Miss April (wrestler)
Encyclopedia
April Jeanette Mendez is an American
professional wrestler
. She is signed to WWE, wrestling on its SmackDown brand
under the name
of AJ. In 2010, she competed on the third season of NXT
, finishing in third place. She also competes in WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW)
, where she is a former Queen of FCW
and FCW Divas Champion, and the first person to have held both titles.
She has wrestled for several Northeast-based independent
promotions
under the name Miss April. including VPW, NWS, and ACE as well as the all-female promotion Women Superstars Uncensored
, where she was one half of the WSU Tag Team Champions along with Brooke Carter
, known as The AC Express.
heritage. She attended New York University
's Tisch School of the Arts
in New York City
where she majored in Film and Television production. She has a brother who served in the Army, and as a tribute to him, she has been known to wear camouflage
wrestling attire.
(WSU), losing to Soul Sister Jana in a singles match. The following night, she teamed with Malia Hosaka
and participated in the tournament to determine the inaugural WSU Tag Team Champions
. The pairing advanced to the second round by defeating The Soul Sisters (Jana and Latasha), where they lost to The Beatdown Betties (Roxxie Cotton and Annie Social
). At the second taping later that same night, Miss April lost to Hosaka in a singles match. On February 7, 2009 Miss April teamed with Brooke Carter
to defeat The Beatdown Betties and win the WSU Tag Team Championship. A month later, on March 7, they defeated The Beatdown Betties in a rematch to retain the championship. On April 10, Miss April competed in the third J-Cup tournament, defeating Roxxie Cotton in the first round before losing to Rain in the second. The following night, on April 11, Miss April and Jay Lethal
were crowned the WSU/NWS 2009 King and Queen of the Ring after defeating Jana and Danny Demanto in the final of the tounament.
on May 5, 2009, and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling
, WWE's developmental territory. Mendez made her FCW television debut at the August 14, 2009 tapings under the name April Lee in a fatal four-way match won by Serena Mancini
, and also including Alicia Fox and Tiffany
. In September 2009, her ring name was changed to "AJ Lee". She began challenging for the Queen of FCW title, and at the television tapings on February 4, 2010, Lee defeated Serena
to win the crown. In the first round of a tournament to determine the inaugural FCW Divas Championship, Lee defeated Tamina
on April 29, but was defeated by Serena in the semi-finals on May 20. At the June 10 television tapings, Lee challenged Naomi Knight for the FCW Divas Championship, but was unsuccessful. In June 2010, she appeared at Raw
house show
s, acting as the hostess, and also acted as the ring announcer
at an FCW show. The following month, Lee and Serena interrupted Knight during a promo, and Lee watched while Serena attacked Knight, turning Lee into a heel
(villainous character). Knight went on to retain her FCW Divas Championship by defeating both Lee and Serena in a triple threat match. On FCW's 100th episode, Lee fought Knight to a double countout in a match where both the Queen of FCW title and the FCW Divas Championship were on the line. At the September 2 tapings, Lee lost to Knight in a Lumberjill match to end their feud
.
On November 18, Lee lost the Queen of FCW title to Rosa Mendes, ending her record nine and a half month reign. On December 16, Lee defeated Naomi to win the FCW Divas Championship. Her victory made her the first FCW Diva to have held both the Divas Championship and the title of Queen of FCW. She held the championship until the April 7 television tapings, when she lost it to Aksana
.
under the name AJ, with Primo
as her Pro. She appeared on the first episode of season three on September 7, teaming with Primo to defeat rookie Diva Aksana and her Pro Goldust in a mixed tag team match. The following week she suffered her first loss when she and Primo were defeated by Kaitlyn
and Dolph Ziggler. Over the next two weeks, AJ won three challenges, and on the October 5 episode of NXT she and Kaitlyn
were tied for the number of challenges won. Kaitlyn received immunity from elimination in the poll based on crowd reaction. AJ was eliminated from the competition on the November 23 episode of NXT, despite winning a competition and a match earlier in the show. She returned to NXT for the season finale, where she teamed with The Bella Twins
to defeat Alicia Fox, Aksana, and Maxine
. AJ returned as a special guest on February 8 during the fourth season of NXT, modeling merchandise during a 'guess the price' challenge.
, teaming with Kaitlyn
(known as The Chickbusters
, a play on The Dude Busters
) in a losing effort to Alicia Fox and Tamina
after Kaitlyn was pinned by Alicia. The duo were accompanied by Natalya, who earlier that evening was seen giving them a pep talk about facing Fox and Tamina. Her losing streak continued the following week, as she and Kaitlyn
, accompanied again by Natalya, lost a return match to Alicia Fox and Tamina
, who were this time accompanied by Rosa Mendes when she was pinned by Tamina. On the June 10 edition of SmackDown, again with Natalya in her corner, AJ scored her first win when she pinned Tamina
in a singles match following a roll up. On the June 13 edition of Raw, an All-Star special, AJ was again victorious, in a 7 on 7 diva tag team match, teaming with Beth Phoenix
, Gail Kim
, Eve Torres
, Natalya, Kelly Kelly and Kaitlyn
to defeat The Bella Twins
, Melina
, Alicia Fox, Rosa Mendes, Maryse
and Tamina
. On the July 8 edition of SmackDown, AJ defeated Tamina
in a singles match. The Chickbusters
and Natalya returned to Raw on July 18 and were victorious in another 7 on 7 diva tag team match, with the same competitors as the All-Star Raw.
On the July 26 edition of NXT Redemption
, AJ was revealed as Hornswoggle's admirer and after, Maryse
insulted both of them, calling AJ a troll and telling Hornswoggle he finally found somebody his size, causing AJ to hit Maryse with the flowers she had for Hornswoggle. Three days later on SmackDown, she teamed up with fellow Chickbuster Kaitlyn
and Natalya in a losing effort to the trio of Alicia Fox, Rosa Mendes, and Tamina
after receiving a scissors kick from Fox. On the August 1 edition of Raw, AJ took part in a diva battle royal to become the #1 contender for the WWE Divas Championship
against Kelly Kelly at the Summerslam
pay-per-view, which was won by Beth Phoenix
. On the August 2 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ and Hornswoggle, sat on commentary in the Titus O'Neil
& Matt Striker vs. Derrick Bateman
& Darren Young tag team match. On the August 5 edition of SmackDown A.J. lost to Natalya, who after the match turned heel
by attacking AJ, and explaining this as part of a newfound allegiance with Beth Phoenix
, who earlier that week on Raw attacked Kelly Kelly, and that she no longer wished to be a "cute diva". On the August 19 edition of SmackDown, AJ teamed up with Kelly Kelly to defeat Alicia Fox and her former mentor, Natalya. On the August 16 edition of NXT Redemption, Maxine
returned to the show attacking AJ, later starting an alliance with her on-screen boyfriend Derrick Bateman against AJ and Hornswoggle. On the August 23 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ faced off with Maxine
in a losing effort due to Derrick Bateman
pushing Hornswoggle, thus distracting AJ. Then on the September 13 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ lost again to Maxine
after Maxine executed Maximum Destruction. The next week on the September 20 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ finally defeated Maxine
in a singles match. On the October 6 edition of Superstars, AJ defeated Tamina
in singles competition. On the October 12 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ again defeated Maxine
in a re-match. On the October 31 Halloween
edition of Raw, AJ was a participant in a #1 contender diva battle royal to face Beth Phoenix
for the divas at the Survivor Series
pay-per-view. She was dressed as Kitana
from Mortal Kombat, and attempted a move from the game during the match (a fan lift) before being eliminated by Tamina
. Later on the match, it was won by Eve Torres
. On the November 2 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ teamed with Titus O' Neil
and Percy Watson
defeating Derrick Bateman
, JTG, and Maxine
in a six-person mixed tag team match. On the November 11 edition of Smackdown, AJ appeared backstage with fellow Chickbuster Kaitlyn
and Daniel Bryan
talking about his Money in the Bank
briefcase. On the November 18 edition of Smackdown, AJ and Kaitlyn lost a divas tag team match to the Divas of Doom
. She was also seen with Daniel Bryan
and The Big Show backstage. She has since begun a romance storyline with Bryan, kissing him during the November 29 edition of Smackdown.
. Mendez is a self-described geek
and enjoys comic book
s, video games and action movies
. Mendez is also an animal lover, owning two rescue dogs.
It was revealed in a WWE.com interview, that as a fan, she attended WWE WrestleMania XX
at Madison Square Garden
with her father.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional wrestler
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
. She is signed to WWE, wrestling on its SmackDown brand
WWE Brand Extension
WWE, formerly the World Wrestling Federation and World Wrestling Entertainment , currently promotes its core business of professional wrestling through two "brands" named after their two major television shows Raw and SmackDown...
under the name
Ring name
A ring name is a stage name used by a professional wrestler, martial artist, or boxer. While some ring names may have a fictitious first name and surname, others may simply be a nickname, such as The Undertaker.-Wrestling:...
of AJ. In 2010, she competed on the third season of NXT
WWE NXT
WWE NXT is a sports entertainment television program produced by WWE that debuted on February 23, 2010. Described as a hybrid between reality television and WWE's scripted live event shows, the premise of the show follows select talent contracted to WWE's developmental territory Florida...
, finishing in third place. She also competes in WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW)
Florida Championship Wrestling
Championship Wrestling from Florida was the corporate and brand name of the Tampa, Florida wrestling office existing from 1961, when Eddie Graham first bought into the promotion, until 1987, when it closed down. It is also referred to as Florida Championship Wrestling...
, where she is a former Queen of FCW
Queen of FCW
The Queen of FCW title is a professional wrestling women's title in Florida Championship Wrestling ; it is contested for in their divas division. A crown is held by the title holder, rather than a championship belt that is primarily used in professional wrestling....
and FCW Divas Champion, and the first person to have held both titles.
She has wrestled for several Northeast-based independent
Independent circuit
In professional wrestling, the independent circuit or indy circuit refers to the many independent promotions which are much smaller than major televised promotions. They are roughly analagous to a minor league for pro wrestling, or community or regional theatre.Specific promotions on the...
promotions
Professional wrestling promotion
A professional wrestling promotion is a company or business that regularly performs shows involving professional wrestling. Promotion also describes a role which entails management, advertising and logistics of running a wrestling event...
under the name Miss April. including VPW, NWS, and ACE as well as the all-female promotion Women Superstars Uncensored
Women Superstars Uncensored
Women Superstars Uncensored is an American, New Jersey based female independent professional wrestling promotion which held its first event in 1996. Shows combine wrestling interspersed with both serious and comedic storylines. The company tapes two DVDs worth of material during weekend shows...
, where she was one half of the WSU Tag Team Champions along with Brooke Carter
Brittney Savage
Brittney Savage is an American professional wrestler, who currently works on the independent circuit. Brittney wrestled for promotions such as American Championship Entertainment, National Wrestling Superstars, World Xtreme Wrestling and Women Superstars Uncensored...
, known as The AC Express.
Early life
Mendez has stated she is of Puerto RicanPuerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
heritage. She attended New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
's Tisch School of the Arts
Tisch School of the Arts
Tisch School of the Arts is one of the 15 schools that make up New York University ....
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
where she majored in Film and Television production. She has a brother who served in the Army, and as a tribute to him, she has been known to wear camouflage
Camouflage
Camouflage is a method of concealment that allows an otherwise visible animal, military vehicle, or other object to remain unnoticed, by blending with its environment. Examples include a leopard's spotted coat, the battledress of a modern soldier and a leaf-mimic butterfly...
wrestling attire.
Training
Shortly after graduating from high school, Mendez researched wrestling schools, and enrolled in one a mile at the ACE Arena. To pay the tuition, she began working full-time, and became an official wrestling student in March 2007.Women Superstars Uncensored (2008–2009)
On October 10, 2008, Miss April made her debut for Women Superstars UncensoredWomen Superstars Uncensored
Women Superstars Uncensored is an American, New Jersey based female independent professional wrestling promotion which held its first event in 1996. Shows combine wrestling interspersed with both serious and comedic storylines. The company tapes two DVDs worth of material during weekend shows...
(WSU), losing to Soul Sister Jana in a singles match. The following night, she teamed with Malia Hosaka
Malia Hosaka
Malia Hosaka is an American professional wrestler. She is a former NWA World Women's Champion.-Career:Malia Hosaka was trained by Killer Kowalski at the wrestling training camp run by Misty Blue Simmes...
and participated in the tournament to determine the inaugural WSU Tag Team Champions
WSU Tag Team Championship
The WSU Tag Team Championship is a professional wrestling tag team championship in Women Superstars Uncensored. It is competed for in Women Superstars Uncensored, and has been defended on shows of sister promotion National Wrestling Superstars. Championship reigns are determined by professional...
. The pairing advanced to the second round by defeating The Soul Sisters (Jana and Latasha), where they lost to The Beatdown Betties (Roxxie Cotton and Annie Social
Annie Social
Annie Social, is an American professional wrestler who regularly performs for Shimmer Women Athletes and Women Superstars Uncensored . She currently manages Melanie Cruise in Shimmer.-Beginning:...
). At the second taping later that same night, Miss April lost to Hosaka in a singles match. On February 7, 2009 Miss April teamed with Brooke Carter
Brittney Savage
Brittney Savage is an American professional wrestler, who currently works on the independent circuit. Brittney wrestled for promotions such as American Championship Entertainment, National Wrestling Superstars, World Xtreme Wrestling and Women Superstars Uncensored...
to defeat The Beatdown Betties and win the WSU Tag Team Championship. A month later, on March 7, they defeated The Beatdown Betties in a rematch to retain the championship. On April 10, Miss April competed in the third J-Cup tournament, defeating Roxxie Cotton in the first round before losing to Rain in the second. The following night, on April 11, Miss April and Jay Lethal
Jay Lethal
Jamar "Jay" Shipman better known by his ring name Jay Lethal, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to Ring of Honor , where he is the ROH World Television Champion...
were crowned the WSU/NWS 2009 King and Queen of the Ring after defeating Jana and Danny Demanto in the final of the tounament.
Florida Championship Wrestling (2009–present)
Mendez signed a contract with World Wrestling EntertainmentWorld Wrestling Entertainment
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an American publicly traded, privately controlled entertainment company dealing primarily in professional wrestling, with major revenue sources also coming from film, music, product licensing, and direct product sales...
on May 5, 2009, and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling
Florida Championship Wrestling
Championship Wrestling from Florida was the corporate and brand name of the Tampa, Florida wrestling office existing from 1961, when Eddie Graham first bought into the promotion, until 1987, when it closed down. It is also referred to as Florida Championship Wrestling...
, WWE's developmental territory. Mendez made her FCW television debut at the August 14, 2009 tapings under the name April Lee in a fatal four-way match won by Serena Mancini
Serena Deeb
Serena Deeb is an American professional wrestler. She is best known for her time with World Wrestling Entertainment, appearing on the SmackDown brand and also known for her time with the developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling. under the ring name Serena...
, and also including Alicia Fox and Tiffany
Taryn Terrell
Taryn Nicole Terrell , better known by her ring name Tiffany is an American model, professional wrestler and former general manager. She is best known for her time in World Wrestling Entertainment . She also trained at WWE's developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
. In September 2009, her ring name was changed to "AJ Lee". She began challenging for the Queen of FCW title, and at the television tapings on February 4, 2010, Lee defeated Serena
Serena Deeb
Serena Deeb is an American professional wrestler. She is best known for her time with World Wrestling Entertainment, appearing on the SmackDown brand and also known for her time with the developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling. under the ring name Serena...
to win the crown. In the first round of a tournament to determine the inaugural FCW Divas Championship, Lee defeated Tamina
Sarona Reiher
Sarona Reiher is a professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where she is performing on the SmackDown brand, using the ring name Tamina...
on April 29, but was defeated by Serena in the semi-finals on May 20. At the June 10 television tapings, Lee challenged Naomi Knight for the FCW Divas Championship, but was unsuccessful. In June 2010, she appeared at Raw
WWE RAW
WWE Raw ) is a sports entertainment television program for WWE that currently airs on the USA Network in the United States...
house show
House show
A house show is a professional wrestling show run by a major promotion that is not televised, though they can be recorded. Promotions use house shows mainly to cash in on the exposure that they and their wrestlers receive during televised events, as well as test reactions to matches, wrestlers, and...
s, acting as the hostess, and also acted as the ring announcer
Ring announcer
A ring announcer is a paid in-ring employee for a boxing, professional wrestling, or mixed martial arts event or promotion...
at an FCW show. The following month, Lee and Serena interrupted Knight during a promo, and Lee watched while Serena attacked Knight, turning Lee into a heel
Heel (professional wrestling)
In professional wrestling, a heel is a villain character. In non-wrestling jargon, heels are the "bad guys" in professional wrestling; the term heel coming from the term take to you heels, which means to run away which heel champions tend to do to avoid losing their titles.storylines...
(villainous character). Knight went on to retain her FCW Divas Championship by defeating both Lee and Serena in a triple threat match. On FCW's 100th episode, Lee fought Knight to a double countout in a match where both the Queen of FCW title and the FCW Divas Championship were on the line. At the September 2 tapings, Lee lost to Knight in a Lumberjill match to end their feud
Feud (professional wrestling)
A professional wrestling feud is a staged rivalry between multiple wrestlers or alliances of wrestlers. They are integrated into ongoing storylines, particularly in events which are televised...
.
On November 18, Lee lost the Queen of FCW title to Rosa Mendes, ending her record nine and a half month reign. On December 16, Lee defeated Naomi to win the FCW Divas Championship. Her victory made her the first FCW Diva to have held both the Divas Championship and the title of Queen of FCW. She held the championship until the April 7 television tapings, when she lost it to Aksana
Zivile Raudoniene
Živilė Raudonienė is a Lithuanian fitness model, bodybuilder and professional wrestler. She is signed to WWE, performing on their SmackDown brand under the ring name Aksana, and is training in Florida Championship Wrestling , WWE's developmental territory...
.
NXT (2010)
On August 31, 2010, it was announced that she would be part of the third season of NXTWWE NXT
WWE NXT is a sports entertainment television program produced by WWE that debuted on February 23, 2010. Described as a hybrid between reality television and WWE's scripted live event shows, the premise of the show follows select talent contracted to WWE's developmental territory Florida...
under the name AJ, with Primo
Eddie Colon
Edwin "Eddie" Carlos Colón is a Puerto Rican professional wrestler. He is currently signed by WWE wrestling on its Raw brand as Primo. He is the son of Carlos Colón, Sr. and the younger brother of wrestlers Stacy and Carly Colón, better known as Carlito in WWE...
as her Pro. She appeared on the first episode of season three on September 7, teaming with Primo to defeat rookie Diva Aksana and her Pro Goldust in a mixed tag team match. The following week she suffered her first loss when she and Primo were defeated by Kaitlyn
Celeste Bonin
Celeste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
and Dolph Ziggler. Over the next two weeks, AJ won three challenges, and on the October 5 episode of NXT she and Kaitlyn
Celeste Bonin
Celeste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
were tied for the number of challenges won. Kaitlyn received immunity from elimination in the poll based on crowd reaction. AJ was eliminated from the competition on the November 23 episode of NXT, despite winning a competition and a match earlier in the show. She returned to NXT for the season finale, where she teamed with The Bella Twins
The Bella Twins
Brianna Monique Garcia and Stephanie Nicole Garcia are American twin professional wrestlers. The twins are a professional wrestling tag team under the ring names Brie Bella and Nikki Bella, collectively referred to as The Bella Twins, and work for WWE on the Raw brand.Before being promoted to the...
to defeat Alicia Fox, Aksana, and Maxine
Karlee Perez
Karlee Leilani Perez is an American professional wrestler, manager and authority figure, currently working for WWE appearing in their NXT season 5 show and competing in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling , under the ring name Maxine. She also serves as acting general...
. AJ returned as a special guest on February 8 during the fourth season of NXT, modeling merchandise during a 'guess the price' challenge.
SmackDown and The Chickbusters; Return to NXT (2011)
AJ debuted on the May 27, 2011 edition of SmackDown as a faceFace (professional wrestling)
In professional wrestling, a babyface or face or in simple words, a fan favorite is a character who is portrayed as a heroic relative to the heel wrestlers, who are analogous to villains...
, teaming with Kaitlyn
Celeste Bonin
Celeste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
(known as The Chickbusters
The Chickbusters
The Chickbusters is a professional wrestling face tag team consisting of Kaitlyn and AJ, both working for WWE and assigned to the SmackDown brand, and also compete in developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling...
, a play on The Dude Busters
The Dude Busters
The Dude Busters were a professional wrestling tag team consisting of Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft that appeared in World Wrestling Entertainment.- Florida Championship Wrestling :...
) in a losing effort to Alicia Fox and Tamina
Sarona Reiher
Sarona Reiher is a professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where she is performing on the SmackDown brand, using the ring name Tamina...
after Kaitlyn was pinned by Alicia. The duo were accompanied by Natalya, who earlier that evening was seen giving them a pep talk about facing Fox and Tamina. Her losing streak continued the following week, as she and Kaitlyn
Celeste Bonin
Celeste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
, accompanied again by Natalya, lost a return match to Alicia Fox and Tamina
Sarona Reiher
Sarona Reiher is a professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where she is performing on the SmackDown brand, using the ring name Tamina...
, who were this time accompanied by Rosa Mendes when she was pinned by Tamina. On the June 10 edition of SmackDown, again with Natalya in her corner, AJ scored her first win when she pinned Tamina
Sarona Reiher
Sarona Reiher is a professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where she is performing on the SmackDown brand, using the ring name Tamina...
in a singles match following a roll up. On the June 13 edition of Raw, an All-Star special, AJ was again victorious, in a 7 on 7 diva tag team match, teaming with Beth Phoenix
Beth Phoenix
Elizabeth Kocianski is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE where she wrestles on the Raw brand under the ring name Beth Phoenix, where she is the reigning WWE Divas Champion....
, Gail Kim
Gail Kim
Gail Kim is a Canadian professional wrestler of Korean descent, who is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling , where she is the current TNA Women's Knockout Champion and one half of the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions with Madison Rayne...
, Eve Torres
Eve Torres
Eve Marie Torres is an American dancer, model, and professional wrestler. She is working for WWE on Raw brand. She is a two time WWE Divas Champion.Torres began her career as a model and dancer...
, Natalya, Kelly Kelly and Kaitlyn
Celeste Bonin
Celeste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
to defeat The Bella Twins
The Bella Twins
Brianna Monique Garcia and Stephanie Nicole Garcia are American twin professional wrestlers. The twins are a professional wrestling tag team under the ring names Brie Bella and Nikki Bella, collectively referred to as The Bella Twins, and work for WWE on the Raw brand.Before being promoted to the...
, Melina
Melina Perez
Melina Nava Perez is an American professional wrestler currently signed to Women Superstars Uncensored. She is best known for her time with World Wrestling Entertainment under the ring mononym Melina....
, Alicia Fox, Rosa Mendes, Maryse
Maryse Ouellet
Maryse Ouellet is a Professional Glamour Model and a former professional wrestler, better known simply as Maryse. She most recently worked for WWE...
and Tamina
Sarona Reiher
Sarona Reiher is a professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where she is performing on the SmackDown brand, using the ring name Tamina...
. On the July 8 edition of SmackDown, AJ defeated Tamina
Sarona Reiher
Sarona Reiher is a professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where she is performing on the SmackDown brand, using the ring name Tamina...
in a singles match. The Chickbusters
The Chickbusters
The Chickbusters is a professional wrestling face tag team consisting of Kaitlyn and AJ, both working for WWE and assigned to the SmackDown brand, and also compete in developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling...
and Natalya returned to Raw on July 18 and were victorious in another 7 on 7 diva tag team match, with the same competitors as the All-Star Raw.
On the July 26 edition of NXT Redemption
WWE NXT
WWE NXT is a sports entertainment television program produced by WWE that debuted on February 23, 2010. Described as a hybrid between reality television and WWE's scripted live event shows, the premise of the show follows select talent contracted to WWE's developmental territory Florida...
, AJ was revealed as Hornswoggle's admirer and after, Maryse
Maryse Ouellet
Maryse Ouellet is a Professional Glamour Model and a former professional wrestler, better known simply as Maryse. She most recently worked for WWE...
insulted both of them, calling AJ a troll and telling Hornswoggle he finally found somebody his size, causing AJ to hit Maryse with the flowers she had for Hornswoggle. Three days later on SmackDown, she teamed up with fellow Chickbuster Kaitlyn
Celeste Bonin
Celeste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
and Natalya in a losing effort to the trio of Alicia Fox, Rosa Mendes, and Tamina
Sarona Reiher
Sarona Reiher is a professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where she is performing on the SmackDown brand, using the ring name Tamina...
after receiving a scissors kick from Fox. On the August 1 edition of Raw, AJ took part in a diva battle royal to become the #1 contender for the WWE Divas Championship
WWE Divas Championship
The WWE Diva's Championship is a unified professional wrestling championship in WWE. It is competed for by WWE Divas. The championship was created by WWE in 2008, and was introduced in storyline by then-SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero as an alternative to Raw's Women's Championship...
against Kelly Kelly at the Summerslam
SummerSlam (2011)
SummerSlam was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by WWE that took place on August 14, 2011. For the third consecutive year, SummerSlam was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, and it was the 24th annual SummerSlam event...
pay-per-view, which was won by Beth Phoenix
Beth Phoenix
Elizabeth Kocianski is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE where she wrestles on the Raw brand under the ring name Beth Phoenix, where she is the reigning WWE Divas Champion....
. On the August 2 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ and Hornswoggle, sat on commentary in the Titus O'Neil
Thaddeus Bullard
Thaddeus Michael Bullard is an American professional wrestler and former college and professional football player. Bullard played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally in the Arena Football League. Bullard is a professional wrestler, and is signed...
& Matt Striker vs. Derrick Bateman
Michael Hutter
Michael Hutter is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to WWE, where he performs in its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling, under the ring name Derrick Bateman...
& Darren Young tag team match. On the August 5 edition of SmackDown A.J. lost to Natalya, who after the match turned heel
Heel (professional wrestling)
In professional wrestling, a heel is a villain character. In non-wrestling jargon, heels are the "bad guys" in professional wrestling; the term heel coming from the term take to you heels, which means to run away which heel champions tend to do to avoid losing their titles.storylines...
by attacking AJ, and explaining this as part of a newfound allegiance with Beth Phoenix
Beth Phoenix
Elizabeth Kocianski is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE where she wrestles on the Raw brand under the ring name Beth Phoenix, where she is the reigning WWE Divas Champion....
, who earlier that week on Raw attacked Kelly Kelly, and that she no longer wished to be a "cute diva". On the August 19 edition of SmackDown, AJ teamed up with Kelly Kelly to defeat Alicia Fox and her former mentor, Natalya. On the August 16 edition of NXT Redemption, Maxine
Karlee Perez
Karlee Leilani Perez is an American professional wrestler, manager and authority figure, currently working for WWE appearing in their NXT season 5 show and competing in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling , under the ring name Maxine. She also serves as acting general...
returned to the show attacking AJ, later starting an alliance with her on-screen boyfriend Derrick Bateman against AJ and Hornswoggle. On the August 23 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ faced off with Maxine
Karlee Perez
Karlee Leilani Perez is an American professional wrestler, manager and authority figure, currently working for WWE appearing in their NXT season 5 show and competing in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling , under the ring name Maxine. She also serves as acting general...
in a losing effort due to Derrick Bateman
Michael Hutter
Michael Hutter is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to WWE, where he performs in its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling, under the ring name Derrick Bateman...
pushing Hornswoggle, thus distracting AJ. Then on the September 13 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ lost again to Maxine
Karlee Perez
Karlee Leilani Perez is an American professional wrestler, manager and authority figure, currently working for WWE appearing in their NXT season 5 show and competing in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling , under the ring name Maxine. She also serves as acting general...
after Maxine executed Maximum Destruction. The next week on the September 20 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ finally defeated Maxine
Karlee Perez
Karlee Leilani Perez is an American professional wrestler, manager and authority figure, currently working for WWE appearing in their NXT season 5 show and competing in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling , under the ring name Maxine. She also serves as acting general...
in a singles match. On the October 6 edition of Superstars, AJ defeated Tamina
Sarona Reiher
Sarona Reiher is a professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where she is performing on the SmackDown brand, using the ring name Tamina...
in singles competition. On the October 12 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ again defeated Maxine
Karlee Perez
Karlee Leilani Perez is an American professional wrestler, manager and authority figure, currently working for WWE appearing in their NXT season 5 show and competing in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling , under the ring name Maxine. She also serves as acting general...
in a re-match. On the October 31 Halloween
Halloween
Hallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
edition of Raw, AJ was a participant in a #1 contender diva battle royal to face Beth Phoenix
Beth Phoenix
Elizabeth Kocianski is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE where she wrestles on the Raw brand under the ring name Beth Phoenix, where she is the reigning WWE Divas Champion....
for the divas at the Survivor Series
Survivor Series (2011)
Survivor Series was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by WWE that took place on November 20, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was the 25th annual Survivor Series event and the first one to take place in Madison Square Garden since the 2002 event...
pay-per-view. She was dressed as Kitana
Kitana (Mortal Kombat)
Kitana is a recurring player and a one-time boss character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. One of the lead characters of the Mortal Kombat saga, Kitana is the princess of the otherdimensional realm of Edenia and the daughter of Queen Sindel...
from Mortal Kombat, and attempted a move from the game during the match (a fan lift) before being eliminated by Tamina
Sarona Reiher
Sarona Reiher is a professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where she is performing on the SmackDown brand, using the ring name Tamina...
. Later on the match, it was won by Eve Torres
Eve Torres
Eve Marie Torres is an American dancer, model, and professional wrestler. She is working for WWE on Raw brand. She is a two time WWE Divas Champion.Torres began her career as a model and dancer...
. On the November 2 edition of NXT Redemption, AJ teamed with Titus O' Neil
Thaddeus Bullard
Thaddeus Michael Bullard is an American professional wrestler and former college and professional football player. Bullard played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally in the Arena Football League. Bullard is a professional wrestler, and is signed...
and Percy Watson
Percy Watson
Percy C. Thomas Watson was an English professional footballer who played in the Football League for Rotherham Town and Small Heath. Born in Barnsley, then in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Watson played in the Second Division for both Rotherham Town and Small Heath during the 1893–94...
defeating Derrick Bateman
Michael Hutter
Michael Hutter is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to WWE, where he performs in its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling, under the ring name Derrick Bateman...
, JTG, and Maxine
Karlee Perez
Karlee Leilani Perez is an American professional wrestler, manager and authority figure, currently working for WWE appearing in their NXT season 5 show and competing in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling , under the ring name Maxine. She also serves as acting general...
in a six-person mixed tag team match. On the November 11 edition of Smackdown, AJ appeared backstage with fellow Chickbuster Kaitlyn
Celeste Bonin
Celeste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
and Daniel Bryan
Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE where he wrestles on its SmackDown brand as Daniel Bryan, and currently holds the SmackDown Money in the Bank briefcase, which enables him to have a World Heavyweight Championship match at any time of his choosing...
talking about his Money in the Bank
Money in the Bank (2011)
Money in the Bank was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by WWE, which took place on July 17, 2011 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. It was the second annual Money in the Bank pay-per-view...
briefcase. On the November 18 edition of Smackdown, AJ and Kaitlyn lost a divas tag team match to the Divas of Doom
The Divas of Doom
The Divas of Doom is a professional wrestling villainous tag team consisting of Beth Phoenix and Natalya, both working for WWE with Phoenix assigned to the Raw brand, and Natalya assigned to the SmackDown brand, but both appear on either show due to Phoenix being the current WWE Divas Champion...
. She was also seen with Daniel Bryan
Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE where he wrestles on its SmackDown brand as Daniel Bryan, and currently holds the SmackDown Money in the Bank briefcase, which enables him to have a World Heavyweight Championship match at any time of his choosing...
and The Big Show backstage. She has since begun a romance storyline with Bryan, kissing him during the November 29 edition of Smackdown.
Personal life
Mendez was previously in a relationship with her trainer Jay LethalJay Lethal
Jamar "Jay" Shipman better known by his ring name Jay Lethal, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to Ring of Honor , where he is the ROH World Television Champion...
. Mendez is a self-described geek
Geek
The word geek is a slang term, with different meanings ranging from "a computer expert or enthusiast" to "a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts", with a general pejorative meaning of "a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp[ecially] one who is perceived to...
and enjoys comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
s, video games and action movies
Action film
Action film is a film genre where one or more heroes is thrust into a series of challenges that require physical feats, extended fights and frenetic chases...
. Mendez is also an animal lover, owning two rescue dogs.
It was revealed in a WWE.com interview, that as a fan, she attended WWE WrestleMania XX
WrestleMania XX
WrestleMania XX was the twentieth WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment . It took place on March 14, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York....
at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
with her father.
In wrestling
- Finishing moves
- Headscissors transitioned to an octopus hold or a headscissors armbar
- Shining wizard
- Sliced Bread #2
- Signature moves
- Hurricanrana, sometimes to an oncoming opponent
- Missile dropkick
- Multiple arm drags
- Spinning heel kick
- With KaitlynCeleste BoninCeleste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
- Corner clothesline (AJ) / BackbreakerBackbreakerA backbreaker refers to professional wrestling moves which see a wrestler dropping an opponent so that the opponent's back impacts or is bent backwards against a part of the wrestler's body, usually the knee...
(Kaitlyn) combination - Aided splash
- Corner clothesline (AJ) / Backbreaker
- ManagersManager (professional wrestling)In professional wrestling, a manager is a secondary character paired with a wrestler for a variety of reasons. The manager is often either a non-wrestler, an occasional wrestler, an older wrestler who has retired or is nearing retirement or, in some cases, a new wrestler who is breaking into the...
- Primo
- Natalya
- KaitlynCeleste BoninCeleste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
- Hornswoggle
- Wrestlers managedManager (professional wrestling)In professional wrestling, a manager is a secondary character paired with a wrestler for a variety of reasons. The manager is often either a non-wrestler, an occasional wrestler, an older wrestler who has retired or is nearing retirement or, in some cases, a new wrestler who is breaking into the...
- Primo
- KaitlynCeleste BoninCeleste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
- Titus O' NeilThaddeus BullardThaddeus Michael Bullard is an American professional wrestler and former college and professional football player. Bullard played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally in the Arena Football League. Bullard is a professional wrestler, and is signed...
- Percy WatsonPercy WatsonPercy C. Thomas Watson was an English professional footballer who played in the Football League for Rotherham Town and Small Heath. Born in Barnsley, then in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Watson played in the Second Division for both Rotherham Town and Small Heath during the 1893–94...
- Entrance themesMusic in professional wrestlingMusic in professional wrestling serves a variety of purposes. The most common uses of music in professional wrestling is that of the entrance theme, a song or piece of instrumental music which plays as a performer approaches the ring...
- "Feelin Ya (Instrumental)" (FCWFlorida Championship WrestlingChampionship Wrestling from Florida was the corporate and brand name of the Tampa, Florida wrestling office existing from 1961, when Eddie Graham first bought into the promotion, until 1987, when it closed down. It is also referred to as Florida Championship Wrestling...
) - "Right Now" by Tyler van den Berg (WWE; June 10, 2011–October 25; used with KaitlynCeleste BoninCeleste Beryl Bonin is an American model and professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Kaitlyn. She is working for WWE, where she is assigned to the SmackDown brand and also competes in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling...
as The ChickbustersThe ChickbustersThe Chickbusters is a professional wrestling face tag team consisting of Kaitlyn and AJ, both working for WWE and assigned to the SmackDown brand, and also compete in developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling...
) - "Let's Light It Up" by Jim JohnstonJim Johnston (composer)James Alan "Jim" Johnston is an American music composer who has been working for WWE since 1985. His work is often accredited to the names Jim Johnston, James A...
feat. Kari KimmelKari KimmelKari Meredyth Kimmel is an American singer/songwriter whose style is generally classified as pop with rock, country and R&B influences. Many of her songs have been used in movies and TV shows.-Biography:...
(WWE; October 25, 2011–present)
- "Feelin Ya (Instrumental)" (FCW
Championships and accomplishments
- Florida Championship WrestlingFlorida Championship WrestlingChampionship Wrestling from Florida was the corporate and brand name of the Tampa, Florida wrestling office existing from 1961, when Eddie Graham first bought into the promotion, until 1987, when it closed down. It is also referred to as Florida Championship Wrestling...
- FCW Divas Championship (1 time)
- Queen of FCW (1 timeFlorida Championship WrestlingChampionship Wrestling from Florida was the corporate and brand name of the Tampa, Florida wrestling office existing from 1961, when Eddie Graham first bought into the promotion, until 1987, when it closed down. It is also referred to as Florida Championship Wrestling...
)
- Pro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling Illustrated is a professional wrestling magazine. PWI is currently based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and published by Kappa Publishing Group.-History:The first issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated was released in 1979...
- PWI ranked her #48 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Female 50Pro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling Illustrated is a professional wrestling magazine. PWI is currently based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and published by Kappa Publishing Group.-History:The first issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated was released in 1979...
in 2011
- PWI ranked her #48 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Female 50
- Women Superstars UncensoredWomen Superstars UncensoredWomen Superstars Uncensored is an American, New Jersey based female independent professional wrestling promotion which held its first event in 1996. Shows combine wrestling interspersed with both serious and comedic storylines. The company tapes two DVDs worth of material during weekend shows...
- WSU Tag Team ChampionshipWSU Tag Team ChampionshipThe WSU Tag Team Championship is a professional wrestling tag team championship in Women Superstars Uncensored. It is competed for in Women Superstars Uncensored, and has been defended on shows of sister promotion National Wrestling Superstars. Championship reigns are determined by professional...
(1 time) – with Brooke CarterBrittney SavageBrittney Savage is an American professional wrestler, who currently works on the independent circuit. Brittney wrestled for promotions such as American Championship Entertainment, National Wrestling Superstars, World Xtreme Wrestling and Women Superstars Uncensored... - WSU/NWS King and Queen TournamentWSU/NWS King and Queen TournamentThe WSU/NWS King and Queen Tournament is an annual mixed tag team tournament co-promoted by Women Superstars Uncensored and National Wrestling Superstars.-2006:The winners of the 2006 King and Queen Tournament were Julio Dinero and Kara Slice.-2007:...
(2009) – with Jay LethalJay LethalJamar "Jay" Shipman better known by his ring name Jay Lethal, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to Ring of Honor , where he is the ROH World Television Champion...
- WSU Tag Team Championship