CM Punk’s wife, AJ Lee, is a remarkable figure both in and beyond the wrestling world. Born April Jeanette Mendez on March 19, 1987, in Union City, New Jersey, she climbed her way to fame despite a challenging upbringing. Influenced by her brother’s passion for wrestling, AJ dreamed of stepping into the ring herself. However, financial difficulties and personal struggles, including her diagnosis with bipolar disorder at age 20, made the journey anything but smooth. Her mother, who worked as a home health aide, also had bipolar disorder, which shaped much of AJ’s early life.
Determined to make her dream a reality, AJ dropped out of college after just six months to fund her wrestling training. She trained under Jay Lethal, a prominent figure in wrestling, and made her debut on the New Jersey independent circuit in 2007 under the ring name Miss April. Her hard work paid off when WWE noticed her talent. By May 2009, she had earned a tryout with the company, leading to a contract and her entry into Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE’s developmental territory. It was there that she adopted the name AJ Lee.
Who Is CM Punk’s Wife? All About AJ Lee
CM Punk and his wife AJ Lee, who met through WWE storylines in 2012, have been married since June 13, 2014, despite Punk receiving a termination letter from WWE on their wedding day. Over the course of her career, AJ Lee held the Divas Championship for a record-breaking 295 days, while CM Punk’s longest WWE Championship reign lasted 434 days.
AJ’s breakthrough came during the third season of NXT, where she competed alongside future stars like Naomi and Kaitlyn. Although Kaitlyn won the competition, AJ quickly became a fan favorite. She made her main roster debut in 2011 and became known for her “crazy” character, which resonated with fans and became a defining aspect of her brand. Her storylines involving high-profile names like Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler, and CM Punk propelled her to stardom.
Speaking of CM Punk—born Phillip Jack Brooks on October 26, 1978, in Lockport, Illinois—his path to wrestling fame was also paved with perseverance. Punk, known for his straight-edge lifestyle, began wrestling in 1997 on the independent circuit before signing with Ring of Honor (ROH) in 2002 and later joining WWE in 2005. His championship reigns and iconic promos made him one of the most influential wrestlers of his generation.
The couple first crossed paths on-screen in 2012 during a WWE storyline. AJ had just wrapped up an on-screen romance angle with Daniel Bryan, leading to a love triangle involving Punk. This storyline not only captivated audiences but also brought AJ and Punk closer in real life. By 2013, rumors of their relationship swirled when they were spotted together at a Chicago Cubs game—their first public appearance as a couple.
On June 13, 2014, AJ and Punk tied the knot in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. However, the day was not without drama. In a move that shocked fans, WWE sent Punk a termination letter on the same day as his wedding, officially ending his contract with the company. Despite this unexpected twist, Punk remained unfazed, focusing on his new life with AJ.
Their relationship has been marked by shared struggles and triumphs. Both AJ and Punk have been vocal about their experiences with mental health. Punk’s straight-edge persona is partly rooted in his upbringing, as his mother battled bipolar disorder and his father struggled with alcoholism. These challenges shaped his commitment to abstaining from substances. Similarly, AJ’s openness about her mental health journey has made her an advocate for mental health awareness.
What’s Next For CM Punk and AJ Lee?
While Punk returned to WWE in 2023 after a nearly decade-long hiatus, AJ has remained retired from wrestling since 2015. Her decision to step away was influenced by injuries and the fallout from Punk’s departure. Nevertheless, she has found success beyond the ring. In 2017, AJ published her memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower, which debuted at number 10 on The New York Times Best Sellers list. The book detailed her journey through wrestling, her struggles with mental health, and how she overcame adversity.
AJ didn’t stop at writing. She co-founded Scrappy Heart Productions with actress Aimee Garcia, creating content ranging from comic books to TV screenplays. She’s also taken on acting roles, including a stint as Elle Dorado on the STARZ series Heels alongside Punk. Additionally, AJ has become an ambassador for organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
As for the possibility of AJ Lee returning to wrestling, CM Punk has hinted at wanting to see his wife back in the ring. In a 2024 interview, he admitted he’d love to see her wrestle again, though he refrained from making definitive statements on her behalf. Fans continue to speculate about a potential comeback, especially with the 2025 Royal Rumble around the corner. Punk’s teasing comments about a “big” surprise have fueled hopes that AJ might grace the WWE stage once more.
