What is AJ Lee’s net worth?

AJ Lee is an American author and retired professional wrestler who has a net worth of $12 million. That is a combined net worth with her husband, CM Punk. They have been married since 2014.

AJ Lee is one of the most influential female wrestlers of her generation, celebrated for her blend of charisma, technical skill, and trailblazing presence during a pivotal era in WWE. Known for her feisty personality, fearless in-ring style, and outspoken advocacy for women in wrestling, she became a three-time WWE Divas Champion and a fan favorite throughout the early 2010s. Her rise coincided with a period when women’s wrestling was often overlooked, yet AJ’s energy and authenticity helped pave the way for the WWE women’s revolution that followed her departure. After retiring in 2015 at the peak of her popularity, she transitioned into writing and creative projects, only to shock the wrestling world by making a triumphant return in September 2025—nearly a decade later—on “Friday Night SmackDown,” aligning with her husband CM Punk and reigniting one of WWE’s most high-profile storylines.

Early Life

AJ Lee was born April Jeanette Mendez on March 19, 1987, in Union City, New Jersey. The youngest of three children, she grew up in a family that faced financial hardship, which included periods of homelessness. Despite these struggles, Lee found inspiration through professional wrestling, developing an early admiration for WWE stars like Lita and Trish Stratus. Her love for the sport was so intense that she decided as a teenager she would pursue it as a career. After attending New York University briefly, she shifted her focus to wrestling training, ultimately enrolling in a school run by Jay Lethal, which laid the foundation for her future success.

WWE Career

Lee signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2009 and quickly made an impression in Florida Championship Wrestling. By 2010, she appeared on the reality competition show “NXT,” where her underdog persona and relentless drive won fans over. In 2011, she was promoted to WWE’s main roster and soon became a fixture on television.

Her early storylines revolved around alliances with male superstars, including Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler, and her eventual husband CM Punk. However, AJ’s standout performances and unpredictable character work set her apart. She was often portrayed as quirky, outspoken, and willing to defy expectations—earning her the nickname “The Crazy Chick.”

In June 2013, AJ won her first WWE Divas Championship, defeating Kaitlyn at “Payback.” Her reign lasted 295 days, the longest in the title’s history at the time. She would go on to hold the championship three times, solidifying her as one of the top stars in the women’s division. Her matches and promos injected new energy into the division and inspired a generation of female wrestlers who came after her.

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Retirement and Outside Ventures

AJ Lee retired in April 2015, a little over a year after CM Punk’s high-profile departure from WWE. At the time, she cited injuries as part of her decision, though she remained supportive of women’s wrestling. Her exit came just before the women’s revolution took center stage, but many credited her influence for laying the groundwork.

Outside the ring, Lee pursued writing and entertainment. In 2017, she released her memoir “Crazy Is My Superpower,” which became a New York Times bestseller. The book candidly explored her upbringing, mental health challenges, and journey through professional wrestling, resonating deeply with readers and expanding her influence beyond WWE. She also worked as an executive producer and creative contributor for Women of Wrestling, the all-female promotion backed by Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, further championing opportunities for women in the sport.

2025 Return to WWE

After a decade-long absence, AJ Lee shocked fans by returning to WWE on September 5, 2025, during “Friday Night SmackDown” in Chicago. She appeared at the height of her husband CM Punk’s feud with Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, delivering a surprise assist when Punk declared he would never lay hands on a woman. AJ’s entrance music hit, sending the crowd into a frenzy. She brawled with Lynch, forcing the Women’s Intercontinental Champion to retreat.

The return instantly became one of the most talked-about moments in wrestling, marking Lee’s reentry into the spotlight as part of one of WWE’s hottest storylines. While she said little in her return, her actions signaled that AJ Lee was back as a major player, setting the stage for new rivalries and reigniting the passion of longtime fans.

Personal Life

On June 13, 2014, AJ Lee married fellow professional wrestler Phillip Brooks, better known as CM Punk. The couple splits their time between Los Angeles, California, and Chicago, Illinois, where they live with their beloved rescue dog, Larry.

Real Estate

In December 2021, AJ and CM paid $4 million for a home in Los Angeles’ Los Feliz neighborhood. They actually paid $700,000 OVER the asking price to secure the home.