Jump to content

AJ Lee

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from AJ Lee (wrestler))

AJ Lee
Photograph of AJ Lee
Lee in 2014
Born
April Jeanette Mendez

(1987-03-19) March 19, 1987 (age 37)
Occupations
  • Author
  • screenwriter
  • professional wrestler
Years active2007–present
Spouse
(m. 2014)
Ring name(s)
  • AJ[1]
  • AJ Lee
  • April Lee
  • Miss April
Billed height5 ft 2 in (157 cm)[2]
Billed weight115 lb (52 kg)[3]
Billed fromUnion City, New Jersey[2]
Trained by
Debut2007
RetiredApril 3, 2015
Signature
a.j.
Websitetheajmendez.com

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.

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 storylines with her "mentally unstable" character, such as high-profile relationships and a three-month stint as the General Manager of Raw. In subsequent years, she won the Divas Championship a record-tying three times[a] and held the title for an overall record of 406 days. She also won the Slammy Award for Diva of the Year in 2012 and 2014, and readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated voted her 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 New York Times Best Seller.

Early life

April Jeanette Mendez was born on March 19, 1987,[5] in Union City, New Jersey.[6] Her mother, Janet Acevedo, was a homemaker and later a home health aide, while her father, Robert Mendez, was an automotive engineer.[7] She is the youngest of three children,[7][8] and is of Puerto Rican descent.[9] In describing her childhood, Mendez said her family struggled with poverty, mental illness, and drug addiction.[10] They frequently moved between apartments, sometimes living in motels or their car when they could not afford rent.[9][11]

Her brother's interest in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) influenced her to become a professional wrestler.[12][13] With inspiration from WWE's female wrestlers, especially Lita,[14][15] she cemented her ambition at 12 years old.[12][13] In 2005, she graduated from Memorial High School in West New York, New Jersey.[11] She attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she majored in film and television production,[11][14] until family and financial issues led to her dropping out six months into her studies.[16] Afterward, she started working full-time to afford wrestling training.[16] As an homage to her brother, who was in the U.S. Army, she occasionally wore camouflage wrestling attire.[12][14]

Mendez was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition her mother also suffered from, around the age of 20.[17][18] She had previously experienced adverse effects from a misdiagnosis of depression, and overdosed on antidepressants and painkillers.[19] This event, which she considers a suicide attempt, caused her to seek proper treatment and the right diagnosis.[19] She credits the condition for giving her the bravery to achieve her goals.[10]

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.[14] Around late 2007,[14] she began to perform on the New Jersey independent circuit under the ring name Miss April.[20] She joined the New Jersey–based promotion Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU) in October 2008. After little success in her first months, Miss April formed a tag team with Brooke Carter, who together captured the WSU Tag Team Championship in February 2009. She also won the annual 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.[21]

World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE

Florida Championship Wrestling and NXT (2009–2011)

Mendez paid US$1,500 to attend a WWE tryout camp in May 2009, where she signed a contract.[22][23] She reported to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE's developmental territory,[22] and debuted under the ring name April Lee at a house show in late July.[21] Shortly thereafter, her name was changed to AJ Lee.[24] In February 2010, AJ defeated Serena Mancini to win the Queen of FCW title.[25] A few months later, AJ was eliminated from a tournament that determined the inaugural FCW Divas Champion;[21] she engaged in a feud with the winner, Naomi Knight, and her character became a heel (bad guy).[26] In November, AJ lost the Queen of FCW title to Rosa Mendes.[27] AJ then defeated Naomi for the FCW Divas Championship in December, which made her the first to win both titles available to FCW's female wrestlers.[27][28] She held the championship until April 2011, when she lost it to Aksana.[27]

AJ Lee holding a microphone addressing the crowd
AJ delivering a farewell speech after being eliminated from season three of NXT

While in FCW, Mendez took part in the third season of 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".[29][30] Primo was assigned as her "WWE Pro", the role of her mentor in the storyline.[29] She performed as a face (good guy) on the show[29] and WWE adapted her "nerd" fandom to her character.[31][32] Throughout the season, a relationship between AJ and Primo was teased,[33] with them ultimately kissing on the finale.[34] She also developed an on-screen friendship with fellow competitor, Kaitlyn.[35][36] On November 23, AJ was eliminated in third place.[37]

Various relationships and Raw General Manager (2011–2013)

AJ made her main roster debut on the May 27, 2011, episode of SmackDown as part of a tag team with Kaitlyn,[38] referring to themselves as "The Chickbusters".[31][39] Along with their mentor Natalya,[38] they feuded with the trio of Alicia Fox, Tamina Snuka, and Rosa Mendes for two months.[40][41][42][43] In late July, AJ began a brief storyline on NXT Redemption as the girlfriend of Hornswoggle[44] and feuded with Maxine.[45] Meanwhile, on SmackDown, she was attacked by Natalya, who turned on her protégé and allied with Beth Phoenix to form the Divas of Doom.[46] AJ and Kaitlyn repeatedly lost to the Divas of Doom over the following months,[47][48][49] upsetting Kaitlyn.[50][51]

By November 2011, AJ was placed in an on-screen romance with Daniel Bryan,[52] who won the World Heavyweight Championship the next month and developed heel traits.[53] Despite AJ's declaration of love for Bryan,[54] Bryan avoided saying he loved her in return.[55] 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.[56] She returned on February 3, preventing Bryan from being attacked by Big Show.[57] In March, Bryan started acting verbally abusive towards AJ but she stood by him.[58][59] At WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1, after sharing a "good luck kiss" with Bryan, he was surprised by Sheamus and defeated in 18 seconds.[60] Bryan blamed AJ for his loss of the World Heavyweight Championship and ended their relationship.[61] 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,[62][63][64] marking her character's transition to "mentally unstable".[65][66]

AJ turned her affections to Bryan's rival and WWE Champion CM Punk as well as Kane.[62][67][68] At 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.[69] As Bryan and Punk's feud progressed, AJ was announced as the special guest referee for their title match at Money in the Bank.[70] 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 Raw, she interfered in his match and shoved him, along with Bryan, through a ringside table.[71] After they made amends, she proposed to him but Bryan countered with a proposal of his own; Punk rejected her offer and she slapped both men.[72] 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.[73] The next night, Bryan proposed to her again and she accepted.[74]

During the exchange of vows at Raw 1000, AJ announced that WWE chairman Vince McMahon had offered her the job of Raw General Manager and left Bryan at the altar.[75] Her on-screen authority role began on July 30, where she alleged that Bryan only wanted the legal leverage to have her committed and forced him to undergo his own psychological evaluation.[76] AJ continued to exact revenge on both Bryan and Punk throughout her tenure, denying their requests and booking them in matches against their wishes.[76][77] On August 27 and September 24, she was involved in separate altercations with Vickie Guerrero and Paul Heyman, in which she attacked them.[78][79] AJ was reprimanded by the board of directors, and the two demanded the General Manager position for themselves, deeming her too childish.[80]

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.[81] Vickie Guerrero alleged that they had an affair and presented various material over the next month to support her claim.[82][83] AJ and Cena denied the accusations and eventually formed a relationship,[84][85] though Cena grew reluctant due to her behavior.[86] Meanwhile, Cena feuded with Vickie Guerrero's client, Dolph Ziggler, over Ziggler's Money in the Bank contract.[87] During their match at TLC on December 16, AJ turned heel by interfering and pushing Cena off a ladder, causing him to lose.[88] 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 disqualification after the debuting Big E Langston attacked Cena on her behalf.[89] Subsequently accompanied by Langston as her bodyguard,[90] she explained that Cena had "toyed with" her emotions and "broke her heart", so she helped Ziggler "break" him.[91]

In March 2013, AJ's storyline rivalry with ex-boyfriend Daniel Bryan was reignited when they traded insults backstage.[92] She and Langston assisted Ziggler in victories over Bryan and his tag team partner Kane,[93][94] which led to Ziggler and Langston losing to them in a WWE Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania 29 on April 7, despite her interference.[95] 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.[96]

Divas Champion and retirement (2013–2015)

AJ won a battle royal on April 22, 2013, to become the number one contender to Kaitlyn's WWE Divas Championship.[97] Kaitlyn soon began a storyline where she received gifts from a secret admirer.[98] 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.[99] Six days later at Payback, AJ defeated Kaitlyn to capture her first Divas Championship.[100] While she continued to mock Kaitlyn,[101][102] they participated in the first ever in-ring contract signing for a Divas Championship bout.[103] At Money in the Bank on July 14, AJ won their rematch[104] 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.[105] Angered by her unwanted action, Ziggler ended their relationship. She exacted revenge by costing him another match, then attacked him with Langston.[106] On August 2, Langston was banned from attending her matches. However, AJ again retained the title from Kaitlyn, who was betrayed by Layla.[107] Kaitlyn and Ziggler ultimately joined to defeat AJ and Langston in a mixed tag team match at SummerSlam on August 18.[108]

AJ Lee making her entrance
AJ, as the WWE Divas Champion, accompanied by her bodyguard Tamina Snuka in April 2014

On August 26, AJ interrupted the cast of Total Divas[b] during a post-match segment and insulted them.[109] She later vowed to defeat every member of the cast,[110] and enlisted Tamina Snuka as her bodyguard.[111] Throughout the remainder of the year, AJ successfully defended the championship against the trio of Brie Bella, Naomi, and Natalya at Night of Champions,[112] Brie Bella at both Battleground and Hell in a Cell,[113][114] and Natalya at TLC.[115] She also captained a team at Survivor Series in a traditional seven-on-seven elimination tag team match against the entire cast, which her team lost.[116]

In January 2014, AJ became the longest-reigning Divas Champion at the time.[117][c] After fending off title contenders Cameron[120] and Natalya,[121] AJ renewed her on-screen rivalry with SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero, who forced her to defend the Divas Championship in a 14-woman match at WrestleMania XXX.[122] AJ won the match on April 6,[123] marking the first time the championship had been contested for at WWE's flagship event.[124] The next night on Raw, AJ challenged the debuting Paige to an impromptu title match and was defeated, ending her then-record reign at 295 days.[125][d] Mendez was subsequently granted time off.[126]

AJ Lee standing in a wrestling ring with Paige
AJ Lee standing in a wrestling ring with Paige
AJ and Paige were rivals throughout 2014 (left) before they allied together in March 2015 (right).

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.[127] They started pretending to be best friends in a facetious manner.[128][129] When AJ retained the title from Paige at Battleground,[130] their act escalated into unprovoked attacks.[131][132] At SummerSlam on August 17, AJ lost the championship to Paige.[133] Their storyline was then intertwined with that of Nikki and Brie Bella, at the behest of Stephanie McMahon, who granted Nikki a championship opportunity.[134] A triple threat match ensued at Night of Champions on September 21, where AJ became a record-tying three-time Divas Champion.[135][4][a] Her feud against Paige concluded with a victory at Hell in a Cell in October.[136] She changed focus to Nikki Bella, whose sister, Brie, was involved as her "personal assistant".[137] AJ quickly lost the championship to Nikki at Survivor Series on November 23, due to a distraction by Brie.[138] After losing the rematch at TLC the following month,[139] Mendez took time off to heal a pre-existing neck injury.[140]

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-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.[141][142]

AJ returned on the March 2 episode of Raw, saving her former rival Paige from an attack by Nikki and Brie Bella.[143] AJ and Paige allied together to defeat the Bella Twins at WrestleMania 31 on March 29.[144] 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.[145][146] In her memoir, Mendez said permanent damage to her 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 his controversial departure in January 2014 but continued to wrestle for as long as she could.[147]

Women of Wrestling (2021–2023)

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 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.[148] Beginning in September 2022, Mendez provided color commentary for WOW's syndicated weekly television program.[149] By August 2023, Mendez said she would be departing WOW at the end of her season-long contract.[150]

Professional wrestling persona

AJ performing her finishing maneuver, the "Black Widow", on Paige

Mendez's character is prominently associated with her mentally unstable gimmick used during her time in WWE.[10][18][22] This persona, labeled the "crazy chick",[9][151] caused Mendez to feel that she "was hiding in plain sight" due to her bipolar disorder.[9] Her diagnosis was not publicly disclosed until the publicity for her memoir,[152] nor was WWE aware of her condition.[17]

The "Lee" in her ring name was derived from Wendee Lee, a voice actress in her favorite anime, Cowboy Bebop.[153] 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.[154] She also wanted her look to be distinctive and easily replicated for cosplay.[154][155] When performing, she skipped as she entered ringside,[18][156] and sometimes used it to taunt an opponent during a match.[136] She primarily performed the octopus hold submission as her finishing maneuver,[3] named "Black Widow" in reference to the Marvel Comics character.[157][158]

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 Axxess.[13][159] This is recognized by Guinness World Records, as part of their Gamer's Edition.[160] Her WWE character was portrayed by Thea Trinidad in the 2019 film Fighting with My Family.[161]

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.[162] The book covers her upbringing and career in professional wrestling.[10] It debuted at No. 10 on The New York Times Best Seller list for hardcover non-fiction.[163] Upon release, she described writing as "very much the next chapter" of her life, and had begun work on a second book.[10][164]

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; the first of four issues was published by IDW Publishing in November 2019.[165] In 2020, they created the production company Scrappy Heart Productions, dedicated to elevating diverse voices through storytelling.[166] They wrote the Dungeons & Dragons four-issue limited series At the Spine of the World; the first issue was published by IDW in November 2020.[167][168] Alongside John Swetman, they co-wrote the screenplay for the 2022 Netflix film Blade of the 47 Ronin.[169][170]

In 2020, Mendez made the Black List's inaugural Latinx TV list for her television pilot script, Home.[171] 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.[172]

An advocate for mental health awareness and animal welfare,[17][173] Mendez has served as an ambassador for organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Jed Foundation,[166] and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.[174][175] In 2018, she was awarded with NAMI's Multicultural Outreach Award.[166]

Personal life

Mendez regards herself as a tomboy[16] and has an interest in comic books, anime, and video games.[11][176][177] She has the numerical date of her first WWE Divas Championship win tattooed in tally marks on the back of her neck.[157][178]

Mendez married fellow professional wrestler Phil Brooks, better known as CM Punk, on June 13, 2014.[179] They reside in Chicago, Illinois.[9]

Filmography

Film and television work
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2014 Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery AJ Lee (voice) Direct-to-video film [180]
2015 Madden: The Movie Trish Madden NFL 16 promotional short film [181]
2016 The Evolution of Punk Herself Documentary mini-series [182]
2019 Rabid Kira Film [183]
2022 Blade of the 47 Ronin Film; co-written with John Swetman and Aimee Garcia [170]
2023 Heels Elle Dorado Television series; recurring role (season 2) [184]
2024 Sacramento TBA Film [185]

Bibliography

  • Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules (Crown Archetype, 2017, ISBN 9780451496669)
  • GLOW vs. The Babyface, with Aimee Garcia, illustrated by Hannah Templer (IDW Publishing, June 2020, ISBN 978-1684056309)
  • Wonder Woman: Black and Gold #1: "Mother's Daughter", illustrated by Ming Doyle (co-feature, DC Comics, June 2021)[172]
  • 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)[186]

Championships and accomplishments

AJ Lee holding the WWE Divas Championship in a wrestling ring
AJ won the WWE Divas Championship a record-tying three times[a] and held it for an overall record of 406 days.[187]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c She shares the record of three reigns with Eve Torres.[4]
  2. ^ The Total Divas cast consisted of Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Naomi, Natalya, Cameron, Eva Marie, and JoJo Offerman.[109]
  3. ^ She surpassed Maryse's 216-day reign set in July 2009 (recognized as 212 days by WWE).[118][119]
  4. ^ Nikki Bella broke the record in September 2015, with a 301-day reign.[119]

References

  1. ^ "AJ bio". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on February 24, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "AJ Lee bio". WWE. Archived from the original on April 6, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  3. ^ a b Wortman, James (May 15, 2013). "The spider's bite: AJ Lee on her excruciating 'Black Widow' submission move". WWE. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c "AJ Lee's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on August 1, 2015. Retrieved February 18, 2016.
  5. ^ "How old is WWE Divas Champion A.J. Lee?". ProWrestling.net. March 19, 2014. Archived from the original on April 27, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  6. ^ Johnson, Mike (April 6, 2015). "AJ Lee's exit leaves lots of questions – The question of her legacy will not be among them". PWInsider. Archived from the original on September 24, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  7. ^ a b Mendez Brooks 2017, pp. 24–27.
  8. ^ Wortman, James (April 4, 2013). "WrestleMania Diary: AJ Lee, Day 2". WWE. Archived from the original on April 6, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2016. her older siblings Robert and Erica
  9. ^ a b c d e Cardos, Nicole (April 11, 2017). "AJ Mendez Brooks' Memoir Tackles Mental Illness, Family Dysfunction". Chicago Tonight. WTTW. Archived from the original on April 14, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  10. ^ a b c d e Fiorvanti, Tim (April 4, 2017). "AJ Mendez Brooks writes about turning perceived flaws into strengths". ESPN. Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  11. ^ a b c d Monday, Michael (April 3, 2013). "WrestleMania 29: Homecoming for Jersey's tiny 'Diva' AJ Lee". The Star-Ledger. NJ.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  12. ^ a b c Teodoro, Nick (June 15, 2012). "AJ Lee, the WWE's 'Geek Goddess', talks triple-threat match and her NJ. homecoming". North Jersey Media Group. Archived from the original on June 17, 2012. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
  13. ^ a b c Sinclair, Samantha (October 16, 2012). "Jersey native A.J. Lee living the dream as WWE Raw GM". The Trentonian. Digital First Media. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  14. ^ a b c d e f "Miss April". G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling. April 10, 2009. Archived from the original on April 14, 2009. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  15. ^ Causey, James E. (August 25, 2012). "AJ Lee is the tiny titan of wrestling". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 21, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  16. ^ a b c Pierce, Scott (August 20, 2012). "Q&A: AJ Lee, WWE Superheroine". Esquire. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  17. ^ a b c Barrasso, Justin (May 4, 2018). "AJ Lee Fights to End Stigma Associated With Mental Health Disorders". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on May 6, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  18. ^ a b c Ramsadeen, Avinash; Credo, Steve (April 7, 2017). "Former WWE champ AJ Lee makes 'crazy' her superpower". Fox News. Archived from the original on April 7, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  19. ^ a b Lynch, Andrew (April 21, 2017). "AJ Mendez Brooks opens up on her suicide attempt and helping others with mental illness". FoxSports.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  20. ^ Heinen, Frederik (April 3, 2016). "AJ Lee bio". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 25, 2017. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  21. ^ a b c "Matches – AJ Lee". Cagematch. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  22. ^ a b c Strauss, Gerry (March 11, 2013). "Homecoming Queen: Local Talent At WrestleMania". New Jersey Monthly. Archived from the original on April 18, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  23. ^ a b Johnson, Mike (May 5, 2009). "WWE signs new developmental Diva". PWInsider. Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  24. ^ Spears, Michael (September 15, 2009). "WWE developmental roster updates". PWInsider. Archived from the original on September 23, 2009. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  25. ^ a b "Florida Championship Wrestling roster". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on November 10, 2010. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  26. ^ Trionfo, Richard (August 22, 2010). "Florida Championship Wrestling television report: Xavier Woods (the former Consequences Creed) debuts; build for next week's 100th episode". PWInsider. Archived from the original on September 22, 2010. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  27. ^ a b c "Champions Roll Call". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  28. ^ a b "AJ makes FCW History". Florida Championship Wrestling. December 16, 2010. Archived from the original on March 8, 2011. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  29. ^ a b c Caldwell, James (September 7, 2010). "Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 9/7: Season 3, Week 1 – Season Premiere". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on September 9, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  30. ^ Benigno, Anthony (February 23, 2016). "Wild and Young: The oral history of the original WWE NXT". WWE. Archived from the original on February 26, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  31. ^ a b Wortman, James (March 31, 2013). "WrestleMania Diary: AJ Lee, introduction". WWE. Archived from the original on April 6, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  32. ^ WWE (September 10, 2010). "Meet NXT Rookie Diva A.J." YouTube. Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  33. ^ Caldwell, James (November 23, 2010). "Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 11/23: Season 3, Week 12". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved January 28, 2015. Mathews dramatically tried to build up a talking point of the interesting relationship between A.J. and Primo lately.
  34. ^ Caldwell, James (November 30, 2010). "Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 11/30: Season 3, Week 13 – Season Finale". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 4, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  35. ^ "AJ and Kaitlyn's fractured friendship: photos". WWE. Archived from the original on May 18, 2012. Retrieved August 11, 2017. AJ Lee and Kaitlyn became best friends while competing on WWE NXT
  36. ^ Goldman, Eric (April 5, 2013). "WWE's AJ Lee Talks WrestleMania 29, Comic Books and More". IGN. Archived from the original on August 23, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  37. ^ Bishop, Matt (November 24, 2010). "WWE NXT: AJ sent home in a shocker". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  38. ^ a b Tait, James (May 28, 2011). "Tait's SmackDown Report 5/27". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  39. ^ "Wed. update: UFC main signed; Announcer passes away, TUF finale, Ratings, WWE rib". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. June 1, 2011. Archived from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved September 26, 2015. A.J. Lee of WWE wrote that Kaitlyn and her our [sic] going to call themselves the Chick Busters as a tag team
  40. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (June 11, 2011). "SmackDown: Factions renewed and rejected". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 3, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  41. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (June 18, 2011). "SmackDown: Fair is foul, and foul is fair". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on January 13, 2016. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  42. ^ Caldwell, James (June 23, 2011). "Caldwell's WWE Superstars Report 6/23". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on June 27, 2011. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  43. ^ Tait, James (July 29, 2011). "Tait's WWE SmackDown Report 7/29". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 5, 2011. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  44. ^ Caldwell, James (July 26, 2011). "Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 7/26". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 4, 2011. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  45. ^ Caldwell, James (August 16, 2011). "Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 8/16". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 18, 2011. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  46. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (August 6, 2011). "SmackDown: Firing on all cylinders". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  47. ^ Tedesco, Mike (August 12, 2011). "SmackDown Results – 8/12/11". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  48. ^ Tedesco, Mike (September 16, 2011). "SmackDown Results – 9/16/11". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  49. ^ Parks, Greg (September 23, 2011). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 9/23". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on September 25, 2011. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  50. ^ Tedesco, Mike (November 18, 2011). "SmackDown Results – 11/18/11". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  51. ^ Tedesco, Mike (November 25, 2011). "SmackDown Results – 11/25/11". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2011.
  52. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (November 30, 2011). "SmackDown: Christmas in November". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  53. ^ Caldwell, James (January 9, 2012). "First match revealed for tonight's Raw". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  54. ^ Scannell, Robin (January 20, 2012). "SmackDown Storyline Tracker 1/6 & 1/13". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on January 23, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  55. ^ Keller, Wade (January 27, 2012). "Keller's WWE SmackDown Blog 1/27". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved March 24, 2012. 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.
  56. ^ Parks, Greg (January 13, 2012). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 1/13". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on January 17, 2012. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  57. ^ Parks, Greg (February 3, 2012). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 2/3". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  58. ^ Grate, Jake (March 16, 2012). "Is AJ blinded by her love for Daniel Bryan?". WWE. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  59. ^ "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". ProWrestling.net. May 18, 2012. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  60. ^ Caldwell, James (April 1, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE WrestleMania 28 PPV Report 4/1". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  61. ^ Parks, Greg (April 6, 2012). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 4/6". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 10, 2012. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
  62. ^ a b Giannini, Alex (June 8, 2012). "Monster and the Madwoman?". WWE. Archived from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
  63. ^ Scannell, Robin (April 29, 2012). "SmackDown Storyline Tracker – entire April from WM28 to Extreme Rules: Sheamus-Bryan, Bryan-A.J." Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on May 1, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  64. ^ Caldwell, James (April 20, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE SmackDown Results 4/20". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 23, 2012. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  65. ^ Caldwell, James (June 25, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/25". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved January 29, 2015. [Kane] said he finds [AJ] mentally unstable
  66. ^ Scannell, Robin (July 15, 2012). "SmackDown Storyline Tracker – Complete MITB PPV build-up: Punk-Bryan (with A.J.)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved January 29, 2015. [Kaitlyn] suggested that [Bryan] get on A.J.'s good side as she's a little mentally unstable.
  67. ^ Parks, Greg (June 1, 2012). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 6/1". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2012.
  68. ^ Tylwalk, Nick (June 11, 2012). "Raw: Vince McMahon stops by for a John Laurinaitis performance review". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 7, 2015. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  69. ^ Caldwell, James (June 17, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE No Way Out PPV Report 6/17". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on June 20, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2012.
  70. ^ Tedesco, Mike (June 30, 2012). "SmackDown Results – 6/29/12". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on October 9, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  71. ^ McNeish, Greg (July 2, 2012). "Raw Results – 7/2/12". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  72. ^ Caldwell, James (July 9, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/9". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2012.
  73. ^ Caldwell, James (July 15, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Report 7/15". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
  74. ^ Caldwell, James (July 16, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/16". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2012.
  75. ^ Caldwell, James (July 23, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/23". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 26, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  76. ^ a b Caldwell, James (July 30, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/30". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 3, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  77. ^ Caldwell, James (August 6, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/6". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 9, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  78. ^ Caldwell, James (August 27, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/27". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 30, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  79. ^ Caldwell, James (September 24, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 9/24". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on September 28, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  80. ^ Caldwell, James (October 1, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/1". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  81. ^ Caldwell, James (October 22, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/22". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  82. ^ Caldwell, James (October 29, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/29". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  83. ^ Caldwell, James (November 5, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/5". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  84. ^ Caldwell, James (November 19, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/19". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 29, 2012. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
  85. ^ Caldwell, James (November 26, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/26". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 30, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  86. ^ Caldwell, James (December 10, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/10". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  87. ^ Caldwell, James (December 3, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/3". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 6, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  88. ^ a b Caldwell, James (December 16, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE TLC PPV Results 12/16". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
  89. ^ Caldwell, James (December 17, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/17". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  90. ^ a b "Raw news: "Big" NXT debut concludes Raw & Slammy winners". Pro Wrestling Torch. December 17, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  91. ^ Tedesco, Mike (December 18, 2012). "WWE SmackDown Results – 12/18/12". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on July 3, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  92. ^ Parks, Greg (March 8, 2013). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 3/8". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 11, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  93. ^ Caldwell, James (March 11, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/11". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 15, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  94. ^ Parks, Greg (March 15, 2013). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 3/15". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 19, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  95. ^ Caldwell, James (April 7, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE WrestleMania 29 PPV Results". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 10, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  96. ^ Caldwell, James (April 8, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/8". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 12, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  97. ^ Caldwell, James (April 22, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/22 (Third Hour)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  98. ^ Caldwell, James (April 29, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/29 (Hour 2)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on May 31, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  99. ^ Stephens, David (June 10, 2013). "WWE Raw Results – 6/10/13". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  100. ^ Johnson, Mike (June 16, 2013). "Complete WWE Payback PPV Coverage". PWInsider. Archived from the original on January 14, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  101. ^ Caldwell, James (June 24, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/24 (Hour 1)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on June 27, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  102. ^ Parks, Greg (July 12, 2013). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 7/12". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 9, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  103. ^ Burdick, Michael (July 12, 2013). "The first-ever in-ring Divas Championship Match Contract Signing turned to chaos". WWE. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved February 18, 2016.
  104. ^ Caldwell, James (July 14, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Results 7/14 (Hour 1)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 18, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  105. ^ Caldwell, James (July 14, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Results 7/14 (Hour 2): Ziggler vs. Del Rio for the World Title". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 18, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  106. ^ Caldwell, James (July 15, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/15 (Hour 1): Ziggler vs. Del Rio re-match". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 20, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  107. ^ Parks, Greg (August 2, 2013). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 8/2". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 6, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  108. ^ Caldwell, James (August 18, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE SummerSlam PPV Results 8/18 (Hour 3)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  109. ^ a b Caldwell, James (August 26, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/26 (Hour 2): A.J. "shoots" on Total Divas". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 30, 2013. Retrieved December 6, 2013.
  110. ^ Tedesco, Mike (September 21, 2013). "WWE SmackDown Results – 9/20/13". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
  111. ^ Parks, Greg (September 27, 2013). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 9/27". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
  112. ^ Martin, Adam (September 15, 2013). "WWE Night of Champions PPV Results – 9/15/13". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on September 17, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  113. ^ Caldwell, James (October 6, 2013). "Battleground PPV Results 10/6 (Hour 1)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on October 10, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  114. ^ Caldwell, James (October 27, 2013). "Caldwell's WWE HIAC PPV Results (Hour 3)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
  115. ^ Martin, Adam (December 15, 2013). "WWE TLC PPV Results – 12/15/13". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  116. ^ Caldwell, James (November 24, 2013). "WWE S. Series PPV Results 11/24 (Hour 2): Divas Survivor Series match". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 28, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  117. ^ Caldwell, James (January 17, 2014). "WWE Newswire: A.J. sets record". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on January 19, 2014. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  118. ^ "WWE Profile – Maryse". ESPN. August 11, 2016. Archived from the original on March 11, 2018. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
  119. ^ a b "Nikki Bella and the 5 longest reigning Divas Champions". WWE. January 14, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2017. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
  120. ^ Parks, Greg (February 28, 2014). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 2/28". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 3, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  121. ^ Parks, Greg (March 12, 2014). "Parks' WWE Main Event Results 3/11 & 3/12: A.J. vs. Natalya for the Divas Title". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 25, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  122. ^ Caldwell, James (March 24, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/24". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  123. ^ Caldwell, James (April 6, 2014). "WrestleMania 30 PPV Results (Hour 4): Divas Title". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 10, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
  124. ^ "WrestleMania XXX: The Live Report". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on May 28, 2015. Retrieved May 27, 2015. Apparently this is the first time the Divas title has ever been defended on Mania.
  125. ^ Caldwell, James (April 7, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/7". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
  126. ^ Johnson, Mike (April 16, 2014). "AJ Lee—WWE Update". PWInsider. Archived from the original on April 18, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  127. ^ McCarron, Rob (June 30, 2014). "WWE Raw TV report for an eventful show". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on February 14, 2015. Retrieved September 26, 2015.
  128. ^ Caldwell, James (July 7, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/7". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2017.
  129. ^ Parks, Greg (August 1, 2014). "Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 8/1". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2017.
  130. ^ Martin, Adam (July 20, 2014). "WWE Battleground PPV Results – 7/20/14". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on July 27, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  131. ^ Caldwell, James (July 21, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/21". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 28, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  132. ^ Tedesco, Mike (July 29, 2014). "WWE Raw Results – 7/28/14 (New matches for SummerSlam)". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on August 1, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  133. ^ Caldwell, James (August 17, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE SummerSlam PPV Results 8/17". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  134. ^ Tedesco, Mike (September 2, 2014). "WWE Raw Results – 9/1/14 (Six Man Tag Team Main Event)". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on September 3, 2014. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  135. ^ Caldwell, James (September 21, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE NOC PPV Report 9/21". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on September 24, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  136. ^ a b Caldwell, James (October 26, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE HIAC PPV Report 10/26". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on October 27, 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  137. ^ Caldwell, James (November 3, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/3". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 4, 2014. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  138. ^ Caldwell, James (November 23, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE S. Series PPV Results 11/23". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 26, 2014. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  139. ^ Caldwell, James (December 14, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE TLC PPV Report 12/14". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 15, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
  140. ^ Caldwell, James (January 10, 2015). "A.J. Lee address injury status". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
  141. ^ Freeney, Nolan (February 25, 2015). "Patricia Arquette's Oscars Speech Inspired This Female Wrestler to Speak Out". Time. Archived from the original on January 23, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
  142. ^ Friedman, Megan (February 25, 2015). "Awesome Pro Wrestler Makes a Stand for Equal Pay". Marie Claire. Archived from the original on February 26, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
  143. ^ Caldwell, James (March 2, 2015). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/2". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  144. ^ Caldwell, James (March 29, 2015). "Caldwell's WM31 PPV Results 3/29". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 31, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
  145. ^ "WWE Diva AJ Lee retires from in-ring competition". FoxSports.com. April 3, 2015. Archived from the original on April 5, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  146. ^ "AJ Lee retires from WWE". WWE. April 3, 2015. Archived from the original on April 6, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
  147. ^ Mendez Brooks 2017, chpt. 14.
  148. ^ Defelice, Robert (October 6, 2021). "WOW Superheroes Set For 2022 Return, AJ Lee To Serve As Executive Producer". Fightful. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  149. ^ Kirschenbaum, Alex (September 13, 2022). "Lakers News: Jeanie Buss Hoping To WOW This Weekend". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
  150. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (August 6, 2023). "AJ Lee (AJ Mendez) Says Her Season-Long Contract With WOW Is Winding Down". Fightful. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  151. ^ Truitt, Brian (July 22, 2012). "WWE's 'Monday Night Raw' packs 1,000 episodes under its belt". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  152. ^ Harris, Scarlett (May 9, 2017). "AJ Lee's Memoir and Wrestling's Handling of Mental Illness". Paste. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  153. ^ Mendez Brooks 2017, p. 180.
  154. ^ a b Napier, Claire (November 2, 2015). "Oh My, Shiranui! AJ Brooks Talks Grappling, Costumes, & Video Games". Womenwriteaboutcomics.com. Archived from the original on November 2, 2015. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  155. ^ Fowler, Matt (October 23, 2014). "AJ Lee wishes she could fight inside Hell in a Cell". IGN. Archived from the original on October 26, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  156. ^ Robinson, Jon (October 17, 2012). "AJ Lee first sees cyber self in 'WWE 13'". ESPN. Archived from the original on July 7, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  157. ^ a b Viscardi, James (October 24, 2014). "WWE's AJ Lee On Hell In A Cell & Her Batman/Joker Rivalry With Fellow WWE Diva Paige". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2014. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  158. ^ Garris, Blake (October 24, 2014). "Fightin' Fangirls: AJ Lee". Marvel Entertainment. Archived from the original on March 21, 2017. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  159. ^ Robinson, Jon (August 9, 2012). "AJ Lee talks video games, pro wrestling". ESPN. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  160. ^ For the record itself, see "First female WWE Superstar Challenge winner". Guinness World Records. March 30, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
    For its inclusion in the gamer's edition, see "Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2015 – page 15". Guinness World Records. Archived from the original on February 9, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  161. ^ Goldberg, Peter (February 11, 2019). "Review: Fighting with My Family Spins Comedy Out of a Wrestler's Rise to Fame". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on February 13, 2019. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
  162. ^ "Crazy Is My Superpower by A.J. Mendez Brooks". Penguin Random House. Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
  163. ^ "Hardcover Nonfiction". The New York Times. April 23, 2017. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
  164. ^ Goldman, Eric (April 4, 2017). "April Mendez Brooks on her candid new book and her days as WWE's AJ Lee". IGN. Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  165. ^ McMillan, Graeme (August 19, 2019). "'GLOW' Comic Returns With Actor/Wrestler Tag-Team Writing Duo". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  166. ^ a b c Donnelly, Matt (July 23, 2020). "'Glow' Comic Authors Aimee Garcia, AJ Mendez Launch Scrappy Heart Productions". Variety. Archived from the original on July 27, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  167. ^ Spry, Jeff (November 9, 2020). "Endless winter strikes Icewind Dale in IDW's new Dungeons & Dragons miniseries". Syfy Wire. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  168. ^ Dominguez, Noah (June 19, 2020). "Aimee Garcia, Former Wrestler AJ Lee Tag Team on Dungeons & Dragons Comic". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on June 20, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  169. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 20, 2021). "'47 Ronin' Sequel Sets 'Lucifer's Aimee Garcia & NYT Bestselling Author AJ Mendez As Scribes". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
  170. ^ a b Frater, Patrick (December 17, 2021). "Universal's '47 Ronin' Gets a Facelift With Female-Skewing 'Blade' (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  171. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (June 29, 2020). "The Black List, Latin Tracking Board, NALIP, Remezcla And Untitled Latinx Project Unveil Inaugural Latinx TV List". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  172. ^ a b Jones, Benton (June 25, 2021). "Wonder Woman: Black and Gold #1 Is a Stunningly Epic Anthology". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  173. ^ Hageman, William (October 21, 2015). "Buy a T-shirt, help an animal". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
  174. ^ Strauss, Gerry (April 11, 2017). "Former WWE Superstar AJ Mendez Brooks Talks Honesty on Social Media, Spooning Her Mini-NES and Her New Book". Paste. Archived from the original on June 15, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  175. ^ "Join the ASPCA and Professional Wrestler AJ Lee to #GetTough on Dog Fighting". American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. April 7, 2015. Archived from the original on April 11, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
  176. ^ Tello, Craig (March 22, 2012). "Fightin' Fangirls: WWE Diva AJ". Marvel Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  177. ^ "Scooby-Doo and WWE team up for "Wrestlemania Mystery"". RedEye. Tribune Media. March 28, 2014. Retrieved April 15, 2017.
  178. ^ "AJ Lee's tattoo tribute to her Divas Championship win: photos". WWE. Archived from the original on September 16, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  179. ^ Markazi, Arash (September 11, 2016). "CM Punk should be an inspiration despite loss at UFC 203". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 30, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2017.
  180. ^ Sands, Rich (December 12, 2013). "First Look: Scooby-Doo Teams Up With the Stars of WWE". TV Guide. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  181. ^ Caldwell, James (August 21, 2015). "Video: A.J. Lee featured in new Madden '16 movie trailer". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 23, 2015. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  182. ^ Currier, Joseph (August 9, 2016). "Video: The Evolution of Punk Trailer". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
  183. ^ Pollard, Andrew (July 18, 2018). "Shooting Now Under Way on the Soska Sisters' Rabid Remake". Starburst. Archived from the original on July 18, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  184. ^ Haring, Bruce (May 11, 2023). "Heels Returns For Season 2, Sets Premiere Date With First-Look Photos". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  185. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (April 12, 2023). "Kristen Stewart Joins Michael Angarano, Michael Cera & Maya Erskine In Road-Trip Comedy Sacramento". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  186. ^ Tardive, Ambrose (July 19, 2024). "Exclusive: New Horror Series Day of the Dead Girl Celebrates Mexican Heritage With A 'Morbid, Magical Mystery'". Screen Rant. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  187. ^ "Statistics – WWE Divas Championship". Cagematch. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  188. ^ "Most wins of the World Wrestling Entertainment Divas Championship". Guinness World Records. September 21, 2014. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  189. ^ "PWI Awards". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  190. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Female 50 for 2014". Internet Wrestling Database. Archived from the original on December 27, 2014. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
  191. ^ Meltzer, Dave (January 27, 2014). "2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California. p. 32. ISSN 1083-9593.
  192. ^ Caldwell, James (December 8, 2014). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/8". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2014.

Bibliography

  • Mendez Brooks, AJ (April 4, 2017). Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules. Crown Archetype. ISBN 978-0451496669.