Introduction
April Jeanette “AJ” Mendez, better known as AJ Lee, was a dominant force in WWE’s Divas Division throughout the early 2010s. A three-time WWE Divas Champion with a record-tying reign of over 406 days, she was celebrated for her charisma, storytelling, and role in elevating women’s wrestling. However, in April 2015, at the height of her popularity, she shocked the wrestling world with her unexpected retirement after her final match on March 30, 2015. This article explores the reasons behind her retirement, details of her final match, and the swirling rumors surrounding her potential return. AJ Lee retirement.
1. The Final Match: A Farewell in the Spotlight
AJ Lee’s final appearance came on Monday Night Raw, the night after WrestleMania 31. On March 30, 2015, she teamed with Naomi and Paige to defeat The Bella Twins and Natalya in a six-woman tag match. The night before, at WrestleMania 31, AJ and Paige also triumphed over the Bella Twins, marking a fitting curtain call.
WWE officially confirmed her retirement on April 3, 2015, just days after her final match, stating that AJ Lee (April Mendez) has decided to retire from in-ring competition.
2. Why Did She Retire? The Real Reasons Unveiled
a) Physical Health & Cervical Spine Damage
Arguably the most significant factor in her retirement was permanent damage to her cervical spine. AJ herself cited this in her memoir, highlighting how serious neck injuries made continued competition unsustainable. Multiple sources note she had three herniated discs from years in the ring, and wrestlers like Saraya had to protect her during matches.
b) Fulfillment of Career Goals
AJ expressed that she felt she had accomplished everything she set out to achieve in WWE. With multiple championship reigns, groundbreaking storylines (e.g., as Raw General Manager and high-profile feuds), she had reached a personal sense of completeness.
c) CM Punk’s Fallout with WWE
Another narrative suggested her retirement was influenced by her husband CM Punk’s strained relationship with WWE. Punk had left the company amid controversy and legal disputes (notably suing WWE’s Dr. Chris Amann), which reportedly created an awkward environment for AJ within the company. However, AJ herself emphasized physical health as the primary reason and downplayed this as speculation.
d) Frustration with Women’s Representation in WWE
She was vocal about her frustration with how WWE treated its female talent, citing limited TV time and lack of meaningful storylines compared to male counterparts—even when female merchandise, segments, and popularity were strong.
Summary Table
| Factor | Impact on Retirement |
|---|---|
| Cervical spine injuries | Primary and medically decisive |
| Career fulfillment | Feeling accomplished |
| CM Punk’s WWE conflict | Possible but secondary |
| Treatment of women in WWE | Contributed to dissatisfaction |
3. Life Post-Wrestling
After leaving the ring, AJ Lee—now often referred to as AJ Mendez—chose a new path:
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She became a New York Times bestselling author, penning the memoir Crazy Is My Superpower in 2017.
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She launched a career in the creative industry, co-founding Scrappy Heart Productions, producing comic projects, short films, and working on Women of Wrestling in a production capacity.
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She ventured into acting, appearing in the drama series Heels and the comedy film Sacramento (premiered at Tribeca, 2024).
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She is an outspoken mental health advocate and animal welfare supporter (e.g., ASPCA ambassador).
4. Rumors & Comeback Speculation
Over the years, speculation around an AJ Lee return persisted:
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Fans hoped for a Royal Rumble surprise return in 2025, which didn’t come to pass.
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A live event in Manchester featuring Roxanne Perez attacking CM Punk reignited hopes, with speculation of AJ returning to face Perez—but insiders consider the odds extremely low.
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CM Punk, when asked, tempered expectations: “It’s a workload thing for her… if she wraps up some stuff… and has the time… she’ll let us know.”
Conclusion
AJ Lee’s retirement from WWE was far from an impulsive decision—it was deeply rooted in the well-being of her body, a sense of professional fulfillment, and challenges within the company’s creative environment. Her final match on March 30, 2015, followed by her retirement announcement on April 3, closed an iconic chapter in women’s wrestling.
Post-retirement, she reinvented her life—embracing roles as an author, producer, actress, and advocate. Although the whispers of a comeback surface occasionally, AJ seems content pursuing her passions beyond the squared circle. AJ Lee retirement.
FAQs
1. What was AJ Lee’s last match?
Her final match was a six-woman tag team bout on March 30, 2015, on Monday Night Raw, teaming with Paige and Naomi to beat The Bella Twins and Natalya.
2. When did AJ Lee officially retire?
WWE confirmed her retirement on April 3, 2015, just days after her final match.
3. Why did AJ Lee retire?
Primarily due to permanent cervical spine damage and a desire to preserve her health. She also felt she achieved her career goals, and frustrations with WWE’s treatment of female talent contributed.
4. Was her husband CM Punk’s fallout with WWE a factor?
It’s speculative. Some media cited the tension between CM Punk and WWE as a contributing factor. However, AJ herself emphasized injuries as the main reason.
5. Will AJ Lee return to WWE?
As of 2025, there is no official indication of a comeback. She remains happily retired, focused on her creative and advocacy work.
