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!
Michael Cole on Struggle of Following Jim Ross’ Commentary Style in WWE & Dealing with Family Medical Crisis Early Into His WWE Career
Adam Copeland Announced For MLP Northern Rising 2026
WWE RAW Results – July 27, 2026 – Oba Femi & Brock Lesnar Weigh-In, Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins Go Face-To-Face, Sol Ruca vs. Raquel Rodriguez
