ Lee’s Legacy and Current Chapter
AJ Lee (April Jeanette Mendez) remains one of the most influential women in professional wrestling history. After a decade away, she returned to WWE in September 2025, adding a Women’s Intercontinental Championship reign to her three Divas titles. Her bestselling book and mental health advocacy have broadened her impact far beyond the ring, making her a unique figure who connects the sport’s past with its present. For more profiles of wrestling figures, see AJ Styles – Age, Height, Net Worth, Wife and Retirement in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About AJ Lee
How tall is AJ Lee?
She is 5′2″ (157 cm).
Is AJ Lee Latina?
Yes, she is of Puerto Rican descent.
Does AJ Lee have children?
As of 2025, she has no publicly confirmed children and has dismissed rumors.
What is AJ Lee’s Instagram?
Official: @theajmendez.
Has AJ Lee won any awards outside WWE?
Yes, her book was a New York Times bestseller.
What is AJ Lee’s finisher?
The Black Widow (bridging submission) and Shining Wizard.
AJ Lee vs Paige: who is better?
Both are highly regarded. Paige was a two‑time Divas Champion and pioneer; AJ holds the longest reign. Fans debate based on style and era preference.
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