April Jeanette Mendez, better known by her ring name AJ Lee, is an American professional wrestler, author, and mental health advocate.
Her charismatic presence and exceptional mic work made her one of the most memorable figures in the women’s wrestling scene during the early 2010s.
Born on March 19, 1987, in Union City, New Jersey, she rose from humble beginnings, persevering through financial hardship and personal challenges to become a three-time WWE Divas Champion and a voice for change in and out of the ring.
Early life and background
Raised in Union City as the youngest of three children, AJ’s upbringing was marked by instability and hardship. Her mother, Janet, worked as a home health aide, and her father, Robert, was an automotive engineer.
The family faced financial difficulties, at times moving frequently, staying in motels or even sleeping in their car.
Despite this, AJ found inspiration in wrestling through her older brother’s interest and her own admiration for female role models in the sport, especially the WWE’s Lita. She enrolled at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University to study film and television production, but financial pressures forced her to drop out after just six months.
Career beginnings
AJ began training in professional wrestling in 2007 under the tutelage of Jay Lethal, and she made her debut on the independent circuit in New Jersey as “Miss April.”
During her early years, she competed for promotions such as Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU), where she won the WSU Tag Team Championship and the King and Queen of the Ring tournament.
In 2009, she signed with WWE, where she was assigned to their developmental brand—Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). Her work in FCW helped ready her for the main roster, with her in-ring skills, promo ability, and strong character beginning to shine.
Rise to fame
AJ’s breakthrough came after her main roster debut around 2011, where she gradually became a central figure in WWE’s Divas division. Her character, a blend of unpredictable energy, witty banter, and hidden strength, captured fans’ attention.
One of her most defining traits was her use of the “Black Widow” submission hold, which became a signature finishing move. In 2013, she captured her first WWE Divas Championship by defeating Kaitlyn at Payback, and the victory marked the beginning of a dominant run.
Her in-ring persona and mic work elevated the division, making her one of the most prominent female talents of her era.
Major achievements and career highlights
AJ Lee’s accomplishments include becoming a three-time WWE Divas Champion, and she held the title for a then-record 295 days during one reign. She also held the FCW Divas Championship and achieved success in the independent circuit prior to WWE.
Her accolades extend beyond titles: she was named Woman of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated for multiple years. In addition, AJ made her presence felt outside the ring, appearing in WWE video games, voicing herself in animation, and contributing to comic-book writing after her in-ring career.
Personal life
Off the screen, AJ has been open about her life and struggles.
She married fellow professional wrestler Phil Brooks (better known as CM Punk) in June 2014. She has also spoken candidly about her experience with bipolar disorder, facts that were disclosed publicly alongside the release of her memoir.
AJ’s love of comic books, anime, and video games helped shape her “geek goddess” persona and connected with a diverse fanbase. Her passion for mental-health advocacy and animal welfare has also been notable in her post-wrestling life.