AJ Lee: WWE Return, Personal Life, Kids, and Origins — The Complete Story

April Jeanette Mendez — better known to wrestling fans around the world as AJ Lee — is one of the most intriguing figures in modern professional wrestling. From her explosive rise in WWE’s women’s division to her surprising return after a decade in retirement, fans have many questions about her personal life, background, and current status in WWE. In this detailed profile, we’ll explore everything you need to know about AJ Lee — including whether she has kids, where she’s from, her WWE comeback, and more.

Who Is AJ Lee? A Quick Introduction

Born April 19, 1987, in Union City, New Jersey, USA, AJ Lee grew up with a passion for professional wrestling and a tenacious personality that eventually propelled her to the biggest stages in the industry. Her early years were marked by resilience as she battled financial struggles and family challenges — shaping her into the determined performer she would become.

AJ Lee made her WWE debut in 2009 and quickly became one of the most memorable and influential performers of her era. She was known for her iconic entrance, instant charisma, quick wit on the mic, and outstanding in-ring ability — all of which helped elevate her status with fans worldwide.

Over the course of her initial WWE run, AJ Lee captured the WWE Divas Championship three times — holding the title for over 400 combined days and cementing her legacy as a modern women’s wrestling star.

Where Is AJ Lee From? Childhood and Roots

AJ Lee is a proud native of Union City, New Jersey. Growing up as the youngest of three siblings, she developed a love for wrestling at a young age — watching Saturday night wrestling and idolizing the performers who shaped the industry.

Despite facing financial hardship in her family, AJ remained laser-focused on her goals. She briefly attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts to study film and television — a nod to her passion for storytelling — before eventually pursuing wrestling full time.

Her background outside of wrestling reveals layers beyond the ring — including her interest in writing, entertainment production, and mental health advocacy, all of which have become important parts of her life today.

Does AJ Lee Have Kids? The Truth About Her Personal Life

One of the most common questions fans have about AJ Lee is whether she has kids — and the answer is no, she does not have children.

AJ Lee is married to fellow professional wrestling star CM Punk (real name Phillip Jack Brooks). The couple married in June 2014 and have been happily together for over a decade.

While AJ and CM Punk do not have biological children of their own, they cherish their pets — especially their dog named Larry — whom they’ve often referred to as a “family member.”

In interviews and social posts, AJ has also talked affectionately about other wrestlers — young talents like Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade — whom she playfully refers to as her “wrestling daughters,” underscoring her strong influence within the women’s wrestling community.

So while she does not have kids in the traditional sense, AJ has cultivated a family-like bond within WWE’s locker room and beyond.

AJ Lee’s WWE Career: From Divas Champion to Fan Favorite

AJ Lee’s WWE career began with a rapid rise up the ranks. By the early 2010s, she was a central figure in WWE’s women’s division and one of the most popular performers worldwide.

Her greatest achievements during her first WWE run include:

• Three-time WWE Divas Champion

• Multiple long title reigns that helped elevate the status of women’s wrestling

• Memorable rivalries and storylines that showcased both her technical skill and charismatic personality

Her time in WWE also included being the General Manager of RAW, where she put her showmanship skills on full display.

However, after years of competing at a high level with relentless touring and aggressive matches, AJ Lee announced her retirement from professional wrestling in 2015 — citing physical toll and a desire to focus on her life beyond the ring.

AJ Lee’s Life After WWE: Writing, Production, and Creative Ventures

After stepping away from the ring, AJ Lee didn’t leave the entertainment world. Rather, she pivoted toward creative pursuits:

1. Bestselling Author

AJ released her memoir Crazy Is My Superpower in 2017 — a candid account of her wrestling journey, battles with depression and anxiety, and her rise from humble beginnings to wrestling stardom.

The book became a New York Times bestseller and remains a fan favorite for those wanting to know the real person behind the WWE persona.

2. Production and Creative Work

Beyond writing, AJ launched her own production company, Scrapyard Productions, focused on telling stories that reflect diverse voices and perspectives.

She has also moved into other entertainment mediums — including working on an anime movie project with a major Japanese animation studio, marking a fascinating expansion of her creative footprint.

These activities highlight how AJ Lee has reinvented herself beyond wrestling and established a passionate creative life outside of sports entertainment.

AJ Lee’s Big WWE Return — A Decade After Retirement

Perhaps the most exciting chapter in AJ Lee’s story came in 2025, when she made a surprise WWE comeback — ending a ten-year absence from the ring.

On the September 5, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, AJ returned in dramatic fashion, entered the arena to huge fan reaction, and sided with her husband, CM Punk, who was embroiled in a major rivalry with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.

This explosive return was instantly historic. It marked the first time fans had seen AJ inside a WWE arena in over 10 years, and the energy from the crowd reflected just how beloved she remains.

Her return match came at Wrestlepalooza 2025, where she teamed with Punk to defeat Rollins and Lynch in a thrilling mixed tag team match — immediately proving she hadn’t lost a step in her performance.

But she didn’t stop there.

2026 Comeback Milestone

In February 2026, AJ Lee competed in singles action at Elimination Chamber — marking her first solo championship match in over a decade. In front of her hometown crowd in Chicago, Illinois, she captured the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship, delivering one of the most emotional comeback moments in recent WWE history.

Commentators and fans alike described the moment as a full-circle victory — from her humble beginnings to retired champion and now a historic comeback champion.

Why Did AJ Lee Choose to Return to WWE?

AJ Lee has spoken openly about why she decided to return to the wrestling industry after such a long hiatus. According to interviews, a major motivating factor was being drawn into the ongoing on-screen storyline involving her husband and Becky Lynch — a challenge she couldn’t ignore.

In her words, the feud became personal — and that personal element, combined with her love for wrestling and the fervent support from fans, helped draw her out of retirement and back onto the WWE stage.

Returning wasn’t purely an athletic decision — it was deeply emotional and symbolic for a woman who changed the landscape of modern women’s wrestling.

The Impact of AJ Lee’s Return on WWE and the Fan Community

AJ Lee’s WWE return has had a ripple effect:

Reignited Fan Passion:
Her comeback generated massive buzz across social media, wrestling forums, and WWE digital platforms — often reaching millions of views within hours of her appearances.

Influence on Women’s Wrestling:
Newer generations of women wrestlers cite AJ as an inspiration — both for her in-ring work and her outspoken persona. Many current competitors acknowledge her impact on helping push WWE’s women’s division forward.

 Mental Health Advocacy:
AJ continues to use her platform to advocate for mental health awareness — a theme she has been vocal about since her memoir release.

Her return isn’t just nostalgic — it’s transformative, blending legacy with current relevance in a way few return storylines ever do.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does AJ Lee have kids?
No, AJ Lee does not have children. She and her husband CM Punk are pet lovers and consider their dogs family members.

Where is AJ Lee from?
AJ Lee was born and raised in Union City, New Jersey, USA.

When did AJ Lee return to WWE?
AJ Lee returned to WWE in September 2025 after more than a decade in retirement.

Did AJ Lee win a title upon her return?
Yes — she captured the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship in February 2026.

What is AJ Lee doing outside of WWE?
AJ Lee is an author, production company founder, and creative thinker — working on projects including an anime movie and other media ventures.

Conclusion

From her humble beginnings in New Jersey to becoming one of WWE’s most beloved stars, AJ Lee’s journey is a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and impact — both inside and outside the ring. While she doesn’t have children, her bond with the wrestling community feels family-like, and her return to WWE has reignited passion in fans of all ages.