AJ Lee: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{Short description|American author and ~~former~~ professional wrestler (born 1987)}}

{{Infobox person

| name = AJ Lee

| image = AJ Lee WM Axxess 2014.jpg

| alt = Photograph of AJ Lee

| caption = AJ = Lee in 2014

| birth_name = April Jeanette Mendez

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|3|19}}

| birth_place = [[Union City, New Jersey]], U.S.

| years_active = 2007–present

| spouse = {{marriage|[[CM Punk]]|June 13, 2014}}

| occupation = {{hlist|Author|screenwriter|professional wrestler}}

| website = {{URL|https://theajmendez.com}}

| module = {{infobox professional wrestler|child=yes

| names = {{Plainlist|

* AJ<ref name="FCWbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/ajlee1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224082048/http://www.fcwwrestling.info/ajlee1.html|title=AJ bio|publisher=[[Florida Championship Wrestling]]|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 24, 2011|access-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref>

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}}

'''April Jeanette Mendez''' (born March 19, 1987) is an American author, screenwriter and retired [[professional wrestler]]. She is best known for her time in [[WWE]] under the [[ring name]] '''AJ Lee'''~~. She also was an executive producer and color commentator for [[Women of Wrestling|WOW – Women of Wrestling]]~~.

Mendez began her professional wrestling career in 2007 in [[New Jersey]]'s [[independent circuit]]. She signed with WWE in 2009 and spent two years in its developmental branch, [[Florida Championship Wrestling]], before her promotion to the main roster. In 2012, she rose to prominence through [[Kayfabe|storylines]] with her "mentally unstable" character, such as high-profile relationships and a three-month stint as the [[Professional wrestling authority figures|General Manager]] of [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]]. In subsequent years, she won the [[WWE Divas Championship|Divas Championship]] a record-tying three times{{Efn|name=Tie|She shares the record of three reigns with [[Eve Torres]].<ref name="3Time"/>}} and held the title for an overall record of 406 days. She also won the [[Slammy Award]] for Diva of the Year in [[2012 Slammy Awards|2012]] and [[2014 Slammy Awards|2014]], and readers of ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' voted her [[PWI Woman of the Year|Woman of the Year]] from 2012 to 2014. She retired from in-ring performing in 2015. Mendez's 2017 memoir, ''Crazy Is My Superpower'', was a [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''New York Times'' Best Seller]].

== Early life ==

April Jeanette Mendez was born on March 19, 1987,<ref>{{cite web|title=How old is WWE Divas Champion A.J. Lee?|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10036403.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427194629/http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10036403.shtml|archive-date=April 27, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 19, 2014|access-date=August 9, 2017|website=ProWrestling.net~~|publisher=Last Row Media LLC~~}}</ref> in [[Union City, New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|title=AJ Lee's exit leaves lots of questions – The question of her legacy will not be among them|url=http://pwinsider.com/article.php?id=92880&p=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924004733/http://pwinsider.com/article.php?id=92880&p=1|archive-date=September 24, 2016|url-status=live|date=April 6, 2015|access-date=August 9, 2017|website=PWInsider}}</ref> Her mother, Janet Acevedo, was a homemaker and later a [[home health aide]], while her father, Robert Mendez, was an [[automotive engineer]].{{sfn|Mendez Brooks|2017|pages=24–27}} She is the youngest of three children,{{sfn|Mendez Brooks|2017|pages=24–27}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Wortman|first=James|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/wrestlemania-diary-aj-lee/day-two|title=WrestleMania Diary: AJ Lee, Day 2|quote=her older siblings Robert and Erica|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406073933/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/wrestlemania-diary-aj-lee/day-two|archive-date=April 6, 2016|publisher=WWE|date=April 4, 2013|access-date=April 6, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> and is of [[Puerto Ricans|Puerto Rican]] descent.<ref name="WTTW">{{cite web|last=Cardos|first=Nicole|url=http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2017/04/11/aj-mendez-brooks-memoir-tackles-mental-illness-family-dysfunction|title=AJ Mendez Brooks' Memoir Tackles Mental Illness, Family Dysfunction|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414102542/http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2017/04/11/aj-mendez-brooks-memoir-tackles-mental-illness-family-dysfunction|archive-date=April 14, 2017|url-status=live|date=April 11, 2017|access-date=August 9, 2017|work=[[Chicago Tonight]]|publisher=[[WTTW]]}}</ref> In describing her childhood, Mendez said her family struggled with poverty, mental illness, and drug addiction.<ref name="ESPN"/> They frequently moved between apartments, sometimes living in motels or their car when they could not afford rent.<ref name="WTTW"/><ref name="Homecoming">{{cite web|last=Monday|first=Michael|url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/04/wrestlemania_29_homecoming_for.html|title=WrestleMania 29: Homecoming for Jersey's tiny 'Diva' AJ Lee|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805185745/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/04/wrestlemania_29_homecoming_for.html|archive-date=August 5, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=August 9, 2017|date=April 3, 2013|publisher=[[NJ.com]]|work=[[The Star-Ledger]]}}</ref>

Her brother's interest in [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) influenced her to become a [[professional wrestler]].<ref name="Jersey">{{cite web|last=Teodoro|first=Nick|title=AJ Lee, the WWE's 'Geek Goddess', talks triple-threat match and her NJ. homecoming|url=http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/WWE_Diva_AJ_Lee_No_Way_Out_Meadowlands_Female_World_Wrestling_.html|publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617173725/http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/WWE_Diva_AJ_Lee_No_Way_Out_Meadowlands_Female_World_Wrestling_.html|archive-date=June 17, 2012|access-date=April 12, 2014|date=June 15, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Trentonian">{{cite web|last=Sinclair|first=Samantha|url=http://www.trentonian.com/article/TT/20121016/SPORTS03/121019603|title=Jersey native A.J. Lee living the dream as WWE Raw GM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811092856/http://www.trentonian.com/article/TT/20121016/SPORTS03/121019603|archive-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=live|date=October 16, 2012|access-date=August 11, 2017|website=[[The Trentonian]]|publisher=[[Digital First Media]]}}</ref> With inspiration from [[WWE Diva|WWE's female wrestlers]], especially [[Lita (wrestler)|Lita]],<ref name="glory"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Causey|first=James E.|title=AJ Lee is the tiny titan of wrestling|url=http://archive.jsonline.com/entertainment/aj-lee-the-tiny-titan-of-wrestling-0a6jn7v-167445825.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321073705/http://archive.jsonline.com/entertainment/aj-lee-the-tiny-titan-of-wrestling-0a6jn7v-167445825.html|archive-date=March 21, 2017|url-status=live|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel~~]]|publisher=[[Gannett Company~~]]|date=August 25, 2012|access-date=March 21, 2017}}</ref> she cemented her ambition at 12 years old.<ref name="Jersey"/><ref name="Trentonian"/> In 2005, she graduated from [[Memorial High School (West New York, New Jersey)|Memorial High School]] in [[West New York, New Jersey]].<ref name="Homecoming"/> She attended [[New York University]]'s [[Tisch School of the Arts]], where she majored in film and television production,<ref name="Homecoming"/><ref name="glory"/> until family and financial issues led to her dropping out six months into her studies.<ref name="Esquire">{{cite web|last=Pierce|first=Scott|title=Q&A: AJ Lee, WWE Superheroine|url=http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a15414/aj-lee-wwe-summerslam-11877701/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910083347/http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a15414/aj-lee-wwe-summerslam-11877701/|archive-date=September 10, 2015|url-status=live|work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire~~]]|publisher=[[Hearst Communications~~]]|access-date=August 9, 2017|date=August 20, 2012}}</ref> Afterward, she started working full-time to afford wrestling training.<ref name="Esquire"/> As an homage to her brother, who was in the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]], she occasionally wore camouflage wrestling attire.<ref name="Jersey"/><ref name="glory"/>

Mendez was diagnosed with [[bipolar disorder]], a condition her mother also suffered from, around the age of 20.<ref name="SI 2018">{{cite magazine|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/05/04/wwe-aj-lee-mental-health-awareness-bipolar-disorder-video|title=AJ Lee Fights to End Stigma Associated With Mental Health Disorders|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506000916/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/05/04/wwe-aj-lee-mental-health-awareness-bipolar-disorder-video|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live|date=May 4, 2018|access-date=May 6, 2018|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated~~]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.~~]]}}</ref><ref name="Fox 2017">{{cite web|last1=Ramsadeen|first1=Avinash|last2=Credo|first2=Steve|url=http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/04/07/former-wwe-champ-aj-lee-makes-crazy-her-superpower.html|title=Former WWE champ AJ Lee makes 'crazy' her superpower|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407181919/http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/04/07/former-wwe-champ-aj-lee-makes-crazy-her-superpower.html|archive-date=April 7, 2017|url-status=live|date=April 7, 2017|access-date=August 5, 2017|website=[[Fox News]]~~|publisher=Fox News Network LLC~~}}</ref> She had previously experienced adverse effects from a misdiagnosis of [[Major depressive disorder|depression]], and overdosed on antidepressants and painkillers.<ref name="FS 2017">{{cite web|last=Lynch|first=Andrew|url=http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/aj-lee-mendez-brooks-book-mental-health-bipolar-suicide-crazy-is-my-superpower-042117|title=AJ Mendez Brooks opens up on her suicide attempt and helping others with mental illness|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628064756/http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/aj-lee-mendez-brooks-book-mental-health-bipolar-suicide-crazy-is-my-superpower-042117|archive-date=June 28, 2017|url-status=live|date=April 21, 2017|access-date=August 9, 2017|website=[[~~Foxsports~~FoxSports.com~~]]|publisher=[[Fox Sports Interactive Media~~]]}}</ref> This event, which she considers a suicide attempt, caused her to seek proper treatment and the right diagnosis.<ref name="FS 2017"/> She credits the condition for giving her the bravery to achieve her goals.<ref name="ESPN"/>

== Professional wrestling career ==

=== Early career (2007–2009) ===

In March 2007, Mendez enrolled in a wrestling school close to her home, where she was trained by [[Jay Lethal]].<ref name="glory"/> Around late 2007,<ref name="glory"/> she began to perform on the New Jersey [[independent circuit]] under the [[ring name]] Miss April.<ref>{{cite web|last=Heinen|first=Frederik|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios2/leeAJ.html|title=AJ Lee bio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725060635/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios2/leeAJ.html|archive-date=July 25, 2017|url-status=~~live~~dead|date=April 3, 2016|access-date=April 21, 2017|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> She joined the New Jersey-based [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] [[Women Superstars Uncensored]] (WSU) in October 2008. After little success in her first months, Miss April formed a [[tag team]] with [[Brittney Savage|Brooke Carter]], who together captured the [[WSU Tag Team Championship]] in February 2009. She also won the annual [[WSU King and Queen of the Ring|WSU/National Wrestling Superstars King and Queen of the Ring tournament]] alongside Jay Lethal two months later. In May, she left WSU upon signing with WWE and relinquished her championship.<ref name="Matches">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=8817&page=4&s=350|title=Matches – AJ Lee|website=Cagematch|access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref>

=== World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE ===

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While in FCW, Mendez took part in the [[WWE NXT (seasons 1–5)#Season 3|third season]] of ''[[WWE NXT (seasons 1–5)|NXT]]'' beginning in September 2010. The show mixed professional wrestling and [[reality competition]] formats as six female participants from FCW competed to be WWE's "next breakout star".<ref name="NXT">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 9/7: Season 3, Week 1 – Season Premiere|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_43628.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909152006/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_43628.shtml|archive-date=September 9, 2010|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=September 7, 2010|access-date=August 11, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/oral-history-of-nxt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226070604/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/oral-history-of-nxt|archive-date=February 26, 2016|url-status=live|title=Wild and Young: The oral history of the original WWE NXT|date=February 23, 2016|access-date=February 7, 2018|publisher=WWE}}</ref> [[Primo (wrestler)|Primo]] was assigned as her "WWE Pro", the role of her mentor in the [[Kayfabe|storyline]].<ref name="NXT"/> She performed as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] (good guy) on the show<ref name="NXT"/> and WWE adapted her "[[nerd]]" fandom to her character.<ref name="DiaryIntro"/><ref>{{cite web|author=WWE|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qu3uHsaJ_w| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211111/_qu3uHsaJ_w| archive-date=November 11, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Meet NXT Rookie Diva A.J.|website=[[YouTube~~]]|publisher=[[Alphabet Inc.~~]]|date=September 10, 2010|access-date=August 4, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Throughout the season, a relationship between AJ and Primo was teased,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_45520.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 11/23: Season 3, Week 12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125165318/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_45520.shtml|archive-date=November 25, 2010|url-status=live|quote=Mathews dramatically tried to build up a talking point of the interesting relationship between A.J. and Primo lately.|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 23, 2010|access-date=January 28, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> with them ultimately kissing on the finale.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_45681.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 11/30: Season 3, Week 13 – Season Finale|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204114811/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_45681.shtml|archive-date=December 4, 2010|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=August 11, 2017}}</ref> She also developed an on-screen friendship with fellow competitor, [[Kaitlyn (wrestler)|Kaitlyn]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/aj-and-kaitlyn-a-fractured-friendship|title=AJ and Kaitlyn's fractured friendship: photos|quote=AJ Lee and Kaitlyn became best friends while competing on WWE NXT|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518095211/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/aj-and-kaitlyn-a-fractured-friendship|archive-date=May 18, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=August 11, 2017|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/06/wwes-aj-lee-talks-wrestlemania-29-dolph-ziggler-big-e-langston-friend-zone-kaitlyn-comic-books-and-more|title=WWE's AJ Lee Talks WrestleMania 29, Comic Books and More|last=Goldman|first=Eric|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823235023/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/06/wwes-aj-lee-talks-wrestlemania-29-dolph-ziggler-big-e-langston-friend-zone-kaitlyn-comic-books-and-more|archive-date=August 23, 2013|url-status=live|date=April 5, 2013|access-date=August 11, 2017|website=[[IGN~~]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis~~]]}}</ref> On November 23, AJ was eliminated in third place.<ref name="eliminated">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/24/16296731.html|title=WWE NXT: AJ sent home in a shocker|date=November 24, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714115847/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/24/16296731.html|archive-date=July 14, 2015|url-status=~~live~~dead|access-date=August 11, 2017|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

==== Various relationships and Raw General Manager (2011–2013) ====

AJ made her main roster debut on the May 27, 2011, episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' as part of a tag team with Kaitlyn,<ref name="Nat">{{cite web|last=Tait|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_50399.shtml|title=Tait's SmackDown Report 5/27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531144320/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_50399.shtml|archive-date=May 31, 2011|url-status=live|date=May 28, 2011|access-date=August 11, 2017|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> referring to themselves as "The Chickbusters".<ref name="DiaryIntro">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/wrestlemania-diary-aj-lee/introduction|title=WrestleMania Diary: AJ Lee, introduction|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406074920/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/wrestlemania-diary-aj-lee/introduction|archive-date=April 6, 2016|publisher=WWE|last=Wortman|first=James|date=March 31, 2013|access-date=April 6, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/20832-wed-update-ufc-main-signed-announcer-passes-away-tuf-finale-ratings-wwe-rib|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701094138/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/20832-wed-update-ufc-main-signed-announcer-passes-away-tuf-finale-ratings-wwe-rib|archive-date=July 1, 2015|quote=A.J. Lee of WWE wrote that Kaitlyn and her our {{sic}} going to call themselves the Chick Busters as a tag team|title=Wed. update: UFC main signed; Announcer passes away, TUF finale, Ratings, WWE rib|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=September 26, 2015|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Along with their mentor [[Natalya Neidhart|Natalya]],<ref name="Nat"/> they feuded with the trio of [[Alicia Fox]], [[Tamina Snuka]], and Rosa Mendes for two months.<ref name=SinglesSmackDownWin>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/11/18270206.html|title=SmackDown: Factions renewed and rejected|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703195625/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/11/18270206.html|archive-date=July 3, 2015|url-status=~~live~~dead|date=June 11, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=August 11, 2017|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/18/18302076.html|title=SmackDown: Fair is foul, and foul is fair|date=June 18, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113080749/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/18/18302076.html|archive-date=January 13, 2016|url-status=~~live~~dead|access-date=August 11, 2017|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_50989.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Superstars Report 6/23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627013126/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_50989.shtml|archive-date=June 27, 2011|url-status=live|date=June 23, 2011|access-date=March 20, 2014|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tait|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_51763.shtml|title=Tait's WWE SmackDown Report 7/29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805062834/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_51763.shtml|archive-date=August 5, 2011|url-status=live|date=July 29, 2011|access-date=March 20, 2014|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> In late July, AJ began a brief storyline on ''[[NXT Redemption]]'' as the girlfriend of [[Hornswoggle]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_51708.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 7/26|last=Caldwell|first=James|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804024242/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_51708.shtml|archive-date=August 4, 2011|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=July 26, 2011|access-date=August 11, 2017}}</ref> and feuded with [[Maxine (wrestler)|Maxine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_52244.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 8/16|last=Caldwell|first=James|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818110241/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_52244.shtml|archive-date=August 18, 2011|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=August 16, 2011|access-date=August 11, 2017}}</ref> Meanwhile, on ''SmackDown'', she was attacked by Natalya, who [[Turn (professional wrestling)|turned]] on her protégé and allied with [[Beth Phoenix]] to form [[the Divas of Doom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/06/18518666.html|title=SmackDown: Firing on all cylinders|date=August 6, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310211733/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/06/18518666.html|archive-date=March 10, 2016|url-status=~~live~~dead|access-date=August 11, 2017|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> AJ and Kaitlyn repeatedly lost to the Divas of Doom over the following months,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/25892-smackdown-results-81211|title=SmackDown Results – 8/12/11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212151703/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/25892-smackdown-results-81211|archive-date=December 12, 2013|url-status=live|date=August 12, 2011|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|access-date=August 29, 2017|website=Wrestleview}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/26756-smackdown-results-91611|title=SmackDown Results – 9/16/11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212151804/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/26756-smackdown-results-91611|archive-date=December 12, 2013|url-status=live|date=September 16, 2011|access-date=March 20, 2014|website=Wrestleview}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_53631.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 9/23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925235312/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_53631.shtml|archive-date=September 25, 2011|url-status=live|date=September 23, 2011|access-date=March 20, 2014|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> upsetting Kaitlyn.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/28374-smackdown-results-111811|title=SmackDown Results – 11/18/11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006131311/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/28374-smackdown-results-111811|archive-date=October 6, 2014|url-status=live|date=November 18, 2011|access-date=October 13, 2013|website=Wrestleview}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=SmackDown Results – 11/25/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/28542-smackdown-results-112511|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006230634/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/28542-smackdown-results-112511|archive-date=October 6, 2014|url-status=live|website=Wrestleview|date=November 25, 2011|access-date=November 26, 2011}}</ref>

By November 2011, AJ was placed in an on-screen romance with [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/30/19037686.html|title=SmackDown: Christmas in November|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919170530/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/30/19037686.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=~~live~~dead|date=November 30, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=December 12, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> who won the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] the next month and developed heel traits.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=First match revealed for tonight's Raw|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_56768.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112065258/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_56768.shtml|archive-date=January 12, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=January 9, 2012|access-date=January 10, 2012}}</ref> Despite AJ's declaration of love for Bryan,<ref>{{cite web|last=Scannell|first=Robin|title=SmackDown Storyline Tracker 1/6 & 1/13|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_57207.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123124007/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_57207.shtml|archive-date=January 23, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=January 20, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> Bryan avoided saying he loved her in return.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|title=Keller's WWE SmackDown Blog 1/27|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/kellerstake/article_57479.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204132147/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/kellerstake/article_57479.shtml|archive-date=February 4, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=January 27, 2012|access-date=March 24, 2012|quote=Bryan's avoidance of saying that he loves A.J. while bragging about how much she loves him is very heelish and also very funny.}}</ref> On January 13, 2012, while accompanying Bryan for his title defense, she was accidentally struck by [[Big Show]] and carried off on a stretcher as part of the storyline.<ref name="Bryan">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_56931.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 1/13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117050021/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_56931.shtml|archive-date=January 17, 2012|url-status=live|date=January 13, 2012|last=Parks|first=Greg|access-date=January 14, 2012|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> She returned on February 3, preventing Bryan from being attacked by Big Show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_57742.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 2/3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207035719/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_57742.shtml|archive-date=February 7, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2014|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=February 3, 2012|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> In March, Bryan started acting verbally abusive towards AJ but she stood by him.<ref>{{cite web|last=Grate|first=Jake|title=Is AJ blinded by her love for Daniel Bryan?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-03-16/blinded-by-love|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321021755/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-03-16/blinded-by-love|archive-date=March 21, 2012|url-status=live|publisher=WWE|date=March 16, 2012|access-date=March 24, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10025224.shtml|title=WWE star Daniel Bryan on whether Brock Lesnar's influence has been positive for WWE, how women react to his abuse of A.J., how far he has come since he arrived in WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806030732/http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10025224.shtml|archive-date=August 6, 2017|url-status=live|date=May 18, 2012|access-date=August 5, 2017|website=ProWrestling.net~~|publisher=Last Row Media LLC~~}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XXVIII]] on April 1, after sharing a "good luck kiss" with Bryan, he was surprised by [[Sheamus]] and defeated in 18 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE WrestleMania 28 PPV Report 4/1|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404010934/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml|archive-date=April 4, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=April 1, 2012|access-date=April 2, 2012}}</ref> Bryan blamed AJ for his loss of the World Heavyweight Championship and ended their relationship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_60112.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 4/6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410015958/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_60112.shtml|archive-date=April 10, 2012|url-status=live|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=April 6, 2012|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|access-date=April 8, 2012}}</ref> AJ made multiple attempts to mend their relationship but Bryan spurned her and left her distraught. As a result, she attacked Natalya and Kaitlyn when they attempted to comfort her,<ref name=Three>{{cite web|last=Giannini |first=Alex |title=Monster and the Madwoman? |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/what-is-aj-thinking/ |publisher=WWE |date=June 8, 2012 |access-date=June 10, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610221918/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/what-is-aj-thinking |archive-date=June 10, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Scannell|first=Robin|title=SmackDown Storyline Tracker – entire April from WM28 to Extreme Rules: Sheamus-Bryan, Bryan-A.J.|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_60879.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501191303/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_60879.shtml|archive-date=May 1, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=April 29, 2012|access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE SmackDown Results 4/20|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_60603.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423194526/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_60603.shtml|archive-date=April 23, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=April 20, 2012|access-date=January 29, 2015}}</ref> marking her character's transition to "mentally unstable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_62762.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629061718/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_62762.shtml|archive-date=June 29, 2012|url-status=live|quote=[Kane] said he finds [AJ] mentally unstable|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 25, 2012|access-date=January 29, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/storylinetracking/article_63343.shtml|title=SmackDown Storyline Tracker – Complete MITB PPV build-up: Punk-Bryan (with A.J.)|quote=[Kaitlyn] suggested that [Bryan] get on A.J.'s good side as she's a little mentally unstable.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717061847/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/storylinetracking/article_63343.shtml|archive-date=July 17, 2012|url-status=live|last=Scannell|first=Robin|date=July 15, 2012|access-date=January 29, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref>

AJ turned her affections to Bryan's rival and [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[CM Punk]] as well as [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]].<ref name=Three/><ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 6/1|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62013.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609082443/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62013.shtml|archive-date=June 9, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=June 1, 2012|access-date=June 2, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Vince McMahon stops by for a John Laurinaitis performance review|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/06/11/19865686.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707122150/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/06/11/19865686.html|archive-date=July 7, 2015|url-status=~~live~~dead|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|date=June 11, 2012|access-date=June 12, 2012}}</ref> At [[No Way Out (2012)|No Way Out]] on June 17, AJ interfered in a [[triple threat match]] for the WWE Championship between Punk, Bryan, and Kane, helping Punk retain his title by distracting Kane.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE No Way Out PPV Report 6/17|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_62544.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620080247/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_62544.shtml|archive-date=June 20, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=June 17, 2012|access-date=June 23, 2012}}</ref> As Bryan and Punk's feud progressed, AJ was announced as the [[special guest referee]] for their title match at [[Money in the Bank (2012)|Money in the Bank]].<ref name=TheLastLaugh>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=SmackDown Results – 6/29/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/33770-smackdown-results---6-29-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009053751/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/33770-smackdown-results---6-29-12|archive-date=October 9, 2014|url-status=live|website=Wrestleview|date=June 30, 2012|access-date=October 13, 2013}}</ref> Bryan made advances on AJ in an attempt to influence her, however, she focused her attention on Punk. Enraged by his disinterest on the July 2 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', she interfered in his match and shoved him, along with Bryan, through a ringside table.<ref>{{cite web|last=McNeish|first=Greg|title=Raw Results – 7/2/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/33837-raw-results----7-2-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413131432/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/33837-raw-results----7-2-12|archive-date=April 13, 2014|url-status=live|website=Wrestleview|date=July 2, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> After they made amends, she [[marriage proposal|proposed]] to him but Bryan countered with a proposal of his own; Punk rejected her offer and she slapped both men.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/9|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63167.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713235729/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63167.shtml|archive-date=July 13, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=July 9, 2012|access-date=July 29, 2012}}</ref> At Money in the Bank on July 15, as referee, AJ counted Punk's pinfall on Bryan, resulting in a successful title defense for Punk; as Punk celebrated over a fallen Bryan, AJ was left alone.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_63339.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Report 7/15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717061857/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_63339.shtml|archive-date=July 17, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=July 15, 2012|access-date=April 14, 2014}}</ref> The next night, Bryan proposed to her again and she accepted.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/16|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63388.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719080613/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63388.shtml|archive-date=July 19, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=July 16, 2012|access-date=July 29, 2012}}</ref>

During the exchange of vows at ''[[WWE Raw 1000|Raw 1000]]'', AJ announced that [[Professional wrestling authority figures|WWE chairman]] [[Vince McMahon]] had offered her the job of [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] General Manager and left Bryan at the altar.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/23|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726225443/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|archive-date=July 26, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=July 23, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> Her on-screen authority role began on July 30, where she alleged that Bryan only wanted the legal leverage to have her [[Psychiatric hospital|committed]] and forced him to undergo his own [[psychological evaluation]].<ref name="GM Day One">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/30|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63818.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803003627/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63818.shtml|archive-date=August 3, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=July 30, 2012|access-date=October 13, 2013}}</ref> AJ continued to exact revenge on both Bryan and Punk throughout her tenure, denying their requests and [[Booking (professional wrestling)|booking]] them in matches against their wishes.<ref name="GM Day One"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/6|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64047.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809023537/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64047.shtml|archive-date=August 9, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 19, 2012}}</ref> On August 27 and September 24, she was involved in separate altercations with [[Vickie Guerrero]] and [[Paul Heyman]], in which she attacked them.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64638.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830220250/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64638.shtml|archive-date=August 30, 2012|url-status=live|date=August 27, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2014|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65455.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 9/24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928051652/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65455.shtml|archive-date=September 28, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=September 24, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> AJ was reprimanded by the [[board of directors]], and the two demanded the General Manager position for themselves, deeming her too childish.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65634.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004040758/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65634.shtml|archive-date=October 4, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=October 1, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Dolph Ziggler AJ Lee Big E Langston in ring.jpg|thumb|alt=AJ Lee standing inside a wrestling ring with her partners|AJ Lee alongside [[Dolph Ziggler]] (center) and her bodyguard [[Big E Langston]] (right) in February 2013]]

AJ stepped down from her General Manager duties on October 22, becoming embroiled in a [[scandal]] storyline with [[John Cena]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66112.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026021218/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66112.shtml|archive-date=October 26, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=October 22, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> Vickie Guerrero alleged that they had an affair and presented various material over the next month to support her claim.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66271.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102053213/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66271.shtml|archive-date=November 2, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=October 29, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66420.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109054601/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66420.shtml|archive-date=November 9, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=November 5, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> AJ and Cena denied the accusations and eventually formed a relationship,<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66731.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129235754/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66731.shtml|archive-date=November 29, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=November 19, 2012|access-date=April 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/26|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66855.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130021657/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66855.shtml|archive-date=November 30, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=November 26, 2012|access-date=December 5, 2012}}</ref> though Cena grew reluctant due to her behavior.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67134.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214013337/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67134.shtml|archive-date=December 14, 2012|url-status=live|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=December 10, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref> Meanwhile, Cena feuded with Vickie Guerrero's client, [[Dolph Ziggler]], over Ziggler's [[Money in the Bank contract]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66980.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206224515/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66980.shtml|archive-date=December 6, 2012|url-status=live|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=December 3, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref> During their match at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2012)|TLC]] on December 16, AJ turned heel by interfering and pushing Cena off a ladder, causing him to lose.<ref name="TLC12">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE TLC PPV Results 12/16|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_67280.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230180334/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_67280.shtml|archive-date=December 30, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=December 16, 2012|access-date=December 17, 2012}}</ref> She solidified a relationship with Ziggler the next night on ''Raw'' and they teamed together against Cena and Guerrero in the main event, which ended in [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] after the debuting [[Big E Langston]] attacked Cena on her behalf.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/17|url= http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67322.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230183857/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67322.shtml|archive-date=December 30, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=December 17, 2012|access-date=December 18, 2012}}</ref> Subsequently accompanied by Langston as her bodyguard,<ref name="BigESlammy"/> she explained that Cena had "toyed with" her emotions and "broke her heart", so she helped Ziggler "break" him.<ref name="SD1218">{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE SmackDown Results – 12/18/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/38452-wwe-smackdown-results-12-18-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703104752/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/38452-wwe-smackdown-results-12-18-12|archive-date=July 3, 2013|url-status=live|website=Wrestleview|date=December 18, 2012|access-date=March 25, 2014}}</ref>

In March 2013, AJ's storyline rivalry with ex-boyfriend Daniel Bryan was reignited when they traded insults backstage.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 3/8|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69214.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311095010/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69214.shtml|archive-date=March 11, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=March 8, 2013|access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> She and Langston assisted Ziggler in victories over Bryan and his tag team partner Kane,<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/11|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315014141/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml|archive-date=March 15, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=March 11, 2013|access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 3/15|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69333.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319130835/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69333.shtml|archive-date=March 19, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=March 15, 2013|access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> which led to Ziggler and Langston losing to them in a [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]] match at [[WrestleMania 29]] on April 7, despite her interference.<ref name="WM29">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE WrestleMania 29 PPV Results|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410210354/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml|archive-date=April 10, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=April 7, 2013|access-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', she and Langston accompanied Ziggler as he cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on [[Alberto Del Rio]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/8|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412015035/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml|archive-date=April 12, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=April 8, 2013|access-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref>

==== Divas Champion and retirement (2013–2015) ====

AJ won a [[Professional wrestling battle royal|battle royal]] on April 22, 2013, to become the number one contender to Kaitlyn's [[WWE Divas Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70167.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/22 (Third Hour)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426003739/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70167.shtml|archive-date=April 26, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=April 22, 2013|access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> Kaitlyn soon began a storyline where she received gifts from a secret admirer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70288.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/29 (Hour 2)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531152333/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70288.shtml|archive-date=May 31, 2013|url-status=live|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=April 29, 2013|access-date=September 19, 2014}}</ref> On June 10, after setting up Langston to pose as the admirer, AJ revealed it to be a mind game, berated Kaitlyn and left her in tears.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stephens|first=David|title=WWE Raw Results – 6/10/13|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/41984-wwe-raw-results-6-10-13-six-days-until-payback|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616023820/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/41984-wwe-raw-results-6-10-13-six-days-until-payback|archive-date=June 16, 2013|url-status=live|website=Wrestleview|date=June 10, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> Six days later at [[Payback (2013)|Payback]], AJ defeated Kaitlyn to capture her first Divas Championship.<ref name=DivasTitleWin>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|title=Complete WWE Payback PPV Coverage|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/78299/sheamus-vs-sandow-live-ongoing-wwe-payback-ppv-coverage.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114115251/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/78299/sheamus-vs-sandow-live-ongoing-wwe-payback-ppv-coverage.html|archive-date=January 14, 2014|url-status=live|website=PWInsider|date=June 16, 2013|access-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> While she continued to mock Kaitlyn,<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/24 (Hour 1)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71499.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627052633/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71499.shtml|archive-date=June 27, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=June 24, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 7/12|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71949.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809135510/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71949.shtml|archive-date=August 9, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=July 12, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> they participated in the first ever in-ring contract signing for a Divas Championship bout.<ref>{{cite web|title=The first-ever in-ring Divas Championship Match Contract Signing turned to chaos|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2013-07-12/results-26129809/page-6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925142318/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2013-07-12/results-26129809/page-6|archive-date=September 25, 2015|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=July 12, 2013|access-date=February 18, 2016|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At [[Money in the Bank (2013)|Money in the Bank]] on July 14, AJ won their rematch<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Results 7/14 (Hour 1)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71942.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718070326/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71942.shtml|archive-date=July 18, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=July 14, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> but later in the show caused Ziggler to lose his own rematch for the World Heavyweight Championship. She hit his opponent, Alberto Del Rio, with her title belt to protect him from further head injury, prompting a disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Results 7/14 (Hour 2): Ziggler vs. Del Rio for the World Title|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71943.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718064025/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71943.shtml|archive-date=July 18, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=July 14, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> Angered by her unwanted action, Ziggler ended their relationship. She exacted revenge by costing him another match, then attacked him with Langston.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/15 (Hour 1): Ziggler vs. Del Rio re-match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71982.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720000956/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71982.shtml|archive-date=July 20, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=July 15, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> On August 2, Langston was banned from attending her matches. However, AJ again retained the title from Kaitlyn, who was betrayed by [[Layla El|Layla]].<ref name="SD8/2/13">{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 8/2|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72447.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806161714/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72447.shtml|archive-date=August 6, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=August 2, 2013|access-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> Kaitlyn and Ziggler ultimately joined to defeat AJ and Langston in a [[mixed tag team match]] at [[SummerSlam (2013)|SummerSlam]] on August 18.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE SummerSlam PPV Results 8/18 (Hour 3)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72779.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822061736/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72779.shtml|archive-date=August 22, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=August 18, 2013|access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref>

On August 26, AJ interrupted the cast of ''[[Total Divas]]''{{Efn|The ''[[Total Divas]]'' cast consisted of [[Brie Bella]], [[Nikki Bella]], [[Naomi (wrestler)|Naomi]], [[Natalya Neidhart|Natalya]], [[Cameron (wrestler)|Cameron]], [[Eva Marie]], and [[JoJo Offerman]].<ref name="Shoot"/>}} during a post-match segment and insulted them.<ref name="Shoot">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/26 (Hour 2): A.J. "shoots" on Total Divas|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72956.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830143916/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72956.shtml|archive-date=August 30, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=August 26, 2013|access-date=December 6, 2013}}</ref> She later vowed to defeat every member of the cast,<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/43941-wwe-smackdown-results-9-20-13-11-on-3-gauntlet/|title=WWE SmackDown Results – 9/20/13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921083726/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/43941-wwe-smackdown-results-9-20-13-11-on-3-gauntlet/|archive-date=September 21, 2013|url-status=live|date=September 21, 2013|access-date=July 28, 2017|website=Wrestleview}}</ref> and enlisted Tamina Snuka as her bodyguard.<ref name="TaminaAlliance">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73606.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 9/27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002215913/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73606.shtml|archive-date=October 2, 2013|url-status=live|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=September 27, 2013|access-date=April 14, 2014|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> Throughout the remainder of the year, AJ successfully defended the championship against the trio of [[Brie Bella]], [[Naomi (wrestler)|Naomi]], and Natalya at [[Night of Champions (2013)|Night of Champions]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/43820-wwe-night-of-champions-ppv-results-9-15-13-orton-vs-bryan|title=WWE Night of Champions PPV Results – 9/15/13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917223915/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/43820-wwe-night-of-champions-ppv-results-9-15-13-orton-vs-bryan|archive-date=September 17, 2013|url-status=live|last=Martin|first=Adam|website=Wrestleview|date=September 15, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> Brie Bella at both [[Battleground (2013)|Battleground]] and [[Hell in a Cell (2013)|Hell in a Cell]],<ref name="BrieBattleground">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73741.shtml|title=Battleground PPV Results 10/6 (Hour 1)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010222951/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73741.shtml|archive-date=October 10, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=October 6, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74180.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE HIAC PPV Results (Hour 3)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029233136/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74180.shtml|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=October 27, 2013|access-date=April 12, 2014}}</ref> and Natalya at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2013)|TLC]].<ref name=TLC13>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=WWE TLC PPV Results – 12/15/13|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/45575-wwe-tlc-ppv-results-12-15-13-unification-main-event|website=Wrestleview|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216072302/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/45575-wwe-tlc-ppv-results-12-15-13-unification-main-event|archive-date=December 16, 2013|url-status=live|date=December 15, 2013|access-date=March 1, 2014}}</ref> She also captained a team at [[Survivor Series (2013)|Survivor Series]] in a traditional seven-on-seven [[elimination tag team match]] against the entire cast, which her team lost.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74737.shtml|title=WWE S. Series PPV Results 11/24 (Hour 2): Divas Survivor Series match|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128175955/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74737.shtml|archive-date=November 28, 2013|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=November 24, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref>

In January 2014, AJ became the longest-reigning Divas Champion at the time.<ref name="Longest">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_75747.shtml|title=WWE Newswire: A.J. sets record|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119222658/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_75747.shtml|archive-date=January 19, 2014|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=January 17, 2014|access-date=January 19, 2014}}</ref>{{Efn|She surpassed [[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]]'s 216-day reign set in July 2009 (recognized as 212 days by WWE).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/17173412|title=WWE Profile – Maryse|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311022139/http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/17173412|archive-date=March 11, 2018|url-status=live|date=August 11, 2016|access-date=March 11, 2018|website=[[ESPN~~]]|publisher=[[ESPN Internet Ventures~~]]}}</ref><ref name="Divas history">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-divas/longest-reigning-divas-champions|title=Nikki Bella and the 5 longest reigning Divas Champions|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714172757/http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-divas/longest-reigning-divas-champions|archive-date=July 14, 2017|url-status=live|date=January 14, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2018|publisher=WWE}}</ref>}} After fending off title contenders [[Cameron (wrestler)|Cameron]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_76705.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 2/28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303173548/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_76705.shtml|archive-date=March 3, 2014|url-status=live|date=February 28, 2014|access-date=May 27, 2015|last=Parks|first=Greg|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> and Natalya,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_76951.shtml|title=Parks' WWE Main Event Results 3/11 & 3/12: A.J. vs. Natalya for the Divas Title|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325191212/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_76951.shtml|archive-date=March 25, 2014|url-status=live|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=March 12, 2014|access-date=May 27, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> AJ renewed her on-screen rivalry with [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] General Manager Vickie Guerrero, who forced her to defend the Divas Championship in a 14-woman match at [[WrestleMania XXX]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_77225.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326055812/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_77225.shtml|archive-date=March 26, 2014|url-status=live|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 24, 2014|access-date=May 27, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> AJ won the match on April 6,<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_77522.shtml|title=WrestleMania 30 PPV Results (Hour 4): Divas Title|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410065347/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_77522.shtml|archive-date=April 10, 2014|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=April 6, 2014|access-date=April 14, 2014}}</ref> marking the first time the championship had been contested for at WWE's flagship event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/05/21582626.html|title=WrestleMania XXX: The Live Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528052453/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/05/21582626.html|archive-date=May 28, 2015|url-status=~~live~~dead|quote=Apparently this is the first time the Divas title has ever been defended on Mania.|access-date=May 27, 2015|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', AJ challenged the debuting [[Paige (wrestler)|Paige]] to an impromptu title match and was defeated, ending her then-record reign at 295 days.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_77571.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408211403/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_77571.shtml|archive-date=April 8, 2014|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=April 14, 2014}}</ref>{{Efn|[[Nikki Bella]] broke the record in September 2015, with a 301-day reign.<ref name="Divas history"/>}} Mendez was subsequently granted time off.<ref name=Hiatus>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/85042/aj-leewwe-update-sting-on-wwe-network-more-warrior-material-filmed-batista-and-more.html|title=AJ Lee—WWE Update|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418210433/http://pwinsider.com/article/85042/aj-leewwe-update-sting-on-wwe-network-more-warrior-material-filmed-batista-and-more.html|archive-date=April 18, 2014|url-status=live|website=PWInsider|date=April 16, 2014|access-date=April 17, 2014}}</ref>

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Upon her return on June 30, AJ switched to a face role and was no longer accompanied by Tamina. She challenged Paige to an impromptu rematch and won back the Divas Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/37752-wwe-raw-tv-report-for-an-eventful-show|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214032856/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/37752-wwe-raw-tv-report-for-an-eventful-show|archive-date=February 14, 2015|title=WWE Raw TV report for an eventful show|last=McCarron|first=Rob|date=June 30, 2014|access-date=September 26, 2015|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> They started pretending to be best friends in a [[facetious]] manner.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_79464.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714175914/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_79464.shtml|archive-date=July 14, 2014|url-status=live|date=July 7, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2017|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_79947.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 8/1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810153008/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_79947.shtml|archive-date=August 10, 2014|url-status=live|date=August 1, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2017|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> When AJ retained the title from Paige at [[Battleground (2014)|Battleground]],<ref name="Battleground 2014">{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-battleground-ppv-2014/49707-wwe-battleground-ppv-results-7-20-14-live-from-tampa|title=WWE Battleground PPV Results – 7/20/14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727000708/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-battleground-ppv-2014/49707-wwe-battleground-ppv-results-7-20-14-live-from-tampa|archive-date=July 27, 2014|url-status=live|website=Wrestleview|date=July 20, 2014|access-date=November 11, 2014}}</ref> their act escalated into unprovoked attacks.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_79722.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728231719/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_79722.shtml|archive-date=July 28, 2014|url-status=live|date=July 21, 2014|access-date=August 11, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/49844-wwe-raw-results-7-28-14-live-results-from-houston/|title=WWE Raw Results – 7/28/14 (New matches for SummerSlam)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801003740/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/49844-wwe-raw-results-7-28-14-live-results-from-houston/|archive-date=August 1, 2014|url-status=live|date=July 29, 2014|access-date=August 11, 2017|website=Wrestleview}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2014)|SummerSlam]] on August 17, AJ lost the championship to Paige.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE SummerSlam PPV Results 8/17|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80257.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819082244/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80257.shtml|archive-date=August 19, 2014|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=August 17, 2014|access-date=August 17, 2014}}</ref> Their storyline was then intertwined with that of [[Nikki Bella|Nikki]] and Brie Bella, at the behest of [[Stephanie McMahon]], who granted Nikki a championship opportunity.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/50510-wwe-raw-results-9-1-14-live-results-from-des-moines/|title=WWE Raw Results – 9/1/14 (Six Man Tag Team Main Event)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903122427/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/50510-wwe-raw-results-9-1-14-live-results-from-des-moines/|archive-date=September 3, 2014|url-status=live|date=September 2, 2014|access-date=August 2, 2017|website=Wrestleview}}</ref> A triple threat match ensued at [[Night of Champions (2014)|Night of Champions]] on September 21, where AJ became a record-tying three-time Divas Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80844.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE NOC PPV Report 9/21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924044919/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80844.shtml|archive-date=September 24, 2014|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|access-date=September 21, 2014|date=September 21, 2014}}</ref><ref name="3Time"/>{{Efn|name=Tie}} Her feud against Paige concluded with a victory at [[Hell in a Cell (2014)|Hell in a Cell]] in October.<ref name="HIAC 2014">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_81466.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE HIAC PPV Report 10/26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027035209/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_81466.shtml|archive-date=October 27, 2014|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=October 26, 2014|access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> She changed focus to Nikki Bella, whose sister, Brie, was involved as her "personal assistant".<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_81616.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104113401/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_81616.shtml|archive-date=November 4, 2014|url-status=live|date=November 3, 2014|access-date=August 3, 2017|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref> AJ quickly lost the championship to Nikki at [[Survivor Series (2014)|Survivor Series]] on November 23, due to a distraction by Brie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_81932.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE S. Series PPV Results 11/23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126142750/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_81932.shtml|archive-date=November 26, 2014|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=November 23, 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=November 23, 2014}}</ref> After losing the rematch at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs (2014)|TLC]] the following month,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_82280.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE TLC PPV Report 12/14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215063101/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_82280.shtml|archive-date=December 15, 2014|url-status=live|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=December 14, 2014|access-date=December 14, 2014}}</ref> Mendez took time off to heal a pre-existing neck injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82708.shtml|title=A.J. Lee address injury status|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112225904/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82708.shtml|archive-date=January 12, 2015|url-status=live|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 10, 2015|access-date=January 10, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref>

In February 2015, Mendez criticized WWE's treatment of its female wrestlers, stating they receive only a fraction of the wages and screen time of their male counterparts despite having generated record-selling merchandise and several top-[[Nielsen ratings|rated]] segments. Her comments addressed WWE executive Stephanie McMahon, who thanked her for the public statement. WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon acknowledged the issue.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://time.com/3721801/wwe-divas-aj-lee/|title=Patricia Arquette's Oscars Speech Inspired This Female Wrestler to Speak Out|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123114841/http://time.com/3721801/wwe-divas-aj-lee/|archive-date=January 23, 2016|url-status=live|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time~~]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.~~]]|last=Freeney|first=Nolan|date=February 25, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marieclaire.com/culture/news/a13494/this-badass-pro-wrestler-used-patricia-arquettes-oscar-speech-to-fight-for-equal-pay/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226080005/http://www.marieclaire.com/culture/news/a13494/this-badass-pro-wrestler-used-patricia-arquettes-oscar-speech-to-fight-for-equal-pay/|archive-date=February 26, 2015|url-status=live|title=Awesome Pro Wrestler Makes a Stand for Equal Pay|last=Friedman|first=Megan|date=February 25, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2017|work=[[Marie Claire~~]]|publisher=[[Hearst Communications~~]]}}</ref>

AJ returned on the March 2 episode of ''Raw'', saving her former rival Paige from an attack by Nikki and Brie Bella.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_83632.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304115149/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_83632.shtml|archive-date=March 4, 2015|url-status=live|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=March 2, 2015|access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> AJ and Paige allied together to defeat the Bella Twins at [[WrestleMania 31]] on March 29.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84175.shtml|title=Caldwell's WM31 PPV Results 3/29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331225800/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84175.shtml|archive-date=March 31, 2015|url-status=live|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=March 29, 2015|access-date=March 30, 2015}}</ref> A six-woman tag team match the next night on ''Raw'' wound up being her final match, as WWE announced her retirement from in-ring competition on April 3.<ref name="FS retired">{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/wwe-diva-cm-punkaj-lee-retires-from-in-ring-competition-040315|title=WWE Diva AJ Lee retires from in-ring competition|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405232759/http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/wwe-diva-cm-punkaj-lee-retires-from-in-ring-competition-040315|archive-date=April 5, 2015|url-status=live|date=April 3, 2015|access-date=July 3, 2015|website=[[~~Foxsports~~FoxSports.com~~]]|publisher=[[Fox Sports Interactive Media~~]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/aj-lee-retires-from-wwe|title=AJ Lee retires from WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406161921/http://www.wwe.com/inside/aj-lee-retires-from-wwe|archive-date=April 6, 2015|url-status=live|publisher=WWE|date=April 3, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2017}}</ref> In [[#Writing and advocacy|her memoir]], Mendez said permanent damage to her [[Cervical vertebrae|cervical spine]] and the fulfillment of her goals led to the decision. She had also "felt caught in the middle" between WWE and her husband [[CM Punk]] following [[CM Punk#~~First~~Initial retirement (2014)|his controversial departure]] in January 2014 but continued to wrestle for as long as she could.{{sfn|Mendez Brooks|2017|loc=chpt. 14}}

=== Women of Wrestling (2021–2023) ===

[[File:WOW - Women Of Wrestling Press Launch October 2021.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|From left to right, WOW executive producer [[Jeanie Buss]], ViacomCBS Global Distribution president Dan Cohen, Mendez, and WOW founder [[David McLane]]]]

After six years away from the wrestling industry, Mendez joined the [[Women of Wrestling|WOW – Women of Wrestling]] promotion as an executive producer in October 2021, serving alongside [[Jeanie Buss]]. This announcement coincided with WOW entering into a multi-year distribution agreement with [[ViacomCBS]], the biggest distribution opportunity in the U.S. and abroad in the history of women's professional wrestling.<ref>{{cite web|last=Defelice|first=Robert|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wow-superheroes-set-2022-return-aj-lee-serve-executive-producer|title=WOW Superheroes Set For 2022 Return, AJ Lee To Serve As Executive Producer|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|website=Fightful}}</ref> ~~Since~~Beginning in September 2022, Mendez ~~has~~ provided color commentary for WOW's [[Broadcast syndication|syndicated]] weekly television program.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Kirschenbaum|first=Alex|url=https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/jeanie-buss-looking-to-wow-this-weekend-ak1987|title=Lakers News: Jeanie Buss Hoping To WOW This Weekend|date=September 13, 2022|access-date=September 19, 2022|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated~~|publisher=The Arena Group~~]]}}</ref> OnBy August 6, 2023, Mendez ~~announced that~~said she ~~left~~would be departing WOW at the end of ~~the~~her season-long contract.<ref>{{~~cite~~Cite ~~magazine~~web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=AJ Lee (AJ Mendez) Says Her Season-Long Contract With WOW Is Winding Down|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aj-lee-says-her-season-long-contract-wow-winding-down~~|title=AJ Lee (AJ Mendez) Says Her Season-Long Contract With WOW Is Winding Down~~|date=August 6, 2023|access-date=~~August~~November 623, 2023|~~publisher~~website=Fightful}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling persona ==

[[File:AJ Lee Black Widow NoC.jpg|thumb|upright|AJ performing her finishing maneuver, the "Black Widow", on [[Paige (wrestler)|Paige]]]]

Mendez's character is prominently associated with her mentally unstable [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] used during her time in WWE.<ref name="ESPN"/><ref name="Fox 2017"/><ref name="WWE signing"/> This persona, labeled the "crazy chick",<ref name="WTTW"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Truitt|first=Brian|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/story/2012-07-18/wwe-monday-night-raw-1000-shows/56423082/1|title=WWE's 'Monday Night Raw' packs 1,000 episodes under its belt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723070717/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/story/2012-07-18/wwe-monday-night-raw-1000-shows/56423082/1|archive-date=July 23, 2012|date=July 22, 2012|access-date=February 7, 2018|work=[[USA Today~~]]|publisher=[[Gannett Company~~]]}}</ref> caused Mendez to feel that she "was hiding in plain sight" due to her bipolar disorder.<ref name="WTTW"/> Her diagnosis was not publicly disclosed until the publicity for her memoir,<ref>{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Scarlett|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/05/aj-lees-memoir-and-wrestlings-handling-of-mental-i.html|title=AJ Lee's Memoir and Wrestling's Handling of Mental Illness|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629074338/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/05/aj-lees-memoir-and-wrestlings-handling-of-mental-i.html|archive-date=June 29, 2018|url-status=live|date=May 9, 2017|access-date=July 7, 2018|work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]~~|publisher=Paste Media Group~~}}</ref> nor was WWE aware of her condition.<ref name="SI 2018"/>

The "Lee" in her ring name was derived from [[Wendee Lee]], a voice actress in her favorite [[anime]], ''[[Cowboy Bebop]]''.{{sfn|Mendez Brooks|2017|page=180}} She wore various ring attire styles throughout her career, but settled on a T-shirt, jean shorts, and [[Chuck Taylor All-Stars]], as it reflected her practical style.<ref name="WWAC Interview">{{cite web|last=Napier|first=Claire|url=http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/11/02/oh-my-shiranui-aj-brooks-talks-grappling-costumes-video-games/|title=Oh My, Shiranui! AJ Brooks Talks Grappling, Costumes, & Video Games|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102233119/http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/11/02/oh-my-shiranui-aj-brooks-talks-grappling-costumes-video-games/|archive-date=November 2, 2015|url-status=live|date=November 2, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2018|website=Womenwriteaboutcomics.com}}</ref> She also wanted her look to be distinctive and easily replicated for [[cosplay]].<ref name="WWAC Interview"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Fowler|first=Matt|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/23/aj-lee-wishes-she-could-fight-inside-hell-in-a-cell?page=2|title=AJ Lee wishes she could fight inside Hell in a Cell|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026061406/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/23/aj-lee-wishes-she-could-fight-inside-hell-in-a-cell?page=2|archive-date=October 26, 2014|url-status=live|website=[[IGN~~]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis~~]]|date=October 23, 2014|access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref> When performing, she [[Gait (human)#Skip|skipped]] as she entered ringside,<ref name="Fox 2017"/><ref name="ESPN '13">{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Jon|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/playbook/tech/post/_/id/2687/aj-lee-first-sees-cyber-self-in-wwe-13|title=AJ Lee first sees cyber self in 'WWE 13'|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707091824/http://www.espn.com/blog/playbook/tech/post/_/id/2687/aj-lee-first-sees-cyber-self-in-wwe-13|archive-date=July 7, 2018|url-status=live|date=October 17, 2012|access-date=July 7, 2018|website=[[ESPN~~]]|publisher=[[ESPN Internet Ventures~~]]}}</ref> and sometimes used it to taunt an opponent during a match.<ref name="HIAC 2014"/> She primarily performed the [[octopus hold]] submission as her finishing maneuver,<ref name=BlackWidow>{{cite web|last=Wortman|first=James|title=The spider's bite: AJ Lee on her excruciating 'Black Widow' submission move|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-05-13/aj-lee-black-widow-submission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307221817/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-05-13/aj-lee-black-widow-submission|archive-date=March 7, 2016|url-status=live|publisher=WWE|date=May 15, 2013|access-date=February 18, 2016}}</ref> named "Black Widow" in reference to the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Black Widow (Natasha Romanova)|character]].<ref name="Comicbook.com interview"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Garris|first=Blake|url=https://news.marvel.com/comics/23528/fightin_fangirls_aj_lee/|title=Fightin' Fangirls: AJ Lee|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321171442/https://news.marvel.com/comics/23528/fightin_fangirls_aj_lee/|archive-date=March 21, 2017|url-status=dead|date=October 24, 2014|access-date=June 28, 2018|publisher=[[Marvel Entertainment]]}}</ref>

=== Other wrestling media ===

In 2012, Mendez became the first female winner of WWE's annual Superstar Challenge video game tournament, where sixteen wrestlers competed in ''[[WWE '12]]'' at WrestleMania XXVIII [[WrestleMania Axxess|Axxess]].<ref name="Trentonian"/><ref name="ESPNTech">{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Jon|url=~~http~~https://~~espn~~www.goespn.com/blog/playbook/tech/post/_/id/1553/aj-lee-talks-video-games-wwe|title=AJ Lee talks video games, pro wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221915/http://www.espn.com/blog/playbook/tech/post/_/id/1553/aj-lee-talks-video-games-wwe|archive-date=August 5, 2017|url-status=live|date=August 9, 2012|access-date=August 6, 2017|website=[[ESPN~~]]|publisher=[[ESPN Internet Ventures~~]]}}</ref> This is recognized by ''[[Guinness World Records]]'', as part of their ''[[Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition|Gamer's Edition]]''.<ref>For the record itself, see {{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/117283-first-female-wwe-superstar-challenge-winner|title=First female WWE Superstar Challenge winner|access-date=March 2, 2018|work=[[Guinness World Records]]|date=March 30, 2012 ~~|publisher=[[Jim Pattison Group]]~~}}<br />For its inclusion in the gamer's edition, see {{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/gamers/preview/files/assets/basic-html/page15.html|title=Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2015 – page 15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209061930/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/gamers/preview/files/assets/basic-html/page15.html|archive-date=February 9, 2015|access-date=March 2, 2018|work=[[Guinness World Records~~]]|publisher=[[Jim Pattison Group~~]]}}</ref> Her WWE character was portrayed by [[Thea Trinidad]] in the 2019 film ''[[Fighting with My Family]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldberg|first=Peter|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review-fighting-with-my-family-spins-an-unlikely-comedy-out-of-a-wrestlers-rise-to-fame/|title=Review: Fighting with My Family Spins Comedy Out of a Wrestler's Rise to Fame|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213080524/https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review-fighting-with-my-family-spins-an-unlikely-comedy-out-of-a-wrestlers-rise-to-fame/|archive-date=February 13, 2019|url-status=live|work=[[Slant Magazine]]}}</ref>

== Writing and advocacy ==

Mendez wrote ''Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules'', a [[memoir]] published by [[Crown Archetype]] on April 4, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/544612/crazy-is-my-superpower-by-aj-mendez-brooks/|title=Crazy Is My Superpower by A.J. Mendez Brooks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405063557/http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/544612/crazy-is-my-superpower-by-aj-mendez-brooks/|archive-date=April 5, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=April 14, 2017|publisher=[[Penguin Random House]]}}</ref> The book covers her upbringing and career in professional wrestling.<ref name="ESPN">{{cite web|last=Fiorvanti|first=Tim|url=http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/19077766/wwe-aj-mendez-brooks-childhood-struggle-poverty-experiences-mental-illness-wrestling-career|title=AJ Mendez Brooks writes about turning perceived flaws into strengths|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405154445/http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/19077766/wwe-aj-mendez-brooks-childhood-struggle-poverty-experiences-mental-illness-wrestling-career|archive-date=April 5, 2017|url-status=live|date=April 4, 2017|access-date=August 9, 2017|website=[[ESPN~~]]|publisher=[[ESPN Internet Ventures~~]]}}</ref> It debuted at No. 10 on [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''The New York Times'' Best Seller list]] for [[hardcover]] non-fiction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2017/04/23/hardcover-nonfiction/|title=Hardcover Nonfiction|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805182125/https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2017/04/23/hardcover-nonfiction/|archive-date=August 5, 2017|url-status=live|date=April 23, 2017|access-date=June 27, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Upon release, she described writing as "very much the next chapter" of her life, and had begun work on a second book.<ref name="ESPN" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Goldman|first=Eric|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/05/april-mendez-brooks-on-her-candid-new-book-and-her-days-as-wwes-aj-lee?page=3|title=April Mendez Brooks on her candid new book and her days as WWE's AJ Lee|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405024700/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/05/april-mendez-brooks-on-her-candid-new-book-and-her-days-as-wwes-aj-lee?page=3|archive-date=April 5, 2017|url-status=live|date=April 4, 2017|access-date=August 19, 2017|website=[[IGN~~]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis~~]]}}</ref>

Mendez formed a writing partnership with actress [[Aimee Garcia]] in 2019. Their first project was the [[comic book]] series ''GLOW vs. The Babyface'', based on the television series ''[[GLOW (TV series)|GLOW]]''; the first of four issues was published by [[IDW Publishing]] in November 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=McMillan|first=Graeme|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/glow-comic-returns-at-idw-new-actor-wrestler-tag-team-writing-duo-1232835|title='GLOW' Comic Returns With Actor/Wrestler Tag-Team Writing Duo|date=August 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819180147/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/glow-comic-returns-at-idw-new-actor-wrestler-tag-team-writing-duo-1232835|archive-date=August 19, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=August 19, 2019|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> In 2020, they created the production company Scrappy Heart Productions, dedicated to elevating diverse voices through storytelling.<ref name="Scrappy Heart established">{{Cite web|last=Donnelly|first=Matt|date=July 23, 2020|title='Glow' Comic Authors Aimee Garcia, AJ Mendez Launch Scrappy Heart Productions|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/glow-aimee-garcia-aj-mendez-scrappy-heart-productions-1234714953/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727003447/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/glow-aimee-garcia-aj-mendez-scrappy-heart-productions-1234714953/|archive-date=July 27, 2020|access-date=April 17, 2021|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|language=en-US}}</ref> They wrote the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' four-issue [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]] ''[[Dungeons & Dragons (IDW Publishing)#At the Spine of the World|At the Spine of the World]]''; the first issue was published by IDW in November 2020.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|last=Spry|first=Jeff|date=November 9, 2020|title=Endless winter strikes Icewind Dale in IDW's new Dungeons & Dragons miniseries|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/idws-publishing%27s-new-dungeons-dragons-miniseries|access-date=March 31, 2021|website=[[Syfy Wire]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Dominguez|first=Noah|url=https://www.cbr.com/aimee-garcia-former-wrestler-aj-lee-tag-team-on-dungeons-dragons-comic/|title=Aimee Garcia, Former Wrestler AJ Lee Tag Team on Dungeons & Dragons Comic|date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620040855/https://www.cbr.com/aimee-garcia-former-wrestler-aj-lee-tag-team-on-dungeons-dragons-comic/|archive-date=June 20, 2020|url-status=live|work=[[Comic Book Resources]]|access-date=June 21, 2020}}</ref> Alongside John Swetman, they co-wrote the screenplay for the 2022 [[Netflix]] film ''[[Blade of the 47 Ronin]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=April 20, 2021|title='47 Ronin' Sequel Sets 'Lucifer's Aimee Garcia & NYT Bestselling Author AJ Mendez As Scribes|url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/aimee-garcia-aj-mendez-47-ronin-sequel-writers-1234740406/|access-date=April 22, 2021|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Blade47Ronin Variety" />

In 2020, Mendez made [[The Black List (survey)|the Black List]]'s inaugural Latinx TV list for her [[television pilot]] script, ''Home''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ramos|first=Dino-Ray|date=June 29, 2020|title=The Black List, Latin Tracking Board, NALIP, Remezcla And Untitled Latinx Project Unveil Inaugural Latinx TV List|url=https://deadline.com/2020/06/the-black-list-latin-tracking-board-nalip-remezcla-untitled-latinx-project-unveil-inaugural-latinx-tv-list-diversity-inclusion-representation-1202972696/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629235428/https://deadline.com/2020/06/the-black-list-latin-tracking-board-nalip-remezcla-untitled-latinx-project-unveil-inaugural-latinx-tv-list-diversity-inclusion-representation-1202972696/|archive-date=June 29, 2020|access-date=April 17, 2021|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|language=en-US}}</ref> In June 2021, she wrote a story in the first issue of [[DC Comics]]' ''Wonder Woman: Black and Gold'', an anthology mini-series celebrating [[Wonder Woman]]'s 80th anniversary.<ref name="WW Black and Gold">{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Benton|url=https://www.cbr.com/wonder-woman-black-and-gold-issue-1-comic-review/|title=Wonder Woman: Black and Gold #1 Is a Stunningly Epic Anthology|date=June 25, 2021|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref>

An advocate for mental health awareness and animal welfare,<ref name="SI 2018" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Hageman|first=William|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/pets/ct-pets-briefs-1019-20151021-story.html|title=Buy a T-shirt, help an animal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103646/http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/pets/ct-pets-briefs-1019-20151021-story.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live|work=[[Chicago Tribune~~]]|publisher=[[tronc~~]]|date=October 21, 2015|access-date=November 20, 2015}}</ref> Mendez has served as an [[Brand ambassador|ambassador]] for organizations such as the [[National Alliance on Mental Illness]] (NAMI), [[the Jed Foundation]],<ref name="Scrappy Heart established" /> and the [[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Strauss|first=Gerry|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/04/former-wwe-superstar-aj-mendez-brooks-talks-honest.html|title=Former WWE Superstar AJ Mendez Brooks Talks Honesty on Social Media, Spooning Her Mini-NES and Her New Book|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615203818/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/04/former-wwe-superstar-aj-mendez-brooks-talks-honest.html|archive-date=June 15, 2017|url-status=live|date=April 11, 2017|access-date=August 5, 2017|work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]~~|publisher=Paste Media Group~~}}</ref><ref name="ASPCA">{{cite web|url=http://www.aspca.org/blog/join-aspca-and-professional-wrestler-aj-lee-gettough-dog-fighting|title=Join the ASPCA and Professional Wrestler AJ Lee to #GetTough on Dog Fighting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411035919/http://www.aspca.org/blog/join-aspca-and-professional-wrestler-aj-lee-gettough-dog-fighting|archive-date=April 11, 2015|url-status=live|date=April 7, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2017|publisher=[[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]]}}</ref> In 2018, she was awarded with NAMI's Multicultural Outreach Award.<ref name="Scrappy Heart established" />

== Personal life ==

Mendez regards herself as a [[tomboy]]<ref name="Esquire"/> and has an interest in comic books, anime, and video games.<ref name="Homecoming"/><ref name="Marvel">{{cite web|last=Tello|first=Craig|url=http://marvel.com/news/comics/18321/fightin_fangirls_wwe_diva_aj|title=Fightin' Fangirls: WWE Diva AJ|date=March 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007060926/http://marvel.com/news/comics/18321/fightin_fangirls_wwe_diva_aj|archive-date=October 7, 2014|access-date=July 12, 2017|publisher=[[Marvel Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/redeye-scoobydoo-and-wwe-team-up-for-wrestlemania-mystery-20140328-photogallery.html|title=Scooby-Doo and WWE team up for "Wrestlemania Mystery"|access-date=April 15, 2017|work=[[RedEye]]|date=March 28, 2014 |publisher=[[Tribune Media]]}}</ref> She has the numerical date of her first WWE Divas Championship win tattooed in [[tally marks]] on the back of her neck.<ref name="Comicbook.com interview">{{cite web|last=Viscardi|first=James|url=http://comicbook.com/2014/10/24/wwes-aj-lee-on-hell-in-a-cell-her-batman-joker-rivalry-with-fell/|title=WWE's AJ Lee On Hell In A Cell & Her Batman/Joker Rivalry With Fellow WWE Diva Paige|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026162743/http://comicbook.com/2014/10/24/wwes-aj-lee-on-hell-in-a-cell-her-batman-joker-rivalry-with-fell/|archive-date=October 26, 2014|url-status=live|date=October 24, 2014|access-date=October 30, 2014|website=Comicbook.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2013-05-17/aj-talks-tattoo|title=AJ Lee's tattoo tribute to her Divas Championship win: photos|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916233804/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2013-05-17/aj-talks-tattoo|archive-date=September 16, 2013|url-status=live|publisher=WWE|access-date=September 16, 2013}}</ref>

Mendez married fellow professional wrestler Phil Brooks, better known as [[CM Punk]], on June 13, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Markazi|first=Arash|author-link=Arash Markazi|url=http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/17517856/ufc-203-cm-punk-inspiration-loss-mickey-gall|title=CM Punk should be an inspiration despite loss at UFC 203|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930092310/http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/17517856/ufc-203-cm-punk-inspiration-loss-mickey-gall|archive-date=September 30, 2016|url-status=live|website=[[ESPN~~]]|publisher=[[ESPN Internet Ventures~~]]|date=September 11, 2016|access-date=April 15, 2017}}</ref> They reside in [[Chicago|Chicago, Illinois]].<ref name="WTTW" />

== Filmography ==

Line 138:

| AJ Lee (voice)

| [[Direct-to-video]] film

| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|last=Sands|first=Rich|url=http://www.tvguide.com/news/scooby-doo-wwe-1074640/|title=First Look: Scooby-Doo Teams Up With the Stars of WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304084110/http://www.tvguide.com/news/scooby-doo-wwe-1074640/|archive-date=March 4, 2015|url-status=live|date=December 12, 2013|access-date=April 6, 2016~~|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]~~|work=[[TV Guide]]}}</ref>

! scope="row"| 2015

Line 144:

| Trish

| ''[[Madden NFL 16]]'' promotional [[short film]]

| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_87083.shtml|title=Video: A.J. Lee featured in new "''Madden '16"'' movie trailer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823031331/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_87083.shtml|archive-date=August 23, 2015|url-status=live|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 21, 2015|access-date=August 21, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~}}</ref>

! scope="row"| 2016

Line 150:

| Herself

| Documentary [[mini-series]]

| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|last=Currier|first=Joseph|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ufc-news/video-evolution-punk-trailer-218321|title=Video: ''The Evolution of Punk'' Trailer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813004549/http://www.f4wonline.com/ufc-news/video-evolution-punk-trailer-218321|archive-date=August 13, 2016|url-status=live|date=August 9, 2016|access-date=August 10, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

! scope="row"| 2019

Line 156:

| Kira

| Film

| align="center"| <ref name="Starburst">{{cite web|last=Pollard|first=Andrew|url=https://www.starburstmagazine.com/shooting-now-way-soska-sisters-rabid-remake|title=Shooting Now Under Way on the Soska Sisters' ''Rabid'' Remake|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718230557/https://www.starburstmagazine.com/shooting-now-way-soska-sisters-rabid-remake|archive-date=July 18, 2018|url-status=live|date=July 18, 2018|access-date=July 18, 2018|work=[[Starburst (magazine)|Starburst]]}}</ref>

! scope="row"| 2022

Line 168:

| Elle Dorado

| Television series; recurring role (season 2)

| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|last=Haring|first=Bruce|title=''Heels'' Returns For Season 2, Sets Premiere Date With First-Look Photos|url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/heels-returns-for-season-2-sets-premiere-date-with-first-look-photos-1235364373/|date=May 11, 2023|access-date=May 12, 2023|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

! scope="row"| 2024

| ''[[Sacramento (film)|Sacramento]]''

| {{TBA}}

| Film

| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |title=Kristen Stewart Joins Michael Angarano, Michael Cera & Maya Erskine In Road-Trip Comedy ''Sacramento'' |url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/kristen-stewart-aj-mendez-maya-erskine-comedy-sacramento-1235322690/ |date=April 12, 2023 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

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* ''Wonder Woman: Black and Gold #1'': "Mother's Daughter", illustrated by Ming Doyle (co-feature, [[DC Comics]], June 2021)<ref name="WW Black and Gold" />

* ''Dungeons & Dragons: At the Spine of the World'', with Aimee Garcia, illustrated by Martin Coccolo and Katrina Mae Hao (IDW Publishing, July 2021, {{ISBN|978-1-68405-791-7}})

* ''Day of the Dead Girl'', with Aimee Garcia, illustrated by Belén Culebras (Magma Comix, October 2024)<ref name="Day of the Dead Girl July 2024">{{Cite web |last=Tardive |first=Ambrose |title=Exclusive: New Horror Series ''Day of the Dead Girl'' Celebrates Mexican Heritage With A 'Morbid, Magical Mystery' |url=https://screenrant.com/aj-mendez-aimee-garcia-horror-comic-series/ |date=July 19, 2024 |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref>

== Championships and accomplishments ==

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** [[World record]]: Most wins of the WWE Divas Championship (3 times) {{small|tied with [[Eve Torres]]}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Most wins of the World Wrestling Entertainment Divas Championship|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/421053-most-wins-of-the-world-wrestling-entertainment-divas-championship|work=[[Guinness World Records]]|date=September 21, 2014 |access-date=February 13, 2022}}</ref>

* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''

** [[PWI Woman of the Year|Woman of the Year]] (2012–2014)<ref name="PWI Awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|title=PWI Awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121172943/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|archive-date=January 21, 2016|url-status=live|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated~~]]|publisher=[[Kappa Publishing Group~~]]|access-date=November 28, 2016}}</ref>

** Ranked No. 2 of the top 50 female wrestlers in the [[PWI Female 50|''PWI'' Female 50]] in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-female-50/2014.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Female 50 for 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227100850/http://profightdb.com/pwi-female-50/2014.html|archive-date=December 27, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 22, 2014|website=Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>

* '''[[Women Superstars Uncensored]]'''

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** [[WWE Divas Championship]] ([[List of WWE Divas Champions#Reigns|3 times]])<ref name="3Time">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/divas/20140921-aj-lee|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801103811/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/divas/20140921-aj-lee|archive-date=August 1, 2015|title=AJ Lee's third reign|access-date=February 18, 2016|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

** [[Slammy Award]] (3 times)

*** [[WWE Diva|Diva]] of the Year ([[2012 Slammy Awards|2012]], [[2014 Slammy Awards|2014]])<ref name=TLC12/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_82171.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108094952/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_82171.shtml|archive-date=January 8, 2015|url-status=live|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=December 8, 2014|access-date=December 9, 2014}}</ref>

*** Kiss of the Year (2012) – with [[John Cena]]<ref name="BigESlammy">{{cite web|title=Raw news: "Big" NXT debut concludes Raw & Slammy winners|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_67320.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219150236/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_67320.shtml|archive-date=December 19, 2012|url-status=live|website=Pro Wrestling Torch~~|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.~~|date=December 17, 2012|access-date=March 4, 2014}}</ref>

== Notes ==

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== ~~Further reading~~Bibliography ==

* {{Cite book|last=Mendez Brooks|first=AJ|title=Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules|publisher=[[Crown Archetype]]|date=April 4, 2017|isbn=978-0451496669}}

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{{FCW Divas Championship}}▼

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[[Category:Professional wrestlers from New Jersey]]

[[Category:Professional wrestling authority figures]]

[[Category:~~Sportspeople~~Professional wrestlers from Chicago]]

[[Category:Sportspeople from Union City, New Jersey]]

[[Category:Tisch School of the Arts alumni]]