Career Timeline of AJ Lee: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of AJ Lee, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

April Jeanette Mendez, known as AJ Lee, is an American professional wrestler. As of September 2025, she is signed to WWE. She is also an author.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 2007: Enrolled in Wrestling School

In March 2007, Mendez enrolled in a wrestling school and began training under Jay Lethal.

2007: Wrestling Career Began

In 2007, Mendez started her professional wrestling journey in New Jersey's independent circuit.

October 2008: Joined Women Superstars Uncensored

In October 2008, she joined the New Jersey-based promotion Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU).

February 2009: WSU Tag Team Championship

In February 2009, as Miss April, she and Brooke Carter captured the WSU Tag Team Championship.

May 2009: WWE Contract

In May 2009, WWE signed Mendez to a contract after she attended a tryout camp.

2009: Signed with WWE

In 2009, Mendez signed with WWE and was assigned to its developmental branch, Florida Championship Wrestling.

February 2010: Queen of FCW Title

In February 2010, AJ Lee won the Queen of FCW title by defeating Serena Mancini.

September 2010: NXT Season 3

In September 2010, AJ Lee took part in the third season of NXT.

April 2011: Lost the FCW Divas Championship

In April 2011, AJ Lee lost the FCW Divas Championship to Aksana.

May 27, 2011: Main Roster Debut on SmackDown

On May 27, 2011, AJ Lee made her main roster debut on SmackDown, forming a tag team with Kaitlyn called "The Chickbusters".

November 2011: On-screen Relationship with Daniel Bryan

By November 2011, AJ Lee was featured in an on-screen relationship with Daniel Bryan, who began portraying a villainous character.

January 13, 2012: Knocked Down by Big Show

On the January 13, 2012, episode of SmackDown, AJ Lee was accidentally knocked down by Big Show during Bryan's title defense.

2012: Rose to Prominence

In 2012, AJ Lee rose to prominence in WWE, with storylines revolving around her "mentally unstable" character, high-profile relationships, and a stint as the General Manager of Raw.

March 2013: Storyline Rivalry with Daniel Bryan Reignited

In March 2013, AJ's storyline rivalry with ex-boyfriend Daniel Bryan was reignited when they traded insults backstage.

April 22, 2013: Number One Contender for the Divas Championship

On April 22, 2013, AJ won a battle royal to become the number one contender for Kaitlyn's WWE Divas Championship.

January 2014: Longest-Reigning Divas Champion

In January 2014, AJ became the longest-reigning Divas Champion at the time.

April 2015: Retired from in-ring performing

In April 2015, AJ Lee initially retired from in-ring performing.

2018: Awarded NAMI's Multicultural Outreach Award

In 2018, Mendez received NAMI's Multicultural Outreach Award for her advocacy for mental health awareness.

November 2019: Publication of GLOW vs. The Babyface #1

In November 2019, the first of four issues of the comic book series GLOW vs. The Babyface, co-written by Mendez and Aimee Garcia and based on the television series GLOW, was published by IDW Publishing.

November 2020: Publication of Dungeons & Dragons: At the Spine of the World #1

In November 2020, Mendez and Aimee Garcia published the first issue of their four-issue limited series Dungeons & Dragons: At the Spine of the World through IDW.

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