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AJ Lee
AJ at Fort Bragg in December 2011.
Born (1987-03-19) March 19, 1987 (age 37)[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)AJ[2][3]
AJ Lee[3]
April Lee[1]
Miss April[1]
Billed height5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)[2]
Billed weight107 lb (49 kg)[1]
Billed fromUnion City, New Jersey[2]
Trained byJay Lethal[1]
DebutSeptember 29, 2007[1]

April Jeanette Mendez[4][5] (born March 19, 1987)[1] is an American professional wrestler. She is signed to WWE, where she wrestles as part of the SmackDown brand under the ring name AJ.[2]

Mendez enrolled in a wrestling school in March 2007, and debuted six months later. In the following years, she performed for several Northeast-based independent promotions including Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU) as Miss April. In WSU, she was part of the AC Express alongside Brooke Carter and the duo held the WSU Tag Team Championship once. In May 2009, she signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE's developmental promotion, using the ring name AJ Lee.[6] In FCW, she was Queen of FCW and FCW Divas Champion, and was the first person to have held both titles. In 2010, she was part of the third season of NXT, having dropped her last name, and became part of WWE's SmackDown brand in May 2011.

Early life

Mendez has stated she is of Puerto Rican heritage.[7] She attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in New York City where she majored in Film and Television production.[8] As a tribute to her brother, who was in the army, Mendez sometimes wears camouflage wrestling attire.[8]

Professional wrestling career

Training (2007)

Shortly after graduating from high school, Mendez researched wrestling schools, and enrolled in one a mile away from her house. To pay the tuition, she began working full-time, and became an official wrestling student in March 2007.[8]

Women Superstars Uncensored (2008–2009)

On October 10, 2008, Miss April made her debut for Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU), losing to Soul Sister Jana in a singles match. The following night, she teamed with Malia Hosaka and participated in the tournament to determine the inaugural WSU Tag Team Champions. The pairing advanced to the second round by defeating The Soul Sisters (Jana and Latasha), where they lost to The Beatdown Betties (Roxxie Cotton and Annie Social). At the second taping later that same night, Miss April lost to Hosaka in a singles match. On February 7, 2009 Miss April teamed with Brooke Carter to defeat The Beatdown Betties and win the WSU Tag Team Championship. A month later, on March 7, they defeated The Beatdown Betties in a rematch to retain the championship. On April 10, Miss April competed in the third J-Cup tournament, defeating Roxxie Cotton in the first round before losing to Rain in the second.[9] The following night, on April 11, Miss April and Jay Lethal were won the 2009 WSU/NWS King and Queen Tournament after defeating Jana and Danny Demanto in the final of the tounament.[8]

World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE

Florida Championship Wrestling (2009–2011)

AJ addressing the audience on NXT in November 2010

Mendez signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment on May 5, 2009, and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE's developmental territory.[6] Mendez made her FCW television debut at the August 14, 2009 tapings under the name April Lee in a fatal four-way match won by Serena Mancini, and also including Alicia Fox and Tiffany.[10] In September 2009, her ring name was changed to 'AJ Lee'.[11] She began challenging for the Queen of FCW title, and at the television tapings on February 4, 2010, Lee defeated Serena to win the crown.[12] In the first round of a tournament to determine the inaugural FCW Divas Championship, Lee defeated Tamina on April 29, but was defeated by Serena in the semi-finals on May 20. At the June 10 television tapings, Lee challenged Naomi Knight for the FCW Divas Championship, but was unsuccessful.[13] In June 2010, she appeared at Raw house shows, acting as the hostess, and also acted as the ring announcer at an FCW show.[1][13] The following month, Lee and Serena interrupted Knight during a promo, and Lee watched while Serena attacked Knight, turning Lee into a heel (villainous character).[14] Knight went on to retain her FCW Divas Championship by defeating both Lee and Serena in a triple threat match. On FCW's 100th episode, Lee fought Knight to a double countout in a match where both the Queen of FCW title and the FCW Divas Championship were on the line. At the September 2 tapings, Lee lost to Knight in a Lumberjill match to end their feud.[13]

On November 18, she dropped the Queen of FCW title to Rosa Mendes.[15] On December 16, AJ defeated Naomi to win the FCW Divas Championship.[16] Her victory made her the first FCW Diva to have held both the Divas Championship and the title of Queen of FCW.[17] She held the championship until the April 7, 2011, television tapings, when she lost it to Aksana.[15]

NXT (2010–2011)

On August 31, 2010, it was announced that she would be part of the third season of NXT under the name AJ, with Primo as her Pro.[18] She appeared on the first episode of season three on September 7, teaming with Primo to defeat rookie Diva Aksana and her Pro Goldust in a mixed tag team match.[19] The following week she suffered her first loss when she and Primo were defeated by Kaitlyn and Dolph Ziggler.[20] Over the next two weeks, AJ won three challenges, and on the October 5 episode of NXT she and Kaitlyn were tied for the number of challenges won.[21][22] Kaitlyn received immunity from elimination in the poll based on crowd reaction.[23] AJ was eliminated from the competition on the November 23 episode of NXT, despite winning a competition and a match earlier in the show.[24][25] She returned to NXT for the season finale, where she teamed with The Bella Twins to defeat Alicia Fox, Aksana, and Maxine.[26] AJ returned as a special guest on February 8, 2011, during the fourth season of NXT, modeling merchandise during a 'guess the price' challenge.[27] She also made several appearances during NXT Redemption in mid-2011.[28][29]

SmackDown (2011–present)

File:Natalya cheating.jpg
AJ struggles in Natalya's Sharpshooter.

AJ made her main roster debut on the May 27, 2011, episode of SmackDown when she and Kaitlyn (known as The Chickbusters) lost to the team of Alicia Fox and Tamina. The duo were accompanied by Natalya, who became a mentor of sorts to the pair.[30] AJ and Kaitlyn lost a rematch to Fox and Tamina the following week.[31] Her first victory came on the June 10 episode of SmackDown, when she pinned Tamina in a singles match, a feat she repeated on the July 8 episode.[32][33] AJ, Kaitlyn, and Natalya continued to feud with Fox and Tamina, who were joined by Rosa Mendes.[34][35]

On the August 5 episode of 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.[36] The following week, AJ and Kaitlyn lost to Natalya and Beth Phoenix, before AJ teamed with Kelly Kelly to defeat Natalya and Fox.[37][38] Throughout the next few months, The Chickbusters continued to feud with the so-called Divas of Doom, losing both singles and tag team matches to them.[39][40] In November, tension began to be teased between The Chickbusters, with Kaitlyn upset at their repeated losses to The Divas of Doom.[41]

Also in November, AJ began a romantic storyline with Daniel Bryan.[42][43] On the January 13 episode of SmackDown, AJ accompanied Bryan for his World Heavyweight Championship defense against Big Show. During the match Show accidentally collided with AJ, injuring her (kayfabe) and causing her to be taken out on a stretcher.[44] AJ returned to SmackDown on February 3, saving Daniel Bryan from the Big Show.[45]

On March 16 edition of SmackDown AJ won a match against Nikki Bella earning a a title shot for the WWE Divas Championship, as told by Bryan.[46]

Personal life

Mendez was previously in a relationship with her trainer Jay Lethal.[47] Mendez is a self-described tomboy and geek[48] and enjoys comic books and video games.[3] Mendez is also an animal lover, owning two rescue dogs.[49]

In wrestling

Championships and accomplishments

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "A.J. Lee". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d "AJ". WWE. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c "AJ". Florida Championship Wrestling. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  4. ^ "AJ Lee". MySpace. Retrieved April 9, 2011. Three generations of Mendez women, Me, Momma April, and my twin nieces.
  5. ^ The following source establishes that the MySpace source used in this article is her official one: "AJ Lee, la favorita para ganar la tercera temporada de NXT – ¿Que opinará AJ Styles?". superluchas.net. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
  6. ^ a b Martin, Adam (May 5, 2009). "WWE signs new developmental talent". WrestleView. Archived from the original on April 23, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  7. ^ "NXT Rookie Diva A.J. reacts to being paired to Primo" (video). World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved April 2, 2011. We're both from Puerto Rico
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Miss April". G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling. Retrieved May 6, 2009.
  9. ^ "Women Superstars Uncensored". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved March 27, 2011.
  10. ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2009)". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
  11. ^ Martin, Adam (September 19, 2009). "News and notes from WWE's FCW". WrestleView. Retrieved April 22, 2011. AJ Lee (real name April Janette [sic], formally [sic] April Lee)
  12. ^ a b "Florida Championship Wrestling roster". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on November 6, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
  13. ^ a b c "Florida Championship Wrestling (2010)". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
  14. ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2010): July 1, 2010–Florida Championship Wrestling – TV Tapings (Airdate: 7/11)". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved April 17, 2011. Lee did nothing – turning her heel
  15. ^ a b "Champions Roll Call". Florida Championship Wrestling. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
  16. ^ a b "FCW roster". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 23, 2010. Retrieved December 20, 2010.
  17. ^ "AJ makes FCW History". Florida Championship Wrestling. December 16, 2010. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  18. ^ 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. Retrieved September 1, 2010. Primo introduced her [sic] Rookie, A.J. It's A.J. Lee
  19. ^ Bishop, Matt (September 7, 2010). "WWE NXT: Season 3 opens with burials, botches, more". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
  20. ^ Bishop, Matt (September 15, 2010). "WWE NXT: All-time burial continues". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  21. ^ Bishop, Matt (September 21, 2010). "WWE NXT: Welcome to The Gong Show". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved October 1, 2010.
  22. ^ Bishop, Matt (September 28, 2010). "WWE NXT: Head-scratching show carries on". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved October 1, 2010.
  23. ^ Bishop, Matt (October 5, 2010). "WWE NXT: First elimination on tap, Vickie battles Kaitlyn". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
  24. ^ Martin, Adam (November 24, 2010). "Latest elimination from WWE NXT is..." WrestleView. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
  25. ^ a b Bishop, Matt (November 24, 2010). "WWE NXT: AJ sent home in a shocker". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
  26. ^ Bishop, Matt (November 30, 2010). "WWE NXT: Season 3 mercifully ends with new breakout diva crowned". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 18, 2010.
  27. ^ Bishop, Matt (February 9, 2011). "WWE NXT: Another one bites the dust". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved February 27, 2011.
  28. ^ Bishop, Matt (August 24, 2011). "WWE NXT: Kidd is show's shining star". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  29. ^ Bishop, Matt (September 14, 2011). "WWE NXT: Regal, Striker want piece of JTG, Young". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  30. ^ a b Hillhouse, Dave (May 28, 2011). "Smackdown: The People's Court calls the shots again". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  31. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (June 4, 2011). "Smackdown: Christian's patience wearing thin". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  32. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (June 11, 2011). "Smackdown: Factions renewed and rejected". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  33. ^ Tylwalk, Nick (July 8, 2011). "SmackDown: Orton, Christian and Sheamus continue their three-man weave". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  34. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (June 18, 2011). "Smackdown: Fair is foul, and foul is fair". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  35. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (July 30, 2011). "Smackdown: New Game in town". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  36. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (August 6, 2011). "Smackdown: Firing on all cylinders". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  37. ^ Waldman, Jon (August 12, 2011). "Smackdown: Eventful last show before Summerslam". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  38. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (August 20, 2011). "Smackdown: Turning the page". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  39. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (September 17, 2011). "Smackdown: Rated "R" for "Retirement"". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  40. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (September 24, 2011). "Smackdown: Blood on TV and a title match". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  41. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (November 26, 2011). "Smackdown: Give and take". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  42. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (November 12, 2011). "Smackdown: Eye of the Viper". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  43. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (November 30, 2011). "Smackdown: Christmas in November". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  44. ^ a b 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.
  45. ^ Burdick, Michael (February 3, 2012). "SmackDown results: Wade Barrett feels the sting of The Viper; Mark Henry suspended". WWE. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  46. ^ "SmackDown! Results". WWE. 16.3.2012. Retrieved 16 March 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  47. ^ 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.
  48. ^ http://twitter.com/#!/WWEAJLee
  49. ^ http://twitter.com/#!/WWEAJLee/status/79039319754551296
  50. ^ Martin, Adam (November 24, 2010). "NXT Results – 11/23/10". WrestleView. Retrieved November 24, 2010. A.J. then slapped on her octopus submission
  51. ^ Burdick, Michael (September 16, 2011). "SmackDown results: Mark Henry unleashed 'Cutting Edge' chaos". WWE. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  52. ^ "WWE: Let's Light It Up (AJ) [feat. Kari Kimmel] – Single". Apple Inc. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  53. ^ "PWI Female 50 2011 Revealed". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Diva Dirt. September 9, 2011. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
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