AJ Lee’s Absence from WWE and Speculations About Her Return
AJ Lee, one of WWE’s most beloved and charismatic Divas, has been away from in-ring action since 2015. Despite her retirement, she has remained a popular figure among wrestling fans, many of whom hope to see her return to the squared circle.1
The return of CM Punk, her husband, to WWE last year reignited speculation about Lee’s possible return, creating buzz and excitement among the WWE Universe.
Table of Contents
AJ Lee’s Retirement and Legacy
Lee’s departure from WWE came shortly after WrestleMania 31 in 2015, marking the end of a successful career. During her tenure with WWE, she became a three-time WWE Divas Champion, known for her unique persona, mic skills, and in-ring prowess.
Her iconic “crazy chick” character set her apart from her peers, and she played a significant role in WWE’s transition toward more women-centric storylines and matches. Despite her retirement, her influence has continued to resonate with fans and current WWE talent.
Roxanne Perez’s Admiration for AJ Lee
On the latest edition of “Ring The Belle,” WWE Superstar Roxanne Perez expressed her admiration for AJ Lee and revealed her desire to have a match with her.
Perez mentioned that she wouldn’t retire until she had the chance to step into the ring with Lee, indicating the high regard in which she holds the former WWE star. This statement underscores Lee’s lasting impact on a new generation of female wrestlers who look up to her for inspiration.
Speculation Around AJ Lee’s Return
- With CM Punk’s return to WWE last year, fans began to speculate whether AJ Lee might follow suit. While there has been no official confirmation of her return to the company, the idea has captured the imagination of the WWE Universe.
- Her absence from in-ring action for nearly a decade has only fueled fans’ anticipation and hopes for a comeback.
- A return to WWE would require AJ Lee to overcome several challenges, including her physical readiness for in-ring competition and her willingness to step back into the wrestling world.
- During her retirement, Lee has pursued other interests, such as writing and public speaking, which may factor into her decision-making process.
- Nevertheless, the allure of the ring and the enthusiastic fan base might be enough to encourage her to make a surprise return.
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AJ Lee’s Thoughts on a Possible WWE Return: Insights and Reflections
AJ Lee, one of the most popular female wrestlers in WWE history, has been away from in-ring action for nearly a decade. Despite her absence, she remains a highly regarded figure among wrestling fans and the wrestling community.2
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Throughout the years, Lee has occasionally spoken about the possibility of returning to the ring, sparking speculation and hope among her fans. Here’s a deeper look into AJ Lee’s comments about a potential WWE return and what it might mean for her career.
AJ Lee’s Impact on WWE
During her time in WWE, AJ Lee made a significant impact on the women’s division. Known for her unique persona, mic skills, and in-ring abilities, she became a three-time WWE Divas Champion and played a crucial role in advancing women’s wrestling.
Her unconventional style and rebellious character resonated with fans, earning her a dedicated following that persists to this day.
Comments on a Potential Return
- Over the past nine years, AJ Lee has commented on a possible in-ring return to WWE on multiple occasions.
- In an interview with MMA Uncaged two years ago, Lee discussed the prospect of returning, hinting that she hadn’t completely closed the door on the idea.
- However, she made it clear that a comeback would depend on various factors, including her health and personal interests.
- Lee’s comments during the interview with MMA Uncaged reflected a balanced perspective on returning to wrestling.
- While she acknowledged the excitement of being in the ring, she also emphasized the importance of maintaining her health and pursuing other interests outside of wrestling.
- Lee has been involved in writing, public speaking, and other creative pursuits since her retirement from WWE, suggesting that her life has taken on new dimensions beyond professional wrestling.
Fans’ Anticipation and Speculation
AJ Lee’s remarks about a potential return have fueled speculation among WWE fans, who continue to express hope for her comeback.3
Given her iconic status within the company, a return would undoubtedly generate significant buzz and excitement. If she were to return to WWE, the pop she would receive from the crowd would be monumental, reflecting her enduring popularity.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the idea of an AJ Lee comeback, there are several challenges and considerations to keep in mind. Lee’s physical condition and health are critical factors in determining whether she can return to in-ring competition.
Additionally, her personal life and other interests may influence her decision. It’s possible that her focus has shifted away from professional wrestling, and she might not have the same desire to return to the spotlight.
AJ Lee: From Professional Wrestling to Writing and Beyond
April Jeanette Mendez, better known by her ring name AJ Lee, is a retired professional wrestler, author, and screenwriter. Born on March 19, 1987, she rose to fame during her tenure in WWE, where her unique character and storylines left a lasting impact on the women’s division.
Despite her retirement from professional wrestling, AJ Lee has continued to pursue other creative ventures, demonstrating her versatility and resilience.
— Aj Lee (@OfficalWWEAj) August 7, 2013
Early Career in Wrestling
AJ Lee’s professional wrestling journey began in 2007 on New Jersey’s independent circuit. She quickly gained attention for her athleticism and charismatic personality, leading to a contract with WWE in 2009.
AJ spent the first two years of her WWE career in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), the developmental branch where she honed her skills and developed her wrestling persona.
Breakthrough in WWE
- In 2012, AJ Lee made her breakthrough on the main roster of WWE, becoming one of the most recognizable female wrestlers in the company.
- Her “mentally unstable” character stood out in a time when WWE’s women’s division was still evolving. AJ’s storylines included high-profile relationships with prominent male wrestlers and a memorable three-month stint as the General Manager of Raw.
- Her character’s unpredictability and unique storylines quickly made her a fan favorite. AJ’s relationships with wrestlers such as Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, and Dolph Ziggler were central to major WWE angles, often serving as the catalyst for significant story developments.
- Her portrayal of a complex character challenged traditional stereotypes and helped set the stage for the Women’s Revolution that would follow.
WWE Achievements and Retirement
During her time in WWE, AJ Lee became a three-time WWE Divas Champion, holding the title for a record-setting 295 days in her final reign. Her in-ring skills, combined with her compelling character work, made her one of the top female wrestlers in WWE.
AJ’s matches with competitors like Paige, Kaitlyn, and Natalya showcased her technical prowess and storytelling ability in the ring.
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AJ Lee’s Professional Wrestling Career: From the Independent Circuit to WWE
AJ Lee, born April Jeanette Mendez, embarked on her professional wrestling career with a determination and passion that would eventually lead her to WWE stardom. Trained by Jay Lethal, she began her journey in the world of independent wrestling, performing in various promotions before signing with WWE.
Her transition from the independent circuit to WWE’s developmental brand, and eventually to the main roster, is a story of perseverance, talent, and a unique approach to the industry.
Training and Early Career in Independent Promotions
Mendez’s training with Jay Lethal was the foundation of her wrestling skills and style. She made her debut in the independent wrestling scene, where she quickly gained a reputation for her high-energy performances and charisma.
Her early work on the independent circuit showcased her potential, leading WWE to offer her a developmental contract in 2009.
Joining WWE’s Developmental Brand
Upon joining WWE, Mendez was sent to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE’s developmental brand at the time, for further training and development.
During this period, she adopted the ring name “AJ Lee,” a moniker that would become iconic in WWE’s women’s division. While at FCW, AJ Lee honed her skills, refining her in-ring techniques and developing her character.
Winning the FCW Divas Championship
In December 2009, AJ Lee captured her first championship, the FCW Divas Championship. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career, demonstrating her progress in the developmental brand.
AJ Lee’s reign as champion helped establish her as a rising star within FCW, garnering attention from WWE’s main roster. However, her title reign was relatively short-lived, as she lost the championship to Aksana before moving to NXT.
AJ Lee’s Net Worth and Salary: A Look at Her Earnings and Wealth
AJ Lee, born April Jeanette Mendez, is a former professional wrestler, author, and screenwriter known for her time in WWE. Her wrestling career, along with her other ventures, has contributed to her financial success.
As of current reports, AJ Lee has a net worth of approximately $4 million, with her combined net worth with her husband, CM Punk, totaling about $14 million. Here’s a breakdown of her earnings, net worth, and salary from her various roles and endeavors.
AJ Lee’s Earnings from WWE
AJ Lee’s career in WWE spanned from 2009 to 2015, during which she achieved significant success, becoming a three-time WWE Divas Champion. Reports suggest that during her final days with WWE, her annual salary was approximately $104,000.
This figure represents her base salary, but it’s important to note that WWE contracts often include bonuses based on merchandise sales, pay-per-view events, and other performance-based incentives. These additional earnings likely contributed to her overall net worth.
Post-WWE Ventures
- Following her retirement from WWE in 2015, AJ Lee pursued other career opportunities, such as writing and screenwriting. Her memoir, “Crazy Is My Superpower,” published in 2017, became a New York Times bestseller, providing an additional source of income.
- Writing and book sales can be lucrative, especially when the book receives significant attention and acclaim. AJ Lee’s success as an author added to her financial stability after leaving WWE.
- Lee has also been involved in other ventures, including screenwriting and appearances in various media projects.
- Her continued presence in the wrestling world, albeit in a non-wrestling capacity, has allowed her to maintain a connection with her fanbase, further contributing to her net worth.
Net Worth as a Couple with CM Punk
AJ Lee is married to wrestling legend CM Punk, and together, they have a combined net worth of approximately $14 million. CM Punk’s wrestling career and subsequent ventures, including his work in mixed martial arts (MMA) and comic book writing, have added to their joint wealth.
This combined net worth reflects the success both have achieved in their respective careers and their ability to diversify their sources of income.
FAQ’S
1. Who is AJ Lee?
Ans: AJ Lee is a retired professional wrestler best known for her time in WWE. She held the WWE Divas Championship three times and was recognized for her charismatic personality, in-ring skills, and significant impact on women’s wrestling during her career. She retired from wrestling in 2015.
2. Who is the current champion who aspires for a dream match against AJ Lee?
Ans: The specific current champion may vary depending on context, but typically this refers to a current women’s wrestling champion who has expressed admiration for AJ Lee and a desire to face her in the ring. This champion could be from WWE, AEW, or another wrestling promotion.
3. Why would a current champion aspire to have a match with AJ Lee?
Ans: AJ Lee is considered a trailblazer in women’s wrestling, known for breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of female wrestlers. A current champion might aspire to a dream match with AJ Lee to pay tribute to her influence or to test their skills against one of wrestling’s iconic figures.
4. Is there any chance AJ Lee would return to wrestling for a dream match?
Ans: While AJ Lee has expressed satisfaction with her retirement and pursued other interests, such as writing and activism, wrestling fans often speculate about a potential return for special matches or events. However, there are no confirmed plans for her return, making the likelihood of a dream match uncertain.
5. How do dream matches impact the wrestling industry?
Ans: Dream matches generate significant buzz and excitement among wrestling fans. These high-profile matches can boost ticket sales, pay-per-view buys, and television ratings. When a current champion aspires for a dream match with a retired legend like AJ Lee, it can create a sense of nostalgia and anticipation, drawing more attention to the wrestling promotion.
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