The Unseen Chapters: 5 Major Life Secrets Of AJ Lee Since Leaving WWE

The curiosity surrounding the life of former WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee, whose real name is April Jeanette Mendez, has never truly waned, especially with her recent, monumental return to the spotlight. This article, updated for December 17, 2025, dives deep into the major life events, career pivots, and shocking professional wrestling developments that have defined her journey since her initial departure from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2015.

Her story is one of incredible resilience, transitioning from a beloved, groundbreaking WWE Superstar to a *New York Times* bestselling author and successful Hollywood writer. The biggest headline, however, is the one that has broken the internet: her highly-anticipated return to WWE, which officially kicked off a new chapter in her storied career, proving that her impact on the wrestling world is far from over.

AJ Lee: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

April Jeanette Mendez, known professionally as AJ Lee, has built a legacy that transcends the wrestling ring. Her career is marked by athletic success, groundbreaking mental health advocacy, and a surprising foray into the world of literature and comic books.

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• Full Name: April Jeanette Mendez (née Hutter)
• Ring Name: AJ Lee
• Born: March 19, 1987 (Age 38 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Union City, New Jersey, U.S.
• Spouse: Phil Brooks (CM Punk) (m. 2014)
• WWE Debut: 2009 (Florida Championship Wrestling/FCW)
• Main Roster Debut: 2011
• Initial WWE Retirement: April 3, 2015
• Shock WWE Return: September 5, 2025, on *SmackDown*
• Key WWE Accomplishments: Three-time WWE Divas Champion (holding the record for the longest reign at the time), 2012 Slammy Award for Diva of the Year.
• Post-Wrestling Career: *New York Times* Bestselling Author, Comic Book Writer, Screenwriter.
• Memoir: *Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules* (2017).
• Mental Health Advocacy: Spokesperson for organizations promoting mental health awareness, discussing her diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

The Shocking WWE Return: A Decade in the Making

For over ten years, the question "Will AJ Lee ever return to WWE?" was a constant topic of speculation among the WWE Universe. Her initial retirement in 2015, shortly after her husband CM Punk's contentious departure from the company, seemed final. However, in a twist that stunned the wrestling world, April Jeanette Mendez made her dramatic return in September 2025.

The comeback was not just a one-off appearance; it was a high-profile, integrated storyline. AJ Lee appeared on *Friday Night SmackDown* on September 5, 2025, to confront Becky Lynch, who had been involved in a heated feud with her husband, CM Punk.

The segment immediately set the stage for a massive, real-life couple vs. couple tag team match: CM Punk and AJ Lee against Seth Rollins and "The Man" Becky Lynch. This booking decision instantly elevated the women's division and brought back a level of star power many believed was lost forever. Sources indicate her return is for a more extended run, not just a single event, making this one of the most significant WWE returns of the decade.

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The emotional weight of her return, which she herself called "scary" but "surreal," resonated deeply with fans who had followed her career and her subsequent work in mental health advocacy.

From Ring Ropes to Bestselling Prose: The Literary and Comic Book Career

The period between her 2015 retirement and her 2025 return saw AJ Lee, now professionally known as A.J. Mendez, forge a completely new and successful creative career. She proved that her charisma and storytelling ability were not limited to the wrestling ring but extended powerfully into the literary world.

The Impact of *Crazy Is My Superpower*

In 2017, Mendez published her memoir, *Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules*. The book became a *New York Times* Bestseller, cementing her status as a serious author.

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The memoir’s core theme is her lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder, a diagnosis she received at the age of 19. Mendez used the book as a platform to share her raw, honest journey, advocating for mental health awareness and destigmatization. She beautifully articulated how embracing her diagnosis ultimately gave her strength and made her the resilient person she is today.

A Career as a Comic Book Writer and Screenwriter

Following her literary success, Mendez transitioned into the world of comic book writing and screenwriting, often working in partnership with actress Aimee Garcia. This pivot was a natural extension of her love for pop culture and narrative.

Her writing credits are impressive and varied, showcasing her versatility:

• DC Comics: She has contributed her writing talents to major titles, including the iconic *Wonder Woman* series.
• Graphic Novels: She is the co-writer of the original graphic novel *Day of the Dead Girl*.
• Screenwriting: Mendez and Garcia co-wrote the screenplay for the 2022 Netflix action film *Blade of the 47 Ronin*, a sequel to the 2013 film.
• Anime/Film Projects: She has also revealed that she and Garcia are working on a movie project for the studio behind the legendary *Dragon Ball Z* anime, further expanding her creative reach into new media.

This extensive body of work demonstrates that A.J. Mendez's career is defined by more than just her time as a wrestler; she is a multifaceted creative force whose influence spans professional sports, literature, and Hollywood.