AJ Lee Talks Rough Upbringing & Being Poor

The NY Daily News spoke with WWE Diva, AJ Lee (real name April Mendez), about her upbringing in New Jersey and her toughest battles in life outside the wrestling ring:

On working at a Pathmark supermarket and being a janitor: “I liked being a janitor more than that. You’re on your feet all day. People kind of look right through you.”

On her upbringing in New Jersey: “I didn’t have the easiest time growing up; it’s no secret. We were just poor.”

Her obstacles in selling herself as a WWE worker since she doesn’t have the typical Diva mold: “Selling the package as me was really hard. I’m not the sexy girl. I’m more youthful and innocent, the girl who wears jeans and T-shirts and sneakers. Fans have accepted that I’m a tomboy. There’s a different group of people who find that attractive.”

Regarding her fans in the NY/Brooklyn area: “There’s something about the fans in that area. They’re more extreme; they’re smarter. Every time we go somewhere in the tristate, there are people who remember me from six years ago. It’s like a homecoming.”

AJ Lee was also mentioned in USA Today this week for “Who’s News?”

100% DIRECT LINK (PHOTOS): AJ & Her *REAL-LIFE* Boyfriend On Vacation!