AJ Lee is an American author and retired professional wrestler. She is best known for her time in WWE, where she became one of the most influential female performers of the Divas Era. With her strong personality, honest promos, and record-setting championship reign, AJ Lee changed how many fans viewed women’s wrestling.
This AJ Lee bio covers her early life, wrestling career, major achievements, personal life, net worth, and what she has focused on since leaving the ring. All information included here is based on widely reported and verified public sources.
Quick Facts About AJ Lee
| Full Name | April Jeanette Mendez |
| Ring Name | AJ Lee |
| Date of Birth | 19 March 1987 |
| Age (2025) | 38 years |
| Birthplace | Union City, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Latina (of Puerto Rican descent) |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| Weight (WWE billed) | Approx. 115 lb (52 kg) |
| Profession | Former professional wrestler, author |
| Wrestling Debut | 2007 |
| WWE Contract Signed | 2009 |
| WWE Active Years | 2010–2015 |
| Championships | 3× WWE Divas Champion |
| Longest Title Reign | 295 days (Divas Championship) |
| Finishing Move | Black Widow (submission) |
| Wrestling Style | Technical, submission-based |
| Education | Studied film and television production |
| Book | Crazy Is My Superpower (2017) |
| Book Status | New York Times Bestseller |
| Mental Health Advocacy | Public speaker and advocate |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | CM Punk |
| Marriage Year | 2014 |
| Pets | Animal rescue supporter |
| WWE Hall of Fame | Not inducted (as of 2025) |
| In-Ring Return | No confirmed return announced |
AJ Lee bio — Who Is She?
AJ Lee is a former professional wrestler and bestselling author who rose to fame in WWE during the early 2010s. She became known for her bold personality, strong microphone skills, and ability to connect with fans during a time when women’s wrestling often received limited focus.
Unlike many performers of her era, AJ Lee stood out for her honesty and confidence. She helped bring more attention to women’s storytelling in WWE and remains a respected figure even years after her retirement. Outside the ring, she is also known for her writing and mental health advocacy.
Early Life
AJ Lee was born as April Jeanette Mendez on March 19, 1987, in Union City, New Jersey. She is the youngest of three children. Her childhood was challenging, and she has spoken openly about growing up in a family that faced serious financial hardship, including periods of homelessness.
Professional wrestling became an escape and a source of inspiration for her. Watching WWE helped her through difficult times, and she decided at a young age that she wanted to become a wrestler. AJ has often cited stars like Lita and Trish Stratus as early influences.
She later studied film and television production in college, which helped her understand character development and storytelling.
Early Career and Rise in WWE
AJ Lee began training as a professional wrestler in 2007 and spent her early years working on the independent wrestling circuit. During this time, she developed her in-ring skills and gained valuable experience that helped shape her confidence as a performer.
In 2009, she signed a developmental contract with WWE and entered the company’s training system. Her hard work soon led to television opportunities, where she began to stand out.
AJ first gained wider attention through the competition show NXT, where her underdog role and emotional performances connected strongly with fans. By 2011, she was promoted to WWE’s main roster and became a regular part of weekly programming, quickly establishing herself as a unique and memorable presence in the women’s division.
Divas Champion and Career Highlights
AJ Lee won the WWE Divas Championship three times. Her most notable reign began in June 2013, when she defeated Kaitlyn at Payback. That title reign lasted 295 days, making it the longest Divas Championship reign in WWE history.
During her championship run:
- She became a central figure in the women’s division
- She defended the title on major events
- She received strong fan support
Her work helped bring more visibility to women’s wrestling during a limited era.
Influence on Women’s Wrestling
AJ Lee is widely regarded as one of the most influential female wrestlers of her generation. At a time when women’s wrestling was often overlooked, her confidence and authenticity helped shift audience attention.
Many fans and performers later credited her as an important influence during the transition toward a stronger women’s division in WWE.
Marriage and Personal Life
AJ Lee married fellow professional wrestler CM Punk on June 13, 2014. Unlike many public figures, the couple has chosen to keep their relationship largely private, staying away from unnecessary attention and public discussion. Outside the spotlight, they are known for their shared love of animals and their support for animal rescue causes.
Retirement From Wrestling and Life After WWE
In 2015, WWE officially announced AJ Lee’s retirement from in-ring competition. Her decision came after years of physical strain and health concerns related to wrestling. Although she stepped away while still popular, her choice was widely respected by fans and fellow performers.
After leaving WWE, AJ Lee shifted her focus to writing and creative work. In 2017, she released her memoir Crazy Is My Superpower, which became a New York Times bestseller. The book received praise for its honest and personal discussion of mental health, self-acceptance, and growth.
She later became involved in creative and production roles, including supporting women’s wrestling projects outside WWE, allowing her to continue influencing the industry beyond the ring.
AJ Lee Net Worth
AJ Lee’s personal net worth is most often estimated to be between $4 million and $5 million. This figure reflects her successful WWE career, ongoing royalties, book sales, and work in media and creative projects after wrestling.
Some celebrity finance websites, including Celebrity Net Worth, list a higher figure of around $12 million. This number is presented as a combined household estimate shared with her husband, CM Punk, rather than a confirmed individual valuation. Since neither AJ Lee nor CM Punk has publicly shared detailed financial information, all net worth figures should be understood as estimates rather than official totals.
Legacy
AJ Lee’s impact on professional wrestling goes beyond championships. Her journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a WWE champion and bestselling author continues to inspire fans. Even years after retiring, she remains one of the most searched and discussed women of her era.
Conclusion
AJ Lee’s journey reflects resilience, honesty, and lasting impact. From facing difficult early life challenges to becoming a WWE champion and a bestselling author, she built a career that continues to inspire fans worldwide. Even after stepping away from the ring, her voice and influence remain strong, proving that her legacy extends far beyond wrestling.
Editorial Note
Net worth figures mentioned in this article are based on publicly available estimates and reported sources. Exact financial details have not been officially disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is AJ Lee?
AJ Lee is a retired professional wrestler and author. She is best known for her time in WWE, where she became a three-time Divas Champion.
What is AJ Lee’s real name?
AJ Lee’s real name is April Jeanette Mendez.
When did AJ Lee retire from wrestling?
AJ Lee retired from in-ring competition in 2015 due to physical strain and health concerns.
How many times did AJ Lee win the Divas Championship?
AJ Lee won the WWE Divas Championship three times during her career.
Why is AJ Lee so popular?
AJ Lee became popular because of her strong personality, honest promos, and ability to connect with fans during a time when women’s wrestling had limited focus.
What did AJ Lee do after leaving WWE?
After WWE, AJ Lee focused on writing and creative work. She released a bestselling memoir and supported projects related to women’s wrestling and mental health awareness.
What is AJ Lee’s net worth?
AJ Lee’s individual net worth is commonly estimated between $4 million and $5 million. Some sources list higher combined household estimates, but these are not officially confirmed.
Is AJ Lee married?
Yes, AJ Lee is married to CM Punk. They married in 2014.
Will AJ Lee return to WWE?
As of now, there is no official confirmation from WWE or AJ Lee about a wrestling return.