AJ Lee – Biography, WWE Return 2025 and Facts You Need to Know

AJ Lee, born April Jeanette Mendez on March 19, 1987, is an American professional wrestler and author best known for her time in WWE. She rose to fame as a three-time WWE Divas Champion and later became a New York Times bestselling author with her memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower. In September 2025, after more than a decade away, she made a surprise return to WWE.

Her career arc is unusual in professional wrestling. Lee retired from in-ring competition in 2015 citing health concerns but remained in the public eye through writing and mental health advocacy. Her 2025 comeback on SmackDown marked one of the most unexpected returns in recent WWE history.

Lee is also the wife of fellow wrestler CM Punk (Phil Brooks). Outside the ring, she has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, drawing on her own experiences with bipolar disorder.

Who is AJ Lee? (Biography & Identity)

AJ Lee is widely credited as a key figure in the WWE Women’s Evolution. Despite retiring from in-ring competition due to health issues, she became a successful author. She is married to CM Punk, and the couple is known for their rescue pet advocacy. Her 2025 WWE return is a major storyline moment, with appearances on SmackDown.

Key Facts

• AJ Lee (real name: April Jeanette Mendez) is an American professional wrestler and author.
• She is of Puerto Rican and Spanish descent.
• Her wrestling career began on the independent circuit in 2007.
• She signed with WWE in 2009 and trained in Florida Championship Wrestling.
• As a three-time WWE Divas Champion, she set records for longest single reign and most cumulative days as champion.
• She retired from in-ring competition in April 2015 due to neck and back issues.
• Her memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower, became a New York Times bestseller in 2017.
• She returned to WWE in September 2025 on SmackDown.

Snapshot Facts

What is AJ Lee’s WWE Career and Legacy?

AJ Lee’s WWE career spanned from 2009 to 2015. She quickly became a standout figure in the women’s division, known for her energetic, high-flying style and compelling character work. She won the WWE Divas Championship three times, setting records for the longest single reign (295 days) and the most cumulative days as champion.

Her popularity during the “Divas Era” pressured WWE to shift toward women’s wrestling as a legitimate athletic division. Her pipe-bomb promos and strong fan connection forced the company to feature women in longer, more competitive matches, paving the way for the “Four Horsewomen” era.

After leaving WWE in 2015, Lee stayed away for a decade. That changed in September 2025. She reappeared on SmackDown on September 5, confronted Becky Lynch, and later wrestled alongside CM Punk in a mixed tag match that tied into the Punk/Lynch/Rollins feud.

The 2025 Return

AJ Lee’s return to WWE in September 2025 after more than a decade away from the company is a major recent development. Reports confirm she appeared on SmackDown, confronting Becky Lynch and later competing in a mixed tag match alongside CM Punk. This return is directly connected to existing storylines involving Punk, Lynch, and Seth Rollins.

Championships and Accolades

AJ Lee is frequently described as one of the most influential women’s wrestlers of her era. Her championship records and her role in the Women’s Evolution are central to her legacy. She won the WWE Divas Championship three times and set longevity records for the title, including the longest single reign and most cumulative days as champion.

Is AJ Lee Married? Does She Have Kids? (Personal Life)

AJ Lee married fellow wrestler CM Punk (Phil Brooks) on June 13, 2014. The couple has been known for their rescue pet advocacy. As of 2025, they have no children, and Lee has not publicly indicated any plans to have them.

Before her marriage to CM Punk, there are no credible reports of her being married to anyone else. Her relationship with Punk was highly publicized during their time together in WWE.

Lee’s Instagram handle is @theajmendez, where she frequently posts about her advocacy work, writing, and personal life.

What Books Has AJ Lee Written? (Author Career)

AJ Lee’s book, Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules, was published in 2017. It became a New York Times bestselling memoir. The book centers on her childhood hardships, experiences with homelessness, wrestling career, and mental health journey.

Lee shifted into writing and advocacy after her retirement, using her memoir and public work to discuss mental health, particularly bipolar disorder, and to position herself as a mental health advocate. She has not announced any future books, but a sequel or novel remains a possibility.

AJ Lee Career Timeline

1. 2007: Debuts on independent circuit as April Lee.
2. 2009: Signs with WWE; debuts on NXT.
3. 2012: First Divas Championship reign; begins relationship with CM Punk.
4. 2014: Becomes longest-reigning Divas Champion (295 days). Marries CM Punk.
5. 2015: Retires due to neck and back issues.
6. 2017: Publishes Crazy Is My Superpower, which becomes a New York Times bestseller.
7. 2025: Returns to WWE at a live event; reappears on SmackDown in September.

What’s Confirmed and What’s Unclear About AJ Lee?

What Was AJ Lee’s Impact on Women’s Wrestling?

AJ Lee’s popularity during the “Divas Era” pressured WWE to shift toward women’s wrestling as a legitimate athletic division. Her pipe-bomb promos and fan connection forced the company to feature women in longer, more competitive matches, paving the way for the “Four Horsewomen” era. She is frequently described as one of the most influential women’s wrestlers of her era.

Her legacy is also tied to her advocacy work. By publicly discussing her bipolar disorder and writing a bestselling memoir, she helped destigmatize mental health conversations in professional wrestling and beyond.

The Vince McMahon era in which she operated was defined by significant changes in how women were presented. Lee’s career embodies that transition.

Sources and Quotes

“Jeanette Mendez (born March 19, 1987) is an American professional wrestler and author.”

— Wikipedia

“New York Times bestselling author of ‘Crazy is My Superpower.'”

— AJ Mendez (Instagram bio)

“AJ is a fierce competitor with an energetic, high-flying style…”

— WWE.com

What’s Next for AJ Lee?

AJ Lee’s return to in-ring action on WWE SmackDown opens several possibilities. She could pursue a full-time wrestling schedule, engage in ongoing storylines tied to CM Punk’s feuds, or remain a part-time special attraction. A potential future book, either a sequel to her memoir or a novel, is also a possibility. She continues to run mental health advocacy campaigns through her public platforms.

For more context on other combat sports athletes, see the profile on Rampage Jackson, which covers another athlete’s career record and biography.

Frequently Asked Questions About AJ Lee