History of AJ Lee in Timeline
April Jeanette Mendez, known as AJ Lee, is an American professional wrestler currently signed with WWE (as of September 2025). She's recognized for her in-ring persona and contributions to the world of professional wrestling.
March 19, 1987: April Jeanette Mendez Born
On March 19, 1987, April Jeanette Mendez, who would later become known as AJ Lee, was born. She is an American professional wrestler and author.
2005: Graduated High School
In 2005, AJ Mendez graduated from Memorial High School in West New York, New Jersey.
March 2007: Enrolled in Wrestling School
In March 2007, Mendez enrolled in a wrestling school near her home, where she was trained by Jay Lethal.
2007: Started Professional Wrestling Career
In 2007, Mendez began her professional wrestling career in New Jersey's independent circuit.
October 2008: Joined Women Superstars Uncensored
In October 2008, AJ Lee joined the New Jersey–based promotion Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU).
February 2009: Won WSU Tag Team Championship
In February 2009, Miss April, along with Brooke Carter, captured the WSU Tag Team Championship.
May 2009: Signed WWE Contract
In May 2009, AJ Lee signed a contract with WWE after attending a tryout camp.
February 2010: Won Queen of FCW Title
In February 2010, AJ Lee defeated Serena Mancini to win the Queen of FCW title.
September 2010: Participated in NXT Season 3
In September 2010, AJ Lee took part in the third season of NXT, a show mixing professional wrestling and reality competition formats.
April 2011: Lost 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 the SmackDown episode as part of a tag team with Kaitlyn, known as "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 During Bryan's Title Defense
On January 13, 2012, during Daniel Bryan's title defense on SmackDown, AJ Lee was accidentally knocked down by Big Show and was taken out on a stretcher as part of the storyline.
2012: Rose to Prominence
In 2012, AJ Lee rose to prominence through storylines with her "mentally unstable" character, including high-profile relationships and a three-month stint as the General Manager of Raw.
March 2013: 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: Became Number One Contender
On April 22, 2013, AJ won a battle royal to become the number one contender to Kaitlyn's WWE Divas Championship.
January 2014: Longest-Reigning Divas Champion at the Time
In January 2014, AJ Lee became the longest-reigning Divas Champion at the time.
2014: Won Diva of the Year
In 2014, AJ Lee won the Slammy Award for Diva of the Year, and readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated voted her Woman of the Year.
February 2015: Criticized WWE's Treatment of Female Wrestlers
In February 2015, AJ Mendez criticized WWE's treatment of its female wrestlers, addressing issues of pay and screen time disparity.
April 2015: Initially Retired from In-Ring Performing
In April 2015, AJ Lee initially retired from in-ring performing.
April 4, 2017: Published Memoir
On April 4, 2017, AJ Mendez published her memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules.
2017: Published Memoir
In 2017, AJ Mendez's memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower, was a New York Times Best Seller.
November 2019: Published Comic Book Series GLOW vs. The Babyface
In November 2019, AJ Mendez and Aimee Garcia's first project, the comic book series GLOW vs. The Babyface, was published.
2019: WWE character portrayed in Fighting with My Family
In 2019, AJ Lee's WWE character was portrayed by Thea Trinidad in the biographical film Fighting with My Family.
2019: Formed Writing Partnership with Aimee Garcia
In 2019, AJ Mendez formed a writing partnership with actress Aimee Garcia.
November 2020: Published Dungeons & Dragons Comic Book Series
In November 2020, AJ Mendez and Aimee Garcia published the Dungeons & Dragons four-issue limited series At the Spine of the World.
October 2021: Joined WOW - Women of Wrestling as Executive Producer
In October 2021, AJ Mendez joined the WOW – Women of Wrestling promotion as an executive producer.
September 2022: Provided Color Commentary for WOW
Beginning in September 2022, AJ Mendez provided color commentary for WOW's syndicated weekly television program.
2022: Wrote Netflix Film
In 2022, AJ Mendez and Aimee Garcia wrote the Netflix film Blade of the 47 Ronin.
2022: Co-Wrote Screenplay for Netflix Film
In 2022, AJ Mendez, alongside John Swetman, co-wrote the screenplay for the Netflix film Blade of the 47 Ronin.
August 2023: Departure from WOW
In August 2023, AJ Mendez announced she would be departing WOW at the end of her season-long contract.
September 5, 2025: Returned to WWE and Attacked Becky Lynch
On September 5, 2025, AJ Lee returned to WWE after a decade of absence. She confronted and attacked Becky Lynch on SmackDown.
September 2025: Signed to WWE
As of September 2025, April Jeanette Mendez, performing under the ring name AJ Lee, is signed to WWE.
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