AJ Lee
AJ Lee | |
---|---|
AJ Lee at Fort Bragg in December 2011. | |
Birth name | April Jeanette Mendez[1] |
Ring name(s) |
AJ[2] AJ Lee[2][3] April Lee[3] Miss April[3] |
Billed height | 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m)[1][2] |
Billed weight | 115 lb (52 kg)[4] |
Born |
[3] Union City, New Jersey[3] | March 19, 1987
Resides | Tampa, Florida[5] |
Billed from | Union City, New Jersey[2] |
Trained by | Jay Lethal[3][6] |
Debut | September 29, 2007[3] |
April Jeanette Mendez[1] (born March 19, 1987)[3] is an American professional wrestler. She works for WWE under the ring name AJ Lee, where she is the current WWE Divas Champion in her first reign.[3]
Before signing with WWE, Mendez performed for several Northeast-based independent promotions as Miss April, including Women Superstars Uncensored, where she held the WSU Tag Team Championship once.[3]
After signing with WWE in 2009,[7] AJ was part of the third season of NXT in 2010, placing third in the competition.[2] In 2012, after being involved in several relationships with wrestlers feuding over the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship,[8] while also being Raw General Manager for almost three months,[2] AJ was named WWE's "Diva of the Year".[9] In June 2013, AJ captured her first WWE Divas Championship by defeating Kaitlyn.[10]
A self-professed "nerd" and "tomboy",[11][12] WWE adapted Mendez's comics and video game fandom to her on-screen character, portraying her as different from the typical women in the WWE[13] and promoting her as the "Geek Goddess".[2][14]
Early life
Mendez grew up in Union City, New Jersey, describing her family's experience as having to live in motels and other people's houses.[14] Mendez cited her brother's childhood interest in WWE as an influence on her decision to break into the male-dominated world of wrestling, and she cemented her ambition to pursue a professional wrestling career when she was 12 years old.[14][15] Mendez was inspired by the female WWE stars that came before her,[14] especially Lita, whom Mendez met as a child at an autograph signing. A video of the encounter, which shows the young Mendez being brought to tears by the meeting, is available on YouTube.[16]
After graduating from Memorial High School,[1] Mendez worked several jobs in order to save up the money she needed to both support her family and enroll in wrestling school.[14] She attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in New York City, where she majored in film and television production and writing,[12][17] until family and financial issues led to her dropping out six months into her studies.[18][19] As an homage to her brother, who was in the U.S. Army, Mendez once wore camouflage wrestling attire.[14][17]
Professional wrestling career
Training (2007)
Shortly after leaving university, Mendez researched wrestling schools and enrolled in one a mile away from her house. To pay the tuition she began working full-time and began training in March 2007 under Jay Lethal. She debuted on September 29, 2007 under the ring name "Miss April", wrestling on the New Jersey independent circuit.[17][18][19][20]
Women Superstars Uncensored (2008–2009)
Miss April made her debut for the New Jersey-based promotion Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU) on October 10, 2008 in a losing effort against Soul Sister Jana.[21] The following night, she participated in a tournament to determine the inaugural WSU Tag Team Champions alongside Malia Hosaka. They advanced to the second round by defeating the Soul Sisters (Jana and Latasha), where they were eliminated by the Beatdown Betties (Roxie Cotton and Annie Social).[21] Miss April went on to form a tag team with Brooke Carter known as the AC Express, and on February 7, 2009, they successfully won the WSU Tag Team Championships by defeating the Beatdown Betties.[21]
On April 10, Miss April competed in the third annual J-Cup Tournament, defeating Roxie Cotton in the first round before losing to Rain in the second.[21] The following night, Miss April and Jay Lethal won the 2009 WSU/NWS King and Queen of the Ring tournament, defeating Jana and Danny Demanto in the final.[17] Miss April left WSU in May 2009 upon signing with WWE, vacating her half of the WSU Tag Team Championships.
World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
Florida Championship Wrestling (2009–2011)
Mendez signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment on May 5, 2009 after taking part in a tryout camp that she paid $1,500 to attend,[5] and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE's developmental territory.[7] Mendez made her FCW debut at the August 13 TV tapings under the name "April Lee" in a fatal four-way match won by Serena Mancini.[22] In September 2009, her ring name was changed to "AJ Lee".[23] She began challenging for the Queen of FCW title, and at the TV tapings on February 4, 2010, AJ defeated Serena to win the crown.[24] On the March 7 episode of FCW TV, AJ successfully made her first title defense against Naomi Knight.[25]
In the first round of a tournament to determine the inaugural FCW Divas Champion, AJ defeated Tamina on FCW TV on May 16, but was defeated by Serena in the semi-finals on June 6.[26] AJ later challenged Naomi for a shot at the FCW Divas Championship on June 27, but was unsuccessful in their bout the following week.[26] On July 11, AJ and Serena interrupted Naomi during a promo, and AJ watched while Serena attacked Naomi, turning AJ into a heel.[26] Naomi went on to retain her FCW Divas Championship by defeating both AJ and Serena in a triple threat match the following week.[26] On the 100th episode of FCW TV (which aired on August 29), AJ fought Naomi to a double countout in a match where both AJ's Queen of FCW title and Naomi's FCW Divas Championship were on the line.[26] On the September 26 FCW TV, AJ lost to Naomi in a lumberjill match to end their feud.[26]
At the November 18, 2010 TV tapings, AJ dropped the Queen of FCW title to Rosa Mendes.[27] At the next tapings on December 16, AJ defeated Naomi to win the FCW Divas Championship.[28] Her victory made her the first FCW Diva to have held both the Divas Championship and the title of Queen of FCW.[29] She held the championship until April 7, 2011, when she lost it to Aksana during a TV taping.[27]
NXT and The Chickbusters (2010–2011)
On August 31, 2010, AJ was announced as a participant in the all-female third season of NXT, with Primo as her WWE pro.[30] AJ made her televised in-ring debut in a mixed tag team match alongside Primo against Aksana and Goldust in a winning effort on the September 7 season premiere of NXT.[31] The following week, she and Primo competed in another mixed tag team match, suffering her first loss against Kaitlyn and Dolph Ziggler.[32] Over the next three weeks, AJ won a singles match against Maxine and three challenges,[33][34] tying her with Kaitlyn in immunity points, but she lost a crowd reaction poll to receive immunity from elimination on October 5.[35] Over the next four weeks, she won two challenges,[36][37] and survived elimination on November 2.[37] Over the next two weeks, AJ defeated both Nikki Bella and Aksana in singles competition, and won two challenges,[38] thus earning immunity from elimination on November 16.[39] Despite winning a challenge and in singles competition against Naomi on November 23, AJ was eliminated from the competition.[40] She returned to NXT on the November 30 season finale, where she teamed with The Bella Twins against Aksana, Maxine, and Alicia Fox, with AJ's team coming out victorious pinning Maxine, and afterwards shared a kiss with Primo; she also celebrated with her friend Kaitlyn after she was named WWE's Breakout Diva.[41]
On the May 27, 2011 episode of SmackDown, AJ made her main roster debut alongside Kaitlyn as a tag team known as the Chickbusters, being accompanied by their mentor Natalya, in a tag team match against the team of Alicia Fox and Tamina in a losing effort, establishing herself as a face.[42] The Chickbusters were again defeated in a rematch against Fox and Tamina the following week.[43] Her first victory came on June 10, when she pinned Tamina in singles competition on SmackDown.[44] The Chickbusters and Natalya continued to feud with Fox and Tamina, who were soon joined by Rosa Mendes in a six-Diva tag team match, with AJ pinning Fox on the June 23 Superstars.[45][46][47][48]
On the August 5 SmackDown, AJ lost a singles match to Natalya, who then turned on her protégé, attacking her and declaring war on the "perky little princesses" that comprised the rest of the Divas division.[49] The Chickbusters lost to the Divas of Doom (Natalya and Beth Phoenix) in a tag team match the following week, and were attacked by both members after the match.[50] Throughout the next few months, the Chickbusters continued to feud with the Divas of Doom, losing both singles and tag team matches to them.[51][52] In November, tension began to be teased between the Chickbusters, with Kaitlyn upset at their repeated losses to the Divas of Doom.[53][54]
Various relationships and Raw General Manager (2011–2013)
Also in November 2011, AJ began a romantic storyline with Daniel Bryan.[55][56] In December, Bryan won the World Heavyweight Championship and began to display villainous traits.[57] Despite AJ's declaration of love for Bryan,[58] Bryan avoided saying that he loved her in return.[59] On the January 13, 2012 SmackDown, AJ accompanied Bryan for his World Heavyweight Championship defense against Big Show. During the match, Big Show accidentally collided with AJ, injuring her (kayfabe) and causing her to be taken out on a stretcher.[60] AJ returned to SmackDown on February 3, saving Bryan from Big Show.[61]
In March 2012, Bryan began mistreating AJ, publicly demanding that she "shut up" and claiming that she always got in his way.[62] Despite these actions, AJ continued to stand by Bryan.[63] At WrestleMania XXVIII, Bryan's reign as World Champion ended when Sheamus defeated him in 18 seconds due to Bryan being distracted after a "good luck kiss" from AJ.[64] On the April 6 SmackDown, Bryan blamed AJ for his loss of the World Heavyweight Championship and ended their relationship.[65] Despite AJ's attempts to mend their relationship, Bryan rebuffed her multiple times, leaving AJ distraught.[66][67] AJ assaulted fellow Chickbuster Kaitlyn when she attempted to comfort AJ backstage two weeks in a row,[68][69] which led to a match on the May 11 SmackDown, which AJ won, and was afterwards visited by Bryan, who stated he was moving on from her and going after Kaitlyn.[70] Two days later on Twitter, Kaitlyn announced she was officially breaking up the Chickbusters.[71]
AJ then turned her affections to Bryan's rival, WWE Champion CM Punk,[66][72] as well as fellow WWE title contender Kane.[66][73] 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 championship by distracting Kane.[74] As the feud between Bryan and Punk continued, AJ was announced as the special guest referee for their title match at Money in the Bank.[75] While Bryan made advances on AJ in an attempt to influence her, AJ continued showing interest in Punk, but Punk let her down by not watching her match. A vengeful AJ then sent Punk and Bryan crashing through a ringside table during their match on Raw on July 2.[76] The following week, AJ proposed to Punk, prompting Bryan to propose to her in return; Punk rejected her proposal and AJ slapped both men.[77] At Money in the Bank, as guest 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.[78] The following night on Raw, Bryan once again proposed to AJ, who accepted.[79]
During the exchange of vows at Raw 1000, AJ announced she had been offered the job of Raw General Manager by WWE chairman Vince McMahon and left Bryan at the altar.[80] Her first official day began July 30, where she alleged Bryan only wanted the legal leverage to have her committed, forcing him to undergo his own psychological evaluation. Later, AJ modified Punk's WWE Championship bout at SummerSlam into a triple threat match due to his interference during a number one contender match between John Cena and Big Show.[81] Meanwhile, AJ continued to exact her revenge on Bryan by denying him a WWE Championship shot and instead forcing him to face Kane at SummerSlam.[82] Concurrently, she began feuding with Vickie Guerrero, who demanded AJ's General Manager role, deeming AJ too childish.[83] Punk later humiliated AJ for her past affections,[84] leading to Paul Heyman also demanding the General Manager position alongside Vickie.[85]
AJ stepped down from her General Manager duties on October 22, due to the stress of allegations of fraternizing and having an affair with a wrestler on the Raw roster, which was later revealed to be John Cena.[86] In the following weeks, Vickie showed evidence of Cena and AJ going to a business dinner,[87] AJ walking into Cena's room[88] and more. At Survivor Series, AJ tried to show "evidence" of Vickie fraternizing, but was attacked by the returning Tamina Snuka.[89] The following night on Raw, Cena and AJ passionately kissed each other to give Vickie and Dolph Ziggler something "to talk about".[90] AJ kissed Cena again after his match against Ziggler the following week, starting a relationship between the two.[91] On the December 3 episode of Raw, AJ defeated Tamina in a singles match.[92]
At the TLC pay-per-view, AJ turned heel after interfering in John Cena and Dolph Ziggler's ladder match by pushing Cena off the ladder.[93] The following night on the Raw Slammy Awards special, AJ won the Slammy award for "Kiss of the Year" with Cena, which was presented by Vickie Guerrero. AJ and Vickie started arguing, which led to Ziggler intervening and AJ kissing him in front of Vickie, officially solidifying her heel turn and relationship with Ziggler. In the main event, AJ teamed up with Ziggler to take on Cena and Vickie, with Cena and Vickie emerging victorious via disqualification after the debuting Big E Langston interfered and attacked Cena on AJ's behalf.[94] The next day, on a special live episode of SmackDown, AJ justified her actions on MizTV, saying that Cena did not care about anyone but himself and that he broke her heart like Bryan and Punk did before, so she helped Ziggler break him. After The Miz insulted AJ, Langston laid him out on AJ's behalf.[95]
In March 2013, AJ re-entered a feud with her ex-boyfriend Daniel Bryan after they traded insults backstage.[96] AJ and Langston then helped Ziggler defeat Bryan and his tag team partner Kane in singles competition the following week.[97][98] AJ then challenged Team Hell No (Bryan and Kane) to defend their WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 29 against Ziggler and Langston, which they accepted.[99] AJ got into a brawl with Divas Champion Kaitlyn after Kaitlyn called her crazy on the March 25 Raw. Later that night, AJ defeated Kaitlyn in a non-title match via countout after Kaitlyn's attempt to spear her through the barricade backfired.[100] Later that week on SmackDown, AJ and Ziggler were defeated by Kaitlyn and Bryan in a mixed tag team match, after AJ was speared and pinned by Kaitlyn.[101] At WrestleMania 29 on April 7, AJ accompanied Ziggler and Langston to their title match against Team Hell No, where they were unsuccessful in their bout.[102] The following night on Raw, AJ and Langston accompanied Ziggler as he cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on Alberto Del Rio to win the World Heavyweight Championship.[103]
Divas Champion (2013–present)
AJ won a battle royal on the April 22, 2013 episode of Raw by lastly eliminating Layla to become the number one contender to Kaitlyn's Divas Championship.[104] AJ unsuccessfully challenged Kaitlyn for the championship on the April 24 episode of NXT, after Kaitlyn speared her.[105] On the June 10 episode of Raw, AJ was revealed as Kaitlyn's secret admirer after setting up Big E Langston to pose as the admirer before revealing the truth, berating Kaitlyn and leaving her in tears.[106] Six days later at the inaugural Payback pay-per-view, AJ defeated Kaitlyn to capture her first Divas Championship.[10] AJ celebrated her championship win the following night on Raw, but was confronted by Stephanie McMahon and eventually attacked by Kaitlyn.[107] In the following weeks, AJ and Langston continued to mock Kaitlyn,[108][109][110] with AJ ultimately retaining her Divas Championship against Kaitlyn in a rematch at Money in the Bank on July 14.[111] Later that night, AJ cost Dolph Ziggler his rematch for the World Heavyweight Championship against Alberto Del Rio, after she prematurely snuck into the ring and and hit Del Rio with her Divas title, prompting a disqualification.[112]
The following night on Raw, Ziggler ended his relationship with AJ due to her actions the previous night. AJ exacted revenge by costing Ziggler a non-title match against Del Rio, then she attacked Ziggler and unleashed Langston on him.[113] On the August 2 episode of SmackDown, Langston was banned from attending AJ's matches. However, AJ successfully defended her title against Kaitlyn after Kaitlyn's friend Layla turned on her.[114] At SummerSlam, AJ and Langston were defeated by Kaitlyn and Ziggler in a mixed tag team match, putting an end to their feud.[115]
On the August 26 episode of Raw, AJ started a feud with the cast of Total Divas by cutting a worked shoot promo criticizing them.[116] The following week on Raw, AJ interfered in a triple threat number one contender's match between the Total Divas of Natalya, Naomi, and Brie Bella, resulting in the match being stopped when they all attacked her.[117] Thus, AJ had to defend her title against the trio in a fatal four-way at Night of Champions, where she retained her championship.[118] On the September 27 episode of SmackDown, AJ enlisted Tamina as her enforcer.[119] AJ successfully defended her championship against Brie Bella at Battleground with help from Tamina,[120] but was sent home from the following night's Raw after she showed signs of a concussion stemming from when her head struck a ring post during her title defense.[121] She returned to action at Hell in a Cell where she once again defeated Brie Bella.[122] At Survivor Series, AJ captained a team in a traditional seven-on-seven elimination tag team match against the cast of Total Divas, in which she was the last to be eliminated, courtesy of Natalya.[123] This led to a title match between the two at the TLC pay-per-view, where AJ once again retained her championship.[124] On the January 8, 2014 episode of Main Event, AJ defeated her former best friend and tag team partner Kaitlyn in Kaitlyn's final match, officially ending their rivalry.[125] In mid-January, AJ became the longest reigning Divas Champion, surpassing Maryse's previous record.[126]
Other media
AJ, along with several other WWE employees, will be voicing a character in the 2014 film Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery.[127]
Personal life
Mendez is of Puerto Rican heritage.[1] She was previously in a relationship with her trainer Jay Lethal,[20] and is currently dating WWE superstar CM Punk.[128] She is best friends with former WWE Diva Kaitlyn.[129] She has a tattoo in tally marks on the back of her neck, which read as "6-16-13",[130] commemorating the date on which she won her first WWE Divas Championship.[131]
Mendez became a fan of comic books in the fourth grade and claims that comics gave her a sense of creativity that carried over to her later life.[12] Her favorite series are X-Men, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four.[12] As for characters, some of her favorites include Harley Quinn and Jean Grey.[12][15] Mendez also enjoys video games,[15][132] and was the first female winner of WWE's "Superstar Challenge", defeating Mark Henry in the final round of a WWE '12 tournament at WrestleMania XXVIII Axxess to finish in first place out of sixteen.[15][133]
In wrestling
- Finishing moves
- Signature moves
- Bridging backhammer[105]
- Diving crossbody,[105][136] sometimes from a reversed position[137][138]
- Front dropkick[25][40][48][75][136][137][138][139][140]
- Guillotine choke[141]
- Hurricanrana,[3][43] sometimes to an oncoming opponent[40] — 2008–2011; used rarely thereafter
- Multiple swinging neckbreakers[101][139][140]
- Schoolgirl[44][48][92][120][136][139][142]
- Sleeper hold with bodyscissors[105][114][140]
- Spin kick[3][17][75][101][136][137][138]
- Tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown[3][17][142] — 2008–2012; used rarely thereafter
- Entrance themes
- "Feelin' Ya" by Jim Johnston (FCW; September 9, 2009–May 15, 2011)
- "Right Now" by Jim Johnston and performed by Tyler van den Berg[146] (June 10, 2011–October 12, 2011)
- "Let's Light It Up" by Kari Kimmel[147] (October 26, 2011–present)
Championships and accomplishments
- Florida Championship Wrestling
- FCW Divas Championship (1 time)[28]
- Queen of FCW (1 time)[24]
- Women Superstars Uncensored
- WSU Tag Team Championship (1 time)[17] — with Brooke Carter
- WSU/NWS King and Queen of the Ring (2009)[17] — with Jay Lethal
- World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
- WWE Divas Championship (1 time, current)[10][150]
- Slammy Award for Diva of the Year (2012)[9]
- Slammy Award for Kiss of the Year (2012)[151] — with John Cena
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Worst Worked Match of the Year (2013)[152] with Aksana, Alicia Fox, Kaitlyn, Rosa Mendes, Summer Rae and Tamina Snuka vs. Cameron, Eva Marie, JoJo, Naomi, Natalya and The Bella Twins on November 24
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "WrestleMania 29: Homecoming for Jersey's tiny 'Diva' AJ Lee". NJ.com. April 3, 2013. Retrieved September 1, 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "AJ Lee". WWE. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 "AJ Lee". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Wortman, James. "The spider's bite: AJ Lee on her excruciating 'Black Widow' submission move". WWE. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Homecoming Queen: Local Talent At WrestleMania". New Jersey Monthly. Retrieved October 31, 2013. "She calls Tampa home, but is excited about coming back to New Jersey for WrestleMania."
- ↑ "Jay Lethal talks his current status in ROH". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. April 25, 2013. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "WWE signs new developmental Diva". PWInsider. May 5, 2009. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Kiss and Tell: AJ Lee rates her WWE lip-locks". WWE. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "AJ Lee Wins Diva of the Year Slammy Award". DIva-Dirt. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Artus, Matthew. "AJ Lee def. Divas Champion Kaitlyn". WWE. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
- ↑ Truitt, Brian (July 23, 2012). "WWE's 'Monday Night Raw' packs 1,000 episodes under its belt". USA Today. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Tello, Craig (March 22, 2012). "Fightin' Fangirls: WWE Diva AJ". Marvel. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
- ↑ "Meet NXT Rookie Diva A.J.". WWE. September 10, 2010. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 Teodoro, Nick (June 15, 2012). "AJ Lee, the WWE's 'Geek Goddess', talks triple-threat match and her NJ. homecoming". NorthJersey. Retrieved June 16, 2012.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 Robinson, Jon (August 9, 2011). "AJ Lee talks video games, pro wrestling". ESPN. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- ↑ "AJ Lee meets Lita: July 18, 2001". WWFAttitudeEraV1. YouTube. May 30, 2013.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 17.7 17.8 17.9 "Miss April". G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling. Archived from the original on 14 April 2009. Retrieved May 6, 2009.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Lee, AJ (August 9, 2012) (mp3). 8/9 Extra Time AJ Lee INT. Interview with Reynolds. Extra Time W/ Reynolds And Marc. ESPN. http://dugless57.hipcast.com/deluge/36f1a54a-d2b6-6985-7478-6f8fd16d2a28.mp3. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Pierce, Scott (20 August 2012). "Q&A: AJ Lee, WWE Superheroine". Esquire. Retrieved 20 August 2012. "I actually went to NYU for six months, had some family issues that kind of set me back, and I couldn't afford to go anymore. That was the theme going on in my whole life, you know: money stopping me from whatever I wanted to do. My dream my entire life was to be a wrestler, so that was my moment where I was like, Okay, let's do it now. I went to wrestling school and found a full-time job to support it."
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Meltzer, Dave (September 6, 2010). "Sept. 6, 2010 Observer Newsletter: UFC 118 in-depth, early Luna bio, WWE responds to Cade, Tony Borne". Wrestling Observer Newsletter (Campbell, CA): 11. ISSN 1083-9593. "April Jeanette, 23, started wrestling independently in New Jersey after graduating high school. While doing independents, she attended NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in New York City. She's got by far the most wrestling experience, and will be far and away the best in-ring worker. She's small and has the cute look, and was at one time the girlfriend of TNA's Jay Lethal."
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 "Women Superstars Uncensored". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved March 27, 2011.
- ↑ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2009)". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
- ↑ Martin, Adam (September 19, 2009). "News and notes from WWE's FCW". WrestleView. Retrieved September 7, 2013. "AJ Lee (formally [sic] April Lee)"
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Florida Championship Wrestling roster". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on November 6, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 "FCW Watch: AJ Lee vs Naomi Night (‘Queen of FCW’ Crown)". Diva-Dirt. December 16, 2010. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 "Florida Championship Wrestling (2010)". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Champions Roll Call". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 "FCW roster". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 23, 2010. Retrieved December 20, 2010.
- ↑ "AJ makes FCW History". Florida Championship Wrestling. December 16, 2010. Archived from the original on March 8, 2011. Retrieved December 22, 2013.
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 Caldwell, James (August 31, 2010). "Caldwell's WWE NXT Results 8/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 2, Week 13 – Season Finale". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on 3 September 2010. Retrieved September 1, 2010. "Primo introduced her [sic] Rookie, A.J. It's A.J. Lee"
- ↑ "CALDWELL'S WWE NXT RESULTS 9/7: Complete "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 3, Week 1 - Season Premiere". PWTorch. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
- ↑ Bishop, Matt (September 15, 2010). "WWE NXT: All-time burial continues". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
- ↑ Bishop, Matt (September 21, 2010). "WWE NXT: Welcome to The Gong Show". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved October 1, 2010.
- ↑ Bishop, Matt (September 28, 2010). "WWE NXT: Head-scratching show carries on". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved October 1, 2010.
- ↑ Bishop, Matt (October 5, 2010). "WWE NXT: First elimination on tap, Vickie battles Kaitlyn". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
- ↑ "CALDWELL'S WWE NXT RESULTS 10/12: Complete "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 3, Week 6 - second episode on WWE's website". PWTorch. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 "CALDWELL'S WWE NXT RESULTS 11/2: Complete "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 3, Week 9 - an elimination and a wedding". PWTorch. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ↑ "CALDWELL'S WWE NXT RESULTS 11/9: Complete "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 3, Week 10 - two matches, two competitions, parody of TNA Impact". PWTorch. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ↑ "CALDWELL'S WWE NXT RESULTS 11/16: Complete "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 3, Week 11 - Elimination Week cutting the cast in half". PWTorch. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 Bishop, Matt (November 24, 2010). "WWE NXT: AJ sent home in a shocker". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
- ↑ "CALDWELL'S WWE NXT RESULTS 11/30: Complete "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 3, Week 13 - Season Finale, Intro for NXT Season 4". PWTorch. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 "SmackDown Redux (May 27th, 2011): AJ Debuts In The Most Lugubrious Way". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 "SMACKDOWN RESULTS - 6/3/11". Wrestleview. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 Hillhouse, Dave (June 11, 2011). "Smackdown: Factions renewed and rejected". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ↑ "WWE Superstars Redux (June 23rd, 2011): Buy One, Get One Free". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
- ↑ Hillhouse, Dave (June 18, 2011). "Smackdown: Fair is foul, and foul is fair". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ↑ "SmackDown Redux (July 29th, 2011): The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 "SmackDown Redux (July 8th, 2011): Tamina: Warrior Princess is Clearly No Xena…". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
- ↑ Hillhouse, Dave (August 6, 2011). "Smackdown: Firing on all cylinders". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ↑ Tedesco, Mike (August 12, 2011). "SMACKDOWN RESULTS - 8/12/11". Wrestleview. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
- ↑ "SmackDown Redux (September 16th, 2011): AJ Meets Her Doom & Stratusfaction Returns to SmackDown". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
- ↑ "SmackDown Redux (September 23rd, 2011): Doom Trumps Chick Busting". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
- ↑ "SMACKDOWN RESULTS - 11/18/11". Wrestleview. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ↑ Tedesco, Mike. "Smackdown Results - 11/25/11". Wrestleview. Retrieved November 26, 2011.
- ↑ Hillhouse, Dave (November 12, 2011). "Smackdown: Eye of the Viper". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ↑ Hillhouse, Dave (November 30, 2011). "Smackdown: Christmas in November". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ↑ "First match revealed for tonight's Raw". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 10 January 2012. "In the video, Bryan plays up his new over-confident, success-has-gone-to-his-head persona interacting with Kingston outside of the venue in Corpus Christi, Texas."
- ↑ Scannell, Robin. "SMACKDOWN STORYLINE TRACKER 1/6 & 1/13 - World Title & IC Title pictures, Sheamus-Barrett, McIntyre Strike Three, Santino Assistant GM". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
- ↑ Keller, Wade. "KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN BLOG 1/27: Final Royal Rumble hype barely touches on the Rumble match, but does hype Bryan vs. Show vs. Henry". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 24 March 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."
- ↑ 60.0 60.1 Parks, Greg (January 13, 2012). "Parks' WWE SmackDown report 1/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show, no count-out, no-DQ, for the World Title". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
- ↑ Burdick, Michael (February 3, 2012). "SmackDown results: Wade Barrett feels the sting of The Viper; Mark Henry suspended". WWE. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
- ↑ Scannell, Robin. "SMACKDOWN STORYLINE TRACKER 3/9 - Sheamus-Bryan, GM Feud, Orton-Kane, McIntyre re-hired". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
- ↑ Grate, Jake. "Is AJ blinded by her love for Daniel Bryan?". WWE. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
- ↑ Caldwell, James. "CALDWELL'S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 28 PPV REPORT 4/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Rock-Cena, Taker-Hunter, Punk-Jericho". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
- ↑ Parks, Greg (6 April 2012). "PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/6: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
- ↑ 66.0 66.1 66.2 Giannini, Alex. "Monster and the Madwoman?". WWE. Archived from the original on 10 June 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
- ↑ Scannell, Robin. "SMACKDOWN STORYLINE TRACKER - entire April from WM28 to Extreme Rules: Sheamus-Bryan, Bryan-A.J., People Power, Legends, WM28 re-matches hype". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
- ↑ "SmackDown Redux (April 27th, 2012): A Night of Diva Delight as Nikki Bella Battles Alicia Fox, AJ Snaps, Aksana Finds Swiss Love & More!". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ "SmackDown results: Sheamus overcame two-times the pain". WWE. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ "SmackDown Redux (May 11th, 2012): AJ Chick Busts Kaitlyn, But Daniel Bryan Has the Last Laugh". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ "Chickbusters no more.". May 13, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ↑ Parks, Greg. "PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/1". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
- ↑ Tylwalk, Nick. "Raw: Vince McMahon stops by for a John Laurinaitis performance review". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
- ↑ Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE No Way Out report 6/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Cena vs. Show, potential "firings," who will A.J. choose?". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
- ↑ 75.0 75.1 75.2 "SMACKDOWN RESULTS - 6/29/12". Wrestleview. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ↑ "Raw SuperShow results: AJ sends Punk and Bryan for the plunge". WWE. July 2, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ↑ Caldwell, James. "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/9: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #997 - final MITB PPV hype". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
- ↑ WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan, WWE, retrieved 2012-06-25
- ↑ "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #998 - MITB PPV fall-out, Cena's announcement". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
- ↑ "Raw 1,000 results: John Cena failed to win the WWE Title; The Rock floored by CM Punk". WWE. July 23, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ↑ "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #1,000 - Punk explains heel turn, #1 contender match main event, Orton returns, Summerslam hype". PWTorch. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ↑ Caldwell, James. "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/6: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - HBK live appearance, Lesnar in the building, Summerslam hype". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
- ↑ "Raw results: CM Punk battered Jerry Lawler in a Steel Cage Match". WWE. August 27, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ "WWE Champion CM Punk confronted referee Brad Maddox, Paul Heyman proposed to Raw GM AJ Lee". WWE. September 24, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ "WWE Champion CM Punk and Paul Heyman demanded an apology from Raw General Manager AJ Lee". WWE. October 1, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ "Raw results: Punk and Sheamus collide following AJ's resignation, but Ryback has the last word". WWE. October 22, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ↑ "Raw results: Team Foley and Team Punk brawled". WWE. Retrieved 2012-10-29.
- ↑ "Raw results: Ryback feasts in Birmingham, Survivor Series gets shaken up". WWE. Retrieved 2012-11-05.
- ↑ "Survivor Series 2012 results". WWE. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ "Raw results: Punk celebrates 365 days as champion, Ziggler injures Cena in locker room brawl". WWE. November 19, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ↑ Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/26: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - The Shield speaks, Cena-Ziggler". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
- ↑ 92.0 92.1 92.2 "Raw Redux (December 3rd, 2012): Tamina Snuka Versus AJ Lee... Round One!". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved December 4, 2012.
- ↑ 93.0 93.1 Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE TLC PPV Results 12/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of final 2012 PPV - Cena vs. Ziggler main event, Shield makes a statement". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
- ↑ Caldwell, James. "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 12/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - The strangest show of the year concludes with the debut of a new monster heel; Ric Flair returns". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
- ↑ 95.0 95.1 Sparks, Greg. "PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 12/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of commercial-free Tuesday Smackdown special, including Punk promo, Sheamus & Cena vs. Ziggler & Big Show". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
- ↑ "PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/8: Not-quite-live, ongoing coverage of Friday show, including Ziggler vs. Del Rio".
- ↑ "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 3/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WWE recognizes Bearer by incorporating him into Taker-Punk, Lesnar challenges Hunter, no Cena, more".
- ↑ "PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the Friday night show, including Henry vs. Ryback".
- ↑ "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 3/18: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Hunter signs WM29 contract, IC Title match, more WM29 developments".
- ↑ Benigno, Anthony. "Raw results: The Undertaker strikes back and John Cena gets 'Rock'ed in Philadelphia". WWE. Retrieved March 25, 2013.
- ↑ 101.0 101.1 101.2 101.3 "WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS - 3/29/13 (THE ROCK APPEARS)". Wrestleview. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
- ↑ 102.0 102.1 102.2 "CALDWELL'S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 29 PPV RESULTS: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from MetLife Stadium - Rock-Cena II, Taker-Punk, Lesnar-Hunter, more". PWTorch. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
- ↑ 103.0 103.1 "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WM29 fall-out, new World Champ, no Rock, Taker live, crowd takes over". PWTorch. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
- ↑ "Raw Redux (April 22nd, 2013): AJ Takes One Step Closer to the Crown While Summer Arrives Early in England". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ 105.0 105.1 105.2 105.3 "WWE NXT Results - 4/25/13 (Clash of Champions edition)". WrestleView. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ Benigno, Anthony. "Raw results: Cena and Ryback meet at 'Hell's' gate, Ziggler returns, and McMahon family business turns ugly: June 10, 2013: Kaitlyn’s secret admirer came forward". WWE. Retrieved June 10, 2010.
- ↑ Benigno, Anthony. "Raw results: Bryan goes ballistic backstage, Henry "retires" and Brock brings the pain to Punk: Stephanie McMahon confronted Divas Champion AJ Lee". WWE. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
- ↑ Benigno, Anthony. "Kaitlyn def. Aksana with AJ as Kaitlyn". WWE. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
- ↑ Burdick, Michael. "SmackDown Results: Fiesta Del Rio turned into a Ziggler slugfest: Kaitlyn imitated AJ Lee; Natalya def. AJ in a Non-title Match". WWE. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
- ↑ "The first-ever in-ring Divas Championship Match Contract Signing turned to chaos". WWE. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ Giannini, Alex. "Divas Champion AJ Lee def. Kaitlyn". WWE. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
- ↑ Clapp, John. "World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio def. Dolph Ziggler by disqualification". WWE. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
- ↑ Benigno, Anthony. "Raw results: Cena chooses his destiny, RVD takes flight and Lesnar returns to punish Punk, Dolph suffers spider's bite: World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio def. Dolph Ziggler". WWE. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
- ↑ 114.0 114.1 "PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/2: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Alberto Del Rio selecting his Summerslam opponent". PWTorch. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
- ↑ "CALDWELL'S WWE SSLAM PPV RESULTS 8/18 (Hour 3): Cena vs. Bryan WWE Title main event, did Orton cash in?".
- ↑ Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE RAW results 8/26 (Hour 2): Van Dam vs. Del Rio, A.J. "shoots" on Total Divas, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
- ↑ "The Triple Threat Divas Title No. 1 Contender’s Match went to a No Contest". WWE. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
- ↑ Ryan Murphy. "Divas Champion AJ Lee won a Fatal 4-Way Match". WWE. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
- ↑ 119.0 119.1 Alex Giannini. "AJ Lee def. Cameron". WWE. Retrieved September 27, 2013.
- ↑ 120.0 120.1 "Divas Champion AJ Lee def. Brie Bella". WWE. Retrieved October 9, 2013.
- ↑ "Divas Champion AJ Lee leaves Raw with concussion symptoms". WWE. Retrieved October 9, 2013.
- ↑ "Divas Champion AJ Lee def. Brie Bella". WWE. Retrieved 2013-10-27.
- ↑ "Natalya, The Bellas, The Funkadactyls, JoJo & Eva Marie def. Divas Champion AJ Lee, Tamina Snuka, Kaitlyn, Rosa Mendes, Summer Rae, Aksana & Alicia Fox". WWE. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
- ↑ Benigno, Anthony. "Divas Champion AJ Lee vs. Natalya". WWE. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
- ↑ "WWE Main Event results: Kaitlyn says goodbye". WWE. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
- ↑ "WWE Newswire: A.J. sets record". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
- ↑ "Scooby-Doo's Mystery Machine pulls in to WrestleMania!". WWE. Retrieved November 3, 2013.
- ↑ "HEAT ON TOP WWE DIVA FOLLOWING BACKSTAGE INCIDENT - THE ENTIRE STORY". PWInsider. Retrieved December 19, 2013. "...CM Punk (who Lee has been dating)..."
- ↑ Goldman, Eric (August 17, 2013). "WWE's AJ Lee on SummerSlam, the End of Her Time with Dolph Ziggler and Her Next Step". IGN. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
- ↑ "This is love.". AJ Lee. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ↑ "AJ Lee's tattoo tribute to her Divas Championship win: photos". WWE. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
- ↑ Melok, Bobby (December 9, 2011). "AJ breaks down virtual barriers with WWE '12". WWE. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
- ↑ Clayton, Cory (March 30, 2012). "AJ claims 2012 THQ Superstar Challenge trophy". WWE. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
- ↑ 134.0 134.1 "SmackDown Redux (January 11th, 2013): AJ Lee Shows Her Bite". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
- ↑ Namako, Jason. "Superstars Results - 10/6/11". Wrestleview. Retrieved October 7, 2011.
- ↑ 136.0 136.1 136.2 136.3 136.4 Tedesco, Mike. "Smackdown Results - 3/16/12". Wrestleview. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
- ↑ 137.0 137.1 137.2 "NXT Watch: Nice Guys Finish Last". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
- ↑ 138.0 138.1 138.2 "NXT Watch: Photoshop.. It’s More Than Good, It’s Grrrreat!". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved September 14, 2011.
- ↑ 139.0 139.1 139.2 "FCW Watch (January 1st, 2012): Audrey Marie vs. Aksana vs. AJ". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
- ↑ 140.0 140.1 140.2 "COMPLETE WWE PAYBACK PPV COVERAGE: TITLE CHANGES, BIG NAME RETURNING AND MORE". PWInsider. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
- ↑ "WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT: BIG SIX MAN TAG MATCH; USOS VERSUS SHIELD; THE VIPER STRIKES; AND MORE". PWInsider. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
- ↑ 142.0 142.1 142.2 "PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/23: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Sheamus & CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan & The Miz". PWTorch. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
- ↑ Benigno, Anthony. "Big E Langston def. Alberto Del Rio". WWE. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
- ↑ "WrestleMania Diary: AJ Lee, Introduction". WWE. April 3, 2013. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ↑ "Raw results: Bryan suffers corporate justice against Orton and The Shield". WWE. August 26, 2013. Retrieved September 1, 2013.
- ↑ "Right Now by Tyler van den Berg". iTunes. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
- ↑ "WWE: Let’s Light It Up (AJ) [feat. Kari Kimmel] – Single". Apple Inc. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
- ↑ Pro Wrestling Illustrated 34 (3): 30–31. 2013.
- ↑ "2013 PWI Female 50 list revealed". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Ringbelles. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
- ↑ "AJ Lee's first reign". WWE. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- ↑ "AJ Lee and John Cena Win "Kiss of the Year" Slammy". Diva-Dirt. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- ↑ Meltzer, Dave (January 27, 2014). "Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 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): 32. ISSN 1083-9593.
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