AJ Lee – Biography, Husband, Book & 2025 WWE Return

Few figures in professional wrestling have transitioned from in-ring competition to cultural influence as seamlessly as AJ Lee. Born April Jeanette Mendez, she rose to prominence in WWE during the early 2010s, capturing the WWE Divas Championship three times and holding the title for a combined reign of over 400 days. After retiring in 2015 due to a cervical spine injury, she stepped away from the spotlight—but remained a fixture in the public eye through her writing and advocacy.

In September 2025, she made a historic return to WWE, appearing on screen alongside her husband, CM Punk. That comeback, combined with her bestselling memoir and outspoken mental health advocacy, has renewed widespread interest in her life and career. Below, we answer the most common questions about AJ Lee, separating verified fact from persistent online confusion.

Who is AJ Lee’s husband? Is she married and does she have children?

Key Insights at a Glance

• AJ Lee is one of the most popular female wrestlers of the 2010s and returned to WWE in 2025 after a decade-long absence.
• She is also a New York Times bestselling author and mental health advocate, with her book Crazy Is My Superpower.
• There is frequent confusion between AJ Lee the wrestler and a singer of the same name; she is not a singer.
• Her husband is CM Punk (Phil Brooks), also a professional wrestler; they have no children.
• She is of Puerto Rican descent and has been open about her bipolar disorder and advocacy through NAMI.

Snapshot Facts

AJ Lee married fellow WWE star CM Punk (Phillip Jack Brooks) in a private ceremony on June 13, 2014. The couple began dating in August 2013 after meeting on-screen during a 2012 storyline. Lee is nine years younger than Punk, who was born on October 26, 1978. They split time between homes in Los Angeles, California, and Chicago, Illinois, and had a dog named Larry who died in 2025. Despite persistent rumors, the couple does not have children.

Did AJ Lee write a book? And is she a singer?

Crazy Is My Superpower — A Bestselling Memoir

Lee published her memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower, in 2017. The book details her family’s struggles with mental illness, drug addiction, and poverty, as well as her own diagnosis of bipolar disorder around age 20. She openly reveals that an overdose in her past was an attempted suicide and discusses her struggles with suicidal thoughts. The book became a New York Times bestseller and is widely credited with deepening her connection to fans beyond wrestling.

Addressing the Singer Confusion

A common point of confusion arises from a different public figure named AJ Lee who is a singer. The wrestler, April Jeanette Mendez, has never released music or pursued a professional singing career. All her creative work outside the ring centers on writing and screenwriting.

What is AJ Lee’s ethnicity and what was her early life like?

Puerto Rican Heritage and New Jersey Roots

AJ Lee was born in Union City, New Jersey, to a mother of Puerto Rican descent and a father of Irish and German ancestry. She has spoken extensively about growing up in poverty, with her parents sometimes spending rent money on alcohol.

A Challenging Childhood

Her childhood was marked by emotional trauma, drug addiction in her family, and her mother’s struggle with bipolar disorder. Lee has described experiencing a panic response to intimacy at age 19, rooted in her early environment. These experiences heavily shaped her worldview and later became central to her advocacy.

Where can I find AJ Lee on Instagram and other social media?

AJ Lee’s official and verified Instagram account is @theajmendez. She uses the platform to share personal updates, promote her advocacy work, and connect with fans. While she was previously active on Twitter, her primary social media presence is now on Instagram.

What is AJ Lee’s current status with WWE and recent career updates?

AJ Lee made a historic return to WWE in September 2025, appearing on screen for the first time in over a decade. Her return coincides with WWE’s increased focus on women’s wrestling and follows years of speculation from fans. While her in-ring status remains uncertain, the appearance marked her first involvement with WWE since her retirement in April 2015.

Career and Life Timeline

1. 1987: Born in Union City, New Jersey.
2. 2007: Began wrestling on the independent circuit.
3. 2009: Signed with WWE, debuted on NXT.
4. 2011–2015: Three-time Divas Champion, main roster success.
5. 2014: Married CM Punk.
6. 2015: Retired from in-ring competition due to cervical spine damage.
7. 2017: Published memoir Crazy Is My Superpower.
8. 2025: Returned to WWE in September.

Clarifying common confusions about AJ Lee

Several persistent misconceptions surround AJ Lee. Below, we separate established facts from information that remains unclear.

AJ Lee’s impact on wrestling and mental health advocacy

Renowned for her unpredictable character, exceptional promo skills, and signature skipping entrance, AJ Lee became a standout performer during a transformative era for women in WWE. Her lengthy championship reign helped elevate the Divas division and inspired a generation of female wrestlers.

Beyond the ring, Lee has become a powerful voice in mental health advocacy. Her partnership with NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and her candid discussions about her own bipolar diagnosis have made her a respected figure outside sports entertainment. Her 2025 WWE return signals a new chapter in a career defined by resilience and reinvention. For those interested in learning more about AJ Lee’s career and potential return, you can find detailed information at Roddy Piper’s cause of death and legacy.

Sources and key quotes

“I want to show the world that you can be mentally ill and still be a champion.”

AJ Lee, Crazy Is My Superpower book tour interview

“AJ Lee is a fierce competitor…”

WWE.com

Key sources include her official WWE Superstar profile, her Wikipedia entry, coverage from People magazine and USA Today detailing her 2025 return, and her verified Instagram account. Her advocacy work is supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Summary

AJ Lee remains one of wrestling’s most compelling figures: a three-time WWE Divas Champion, a New York Times bestselling author, a dedicated mental health advocate, and the wife of fellow superstar CM Punk. After a decade away, her return in September 2025 has reignited interest in her multifaceted career. As she steps back into the WWE spotlight, her story continues to evolve. For more on other notable figures in combat sports, see our guide on the UFC Fighter – Complete Guide to Rankings, Full Roster & Events 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions