Why Did AJ Lee Quit WWE?By Coder| September 28, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Many fans were shocked when AJ Lee, one of the most popular and talented female wrestlers in WWE, announced her retirement from the company in 2015. AJ Lee, whose real name is April Jeanette Mendez, had a successful career in WWE, winning the Divas Championship three times and becoming one of the key figures in the “Divas Revolution”. So why did she decide to leave the wrestling world she had thrived in? Let’s delve deeper into the reasons behind AJ Lee’s departure. The Injuries: One of the main factors that led to AJ Lee’s retirement was her ongoing battle with injuries. Throughout her career, she dealt with various physical ailments, including neck and back injuries. These injuries took a toll on her body and made it increasingly difficult for her to perform at her best. In an industry as physically demanding as professional wrestling, injuries can be a major hindrance and can significantly impact an athlete’s quality of life. The Toll on Mental Health: AJ Lee was not only dealing with physical injuries but also struggling with mental health issues. In her autobiography, “Crazy is My Superpower,” she opened up about her struggles with bipolar disorder and depression. The pressure to perform at a high level while managing these conditions became overwhelming for her. The constant travel, grueling schedule, and intense scrutiny added to the stress she was already experiencing. Ultimately, AJ Lee made the difficult decision to prioritize her own well-being over her wrestling career. Desire for New Challenges: After spending several years in WWE and achieving great success, AJ Lee may have felt that she had accomplished all she could within the company. She had become one of the top female wrestlers and had played a pivotal role in elevating women’s wrestling in WWE. Perhaps AJ Lee wanted to explore other avenues and pursue new challenges outside of the wrestling ring. Focus on Personal Life: Another reason behind AJ Lee’s retirement was her desire to focus on her personal life. In 2014, she married fellow WWE wrestler CM Punk (real name Phil Brooks). CM Punk had already left WWE in 2014 and had a public falling out with the company. It is possible that AJ Lee wanted to spend more time with her husband and start a new chapter of their lives together outside of the wrestling world. Legacy and Future Influence: Despite her early retirement, AJ Lee left an indelible mark on WWE and women’s wrestling as a whole. Her unique style, charismatic personality, and exceptional in-ring skills inspired a new generation of female wrestlers. She proved that women could be more than just eye candy in WWE and showed that they deserved equal opportunities to shine in the ring. AJ Lee’s impact can still be felt today as female wrestlers continue to push boundaries and fight for better representation within the industry. In conclusion, AJ Lee’s decision to quit WWE was influenced by a combination of factors, including injuries, mental health struggles, the desire for new challenges, and a focus on her personal life. While fans may have been disappointed by her departure, AJ Lee’s legacy as one of the trailblazers in women’s wrestling will continue to inspire generations to come.
