AJ Lee – Return to WWE in 2025, Husband, Age and Career Highlights

In September 2025, professional wrestling fans witnessed a moment many thought would never come. After nearly a decade away from the ring, AJ Lee reappeared on WWE television, stepping back into the spotlight alongside her husband, CM Punk. Her return, which unfolded across both SmackDown and Raw, has reignited conversations about her career, her personal life, and what the future holds for one of the most recognizable figures in women’s wrestling.

AJ Lee, whose real name is April Jeanette Mendez, first gained fame during a period when the WWE Divas division was undergoing significant change. Known for her high-energy performances and a character that blended vulnerability with unpredictability, she became a three-time Divas Champion before stepping away in 2015. Her departure, largely attributed to injury and burnout, left a gap that few expected to see filled again — until now.

The 2025 return marks a new chapter for Lee, who also built a career as a published author with her memoir Crazy Is My Superpower. While some details about her current activities remain unconfirmed, the events of September 5 and 8, 2025, have provided clear evidence that AJ Lee is once again an active part of the WWE landscape.

Who Is AJ Lee and When Did She Return to WWE?

• AJ Lee ended a decade-long hiatus by returning to WWE in September 2025.
• She remains one of the most successful Divas Champions in WWE history (3 title reigns).
• Her memoir Crazy Is My Superpower is a New York Times bestseller.
• She is married to fellow WWE alumni CM Punk (Phil Brooks).
• AJ Lee maintains a strong social media presence (Instagram: @theajmendez).

Who Is AJ Lee Married to and Does She Have Kids?

AJ Lee is married to Phil Brooks, known to wrestling fans as CM Punk. The couple wed in 2014 and have remained together since. Their relationship has often drawn public attention, especially given both have been high-profile figures in WWE.

During her 2025 return, WWE commentary referenced CM Punk as her husband, and footage showed Punk introducing her during the storyline involving Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. This is consistent with earlier reports that the two have been married for over a decade.

As for children, there is no confirmed information. No public records or statements from either AJ Lee or CM Punk indicate that they have children. This remains a topic where fans have speculated, but no evidence supports the claim.

What WWE Titles and Accolades Did AJ Lee Achieve?

AJ Lee’s in-ring career is best remembered for her reign over the Divas division. She won the WWE Divas Championship three times, a feat that places her among the most decorated champions in that title’s history. Her most active period was between 2012 and 2014, when she feuded with stars like Kaitlyn, Paige, and The Bella Twins.

WWE commentary during her 2025 return reminded audiences that Lee was the competitor who made “Crazy Cool,” and repeatedly noted that “crazy is her superpower.” This phrasing directly references the title of her memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower, which became a New York Times bestseller after its release in 2017.

Her departure from WWE in 2015 was attributed to a neck injury and overall burnout. She did not officially retire but went on hiatus. As of September 2025, she has returned to active status.

Reliable net worth figures are not available from the provided sources, though entertainment outlets have speculated amounts between $3 million and $5 million based on her WWE career and book sales. No official confirmation exists.

What Is AJ Lee Doing Now in 2025?

As of the first week of September 2025, AJ Lee is actively involved in WWE storylines. Her return took place on AJ Lee makes epic return to combat Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins on SmackDown on September 5, 2025. She was then announced for Raw on September 8, 2025—her first appearance on that show in more than a decade.

Beyond wrestling, she continues her work as an author. Her official website describes her as a New York Times bestselling author. She also maintains a verified Instagram account under the handle @theajmendez, where she shares personal and professional updates.

How Old Is AJ Lee and What Is Her Background?

April Jeanette Mendez was born on March 19, 1987, making her 38 years old as of 2025. She grew up in Union City, New Jersey, and began wrestling training in her late teens. After a short stint on the independent circuit, she signed with WWE in 2009 and debuted on its ECW brand.

Her height is listed at 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 m). This is a widely reported biographical detail, though the provided research does not include a direct source for the number.

Timeline: Key Events in AJ Lee’s Career and Life

1. 1987 — April Jeanette Mendez born in Union City, New Jersey.
2. 2007 — Began professional wrestling career on independent circuit.
3. 2009 — Signed with WWE; debuted on ECW.
4. 2012–2014 — Peak career: held Divas Championship multiple times; main evented.
5. 2014 — Married Phil Brooks (CM Punk).
6. 2015 — Announced hiatus from wrestling due to injury.
7. 2017 — Published bestselling memoir Crazy Is My Superpower.
8. 2025 — Returned to WWE in September 2025.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About AJ Lee?

What Is the Meaning of AJ Lee’s 2025 Return in the Broader WWE Context?

AJ Lee’s return is widely seen as one of the most significant WWE comebacks of 2025. It reignited interest in the women’s division, especially at a time when storylines involving Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins were already drawing attention. Her pairing with CM Punk added a real-life dimension that amplified fan engagement.

Beyond the ring, her career is notable for combining wrestling achievement with mental health advocacy. Her memoir addressed personal struggles, setting her apart from many performers of her era. The success of the book helped establish her as a legitimate author outside wrestling, expanding her brand.

Sources and Key Quotes

New York Times bestselling author of Crazy Is My Superpower.

— AJ Mendez (theajmendez.com)
AJ Mendez, the author of Crazy Is My Superpower, has been a prominent figure, and for more on her career, check out this piece on the Brett Favre Parkinson’s Welfare Scandal. Brett Favre Parkinson’s Welfare Scandal

April Jeanette Mendez is an American professional wrestler and author. She is signed to WWE, where she performs under the ring name AJ Lee.

— ESPN

April Jeanette Mendez (born March 19, 1987) is an American professional wrestler and author. As a wrestler, she has been signed to WWE since September 2025.

— Wikipedia

What’s Next for AJ Lee?

Based on the events of September 2025, AJ Lee is expected to be part of ongoing WWE programming. Fans can track her storyline through official WWE broadcasts. There is no official announcement regarding a second book, though her success as an author makes that a possibility. Joint appearances with her husband CM Punk may also continue, given their shared storyline presence.

For the most direct information, the official AJ Lee’s return to WWE in 2025 page provides confirmed details.

Frequently Asked Questions