Adriana Wortman

April Jeanette Mendez, professionally known as AJ Lee, is an American author and former professional wrestler. Born in 1987, her early life was marked by significant challenges, including poverty, mental illness, and addiction within her family. These experiences, coupled with her own diagnosis of bipolar disorder, have profoundly shaped her perspective.

Mendez's career in professional wrestling began in 2007, leading to a prominent role in WWE. She achieved considerable success, winning multiple championships and accolades. Beyond wrestling, she has established herself as an author, with her memoir becoming a New York Times Best Seller. She also co-authored comic books and a film, collaborating with actress Aimee Garcia. Her narrative often intertwines her personal struggles with her public persona, particularly concerning mental health.

Born April Jeanette Mendez in Union City, New Jersey, her upbringing was characterized by financial hardship and family issues, including mental illness and addiction. These circumstances led to frequent moves and unstable living conditions. Mendez's own journey with mental health led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder around the age of 20, following a severe adverse reaction to a misdiagnosed depression and a subsequent overdose. She views this experience as a turning point, crediting her condition with fostering the courage to pursue her ambitions. Her family's background and her personal health battles have been central themes in her life and work.

Mendez entered the professional wrestling circuit in 2007, eventually signing with WWE in 2009. She gained significant recognition for her in-ring performances and her character work, particularly storylines that explored themes of mental instability. During her tenure, she achieved multiple championship victories, including a record-tying three Divas Championship reigns, and received numerous awards. Her wrestling persona often drew from her personal experiences, allowing her to connect with audiences on a deeper level. She retired from wrestling in 2015 but later returned to WWE in 2025.

Transitioning from wrestling, Mendez has focused on her writing career. Her 2017 memoir, 'Crazy Is My Superpower,' achieved bestseller status on The New York Times list, detailing her life experiences and her perspective on mental health. In 2019, she initiated a creative collaboration with actress Aimee Garcia. Together, they have produced several comic books and co-wrote the 2022 Netflix film 'Blade of the 47 Ronin.' This literary work allows her to continue sharing her narrative and exploring creative avenues beyond the wrestling ring.