Seeing AJ Lee Again

As wrestling fans know, AJ Lee made a highly successful return to the WWE after about a decade away. Lee was not out of the public eye during that time though.

Along with fellow Chicagoan Aimee Garcia, Lee has worked on the Day of the Dead Girl comic series. A self-described nerd, Lee has now lived her two dreams: wrestling and comics.

More importantly, Lee has bee outspoken about her battles with mental health. Her book, Crazy is My Superpower details her struggles. It's an amazing, raw book. I have been to a few book signings featuring Lee. The first was many years ago at a function to benefit mental health awareness. The most recent was at Challengers Comics in Chicago.

Probably with walking distance of Lee's home, Challengers has hosted multiple appearances by Lee and Garcia. Knowing her popularity, I arrived very early and was about tenth in line. Both women were incredibly sweet. Obviously, interactions were short, but both women did their best to make it special for each fan.

As for her return to the WWE, Lee teamed with husband CM Punk to take on Seth Rollins and his wife Becky Lynch. Normally, I wouldn't care for such a match. In this case, I appreciate all four wrestlers and looked forward to the match. It wasn't the greatest bout ever, but it was very entertaining. I enjoyed seeing Lee back in the ring and teaming with her husband. I also can't recall two legit married wrestling couples in a match.

Lee did a lot for the women's division in the WWE. More importantly, she is doing great work for mental health.

AJ Lee and me in Chicago, IL-October 2024.

AJ Mendez: Journeys in Leadership

 Former WWE champ AJ Mendez (AJ Lee) was the keynote speaker in Benedictine University's "Journeys in Leadership" series last Week. In addition to winning the WWE Divas championship three times and being voted Diva of the Year twice, Mendez is also a best-selling author, mental health advocate and a survivor of mental health issues.

In "Crazy Is My Superpower," Mendez openly and courageously discussed her battles with mental illness, including earlier misdiagnoses. A New York Times Bestseller, her book won her a whole new following and the admiration of mental health professionals, too.

Phillip Hardy, Associate Professor Political Science at Benedictine University spoke about Mendez's inclusion in the series. "AJ represents so much about what the "Journeys in Leadership" series is about--a dynamic, accomplished person who can talk to our community about her challenges and rewards of her unique journey. From her experiences in the world of professional wrestling to the hurdles faced when writing a book, AJ is an outstanding addition to this program."

Mendez talked about her early life, her wrestling career, her battles with being bipolar and her book, which covers all of that. Her book, a favorite of mine, was only a small part of Mendez's work in the mental health field. She is passionate about removing the stigma of mental illness. People must treat mental issues as they would any other ailment. You don't avoid help for a broken arm and you shouldn't fear seeking help for mental issues.

After the main session, I asked Mendez about sharing mental issues with significant others. She replied to be completely open and honest with your partner. She urged all to share issues with your partner. Don't expect your partner to guess if you're having issues. Explain to your partner what is in your head and work through it together. That might mean a day spent on the couch, a long talk, a walk outside or anything else. Your partner might not understand what you are experiencing, but by opening yourself up, you help them react to your current situation better.

Wrestling fans will know Mendez is married to current All Elite Wrestling star CM Punk. He was in the WWE during her time in the company. The couple married in 2014 and reside in Chicago.

Mendez talked about her unique look. Calling it "tomboy," she did not buckle to the WWE Diva trend at the time. She rose to the top as herself, which made the success that much sweeter.

Lastly, Mendez urged every writer to spread her message. Seek help if you even think you need help. Reach out to friends or family if you even think they might need help. Don't judge. Don't stigmatize it. Simply seek or offer help, whichever one is needed.

The thing that makes Mendez so special is she doesn't have to do any of this. She released her book after she retired from in-ring action. She doesn't do the comic con circuit, although she recently made a couple rare appearances/ None of this is about selling books or increasing her bank account.

I saw Mendez at a mental health speaking engagement years ago. She spent extra time with a couple young girls, ending their connection with super long hugs. I don't claim to know what occurred, but it was obvious Mendez was touched and reached out to the young ladies. There were no cameras. It didn't appear in any report on wrestling sites. I saw it and I appreciated it.

When I spoke to Mendez at that event, I promised her I would always support her cause and spread the word. In my small way, I am repaying Mendez for the work he does.

There are many suicide prevention hotlines. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.

AJMe4ndez and me in Chicago and Skokie, IL-February 2022.

Friend Encounters: AJ Lee and Tony Feddeler

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Today I feature my buddy Tony Feddeler meeting former wrestler AJ Lee. Tony gets extra points for wearing the Johngy shirt.

AJ Lee was on a book signing tour. In Crazy Is My Superpower, AJ writes about overcoming obstacles in her life. Lee was misdiagnosed as a youngster, but eventually discovered she was bipolar. Lee went on to have a successful, although relatively short, career in wrestling. She married fellow wrestler CM Punk. The couple now resides in Chicago.

AJ has been vocal about her struggles and has worked with several organizations to promote mental health. Even during the height of her WWE success, AJ remained herself. She didn't cave to look like typical WWE divas.

AJ was and is an inspiration to young women and even old guys like me. Her book is a fantastic read.

I know Tony is a big fan of hers. I appreciate him wearing the Johngy shirt. Some might think he wore it to impress AJ. I am not going to go that far (although I won't argue against that theory).

Go to AJMendez.com for all the info on AJ and her book. I highly encourage anyone to read this book. It's a lot more about life than wrestling. Also, follow AJ Mendez on twitter.

Tony Feddeler and AJ Lee in LaGrange, IL-April 2017.

AJ Mendez Brooks and More GLOW

I have written several times about AJ Lee. AJ is a former wrestler who has transcended the wrestling scene and moved into the mainstream. AJ might also be known as her real name AJ Mendez or AJ Brooks, her married name.

Growing up in a dysfunctional home, AJ suffered mental issues. AJ's life started to turn for the better when she was properly diagnosed as bipolar.

When she started her career in pro wrestling, she battled stereotypes, but refused to change. Her stance paid off, as she became a successful and popular wrestler.

After leaving wrestling, AJ wrote her autobiography Crazy is My Super Power. It is a bit of a rough read, as AJ tells of her struggles and efforts to remove the stigma from mental illness. It is a wonderful book and I thanked AJ for writing it when I met her at a National Alliance on Mental Illness event where she spoke.

AJ's latest project combines her love for comic books and her efforts to be and create a positive role model for young girls. Teaming with actress Aimee Garcia, the pair co-wrote a four part comic book series based on GLOW. In GLOW vs. The Babyface, the women created strong diverse female characters.

It's an interesting series and having AJ and Aimee aboard brings a little extra publicity to it. They aren't figurehead writers though. They dug in deep and really worked on this series. The product is great. Comics fans have greeted it warmly and the ladies are rightly proud.

The second part was recently released and is another winner. I look forward to the final two issues.

Putting a comic book on a Great Reads list is a bit unorthodox. I prefaced its inclusion by stating these were for quicker, lighter reading. I also including a comic book featuring the legendary Svengoolie, as well as a couple illustrated by my artist friend Sara Richard.

Fun reads don't have to be huge novels and you don't have to be a kid to enjoy a comic book. There is room on my bookshelf for all sorts of literature. The comic I selected all had special meaning to me. The list must be okay, because Great Reads 2019 became one of the most viewed blogs in GT history and nobody complained about the comic books.

You can follow AJ at @TheAJMendez on twitter. Check with your local comic book store for GLOW vs. The Babyface.

AJ Lee and me in Wilmette, IL-May 2019.

AJ Mendez, Aimee Garcia and GLOW

AJ Mendez had a relatively brief, but successful career in wrestling. She captured the WWE Divas title three times, while raging against the "diva" term. Post-retirement, AJ has continued to break stereotypes.

AJ's latest effort is GLOW Vs. The Babyface, a four-part comic book series based on the wildly popular GLOW Netflix show. Chicago-born actress Aimee Garcia was AJ's writing partner in this endeavor. Their stated goal is to present strong, diverse female characters.

I had the pleasure of meeting both ladies at a book signing at Challengers Comic and Conversation on Chicago's near north side. My recap for Global Traveler can be found at AJ Mendez, Aimee Garcia and GLOW.

I also brought an 8x10 of AJ and me from a book-signing she did when she was promoting her autobiography Crazy Is my Superpower at an event hosted by (and benefiting) the National Alliance on Mental Illness. AJ seemed genuinely touched that I brought the picture and had supported her cause. Clearly, AJ's work is much more than a business decision. She continues to prove that she is dedicated to breaking barriers of all sorts.

Her autobiography focused on her battles with mental illness and the residual stigmas. The comic book series continues AJ's mission to be a strong woman role model and to create other female role models. AJ is an inspiration to all.

It was my first time meeting Aimee and she was just as passionate. She gavekudos to AJ and referred to her as a "badass." I agreed, but also said she fit that term, too.

The ladies could not have been any cooler, friendlier or funnier. In a sitation with a tight time constraint, the ladies did their best to make everyone feel very special and have their moment. Everyone walked away feeling good with new memories set.

I was a fan of AJ's during her wrestling career, because she was different. I continue to be a fan of hers because she is doing great work in making a differencde in the world.

I appreciate the time and consideration of AJ and Aimee. I also thank the fine folks at Challengers for running a great event.

Aimee Gracia, AJ Lee and me in Chicago, IL-November 2019.

AJ Lee and Mental Health

A couple weeks ago, NAMI Cook County North Suburban, a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, held a gala. Children’s Mental Health−Voices Found: Tales of Discovery and Recovery featured AJ Lee Mendez as the keynote speaker. I wrote about the night for Global Traveler at "Children's Mental Health.'

AJ is a former wrestler. More importantly, she is a survivor. Raised in a family who struggled with money issues, mental health problems and more, AJ battled her own issues until she was properly diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 20.

She went on to have a relatively short, nut very successful career in wrestling. She won the WWE women's title three times in 8+ years in the WWE. She married fellow wrestler CM Punk and they both have retired.

Always a role model for young women during her career, AJ felt the need to continue that path in retirement. She wrote Crazy Is My Super Power, about her life, especially her battles with mental issues. It is a fascinating and important book. It could not have been easy writing parts of the book. Having to relive certain rough patches had to be painful. It just shows how far AJ has come and how important it is to her to tell her story and help others.

This isn't a book glorifying her wrestling career. While there is plenty of wrestling content, this book is about mental health.

I talked to AJ at the gala about my appreciation for the book. I wish I had it when I was much younger, but at least youngsters today can read it. She seemed genuinely touched, as we talked for several minutes.

I ended our chat by commenting that I wore my black Chuck's because of her, but was surprised to see her without her trademark shoes. She laughed and expressed her desire to wear them instead of the more elegant shoes of the night, but she "dressed up" for the night. It was a fun moment to end the interaction.

She also spent extra time with a few others, mostly young girls. She seemed to really embrace the connections. Several of the young women (and their families) walked away in tears over the powerful interaction.

I highly recommend AJ's book. You can follow AJ on twitter to get all of her updates and info on the book.

AJ Lee and me in Wilmette, IL-May 2019.

AJ Lee at C2E2 2017

C2E2 is coming March 22-24 and I can't wait. While I look forward to this year's Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, I am recalling some of the fun from my many years at the event.

AJ lee had a relatively short career in the WWE, but her 6+ year stint was very memorable. She won the Divas title 3 times. Perhaps more important, she led the women's revolution. She rallied against the inequalities between the sexes in wrestling. Part storyline and part real, Lee spoke out against WWE owner Vince McMahon.

Lee also was vocal in her disdain for "divas." At the time, Lee was one of the best mixes of talent and beauty. If titles were won strictly on talent, Lee would have been a champ longer. Her stance, ability and personality made her very popular with the fans.

Lee ultimately left the WWE and wrestling shortly after her husband CM Punk left. By all reports, they are living happily in Chicago.

Both have made a few appearances and I have met both a few times. Granted my interactions with both have been in a comic con setting, but each went above and beyond to make the experience as special as could be within the limitations present at such events.

Go to C2E2.com for more info and an updated guest list. You can also follow C2E2 on Facebook for more frequent updates.

AJ Lee and me in Chicago, IL-April 2017.

AJ Lee: Women's Champ or Diva's Champ?

A while back, I featured my east coast bud Ira meeting WWE wrestler AJ Lee.  AJ is one of the few current female wrestlers I really wanted to meet.  While covering Wizard World last August, I finally got the opportunity to meet the WWE Diva's champ.
I really hate writing (or acknowledging) the Diva championship, but I cannot call it the "Women's" championship, because that would be confusing it with the former actual Women's title.  Make sense?
While that may be confusing, my point is simple.  It should just be a Women's title.  Period.  Maybe I am arguing semantics.
More on topic, AJ Lee is a solid female wrestler.  She works hard to improve her in-ring skills and she has a lot of personality out of the ring.  She is also not loaded with plastic (and I hope she stays that way).  AJ is different.  AJ is reminiscent of the women wrestlers of the past.
I have my doubts on the direction of women's wrestling in the big companies.  The mere fact that AJ is so unique speaks volumes.  I think AJ would be great no matter what, but in my women's "dream" division, AJ would have real competition, not just attractive women who can get through a match.
The line to meet AJ was incredibly long.  While I did not wait long, others waited for hours and they all left happy.  Apparently I am not alone in my appreciation of AJ.  For her part, AJ was very nice, although our interaction was brief, as hundreds of others were waiting for their turn.
I think AJ is the real deal and can have a long and successful career.  Talent like AJ's rises above.

AJ Lee, JayHawk Evans and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Ira Knobler Meets AJ Lee

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.  Have you ever met a celeb (of any sort)?  Join the fun by sending the picture over to me.

I first came across Ira Knobler while doing research for some wrestling story years ago.  While I have never met the East Coaster, I always enjoy the many pictures Ira posts from his encounters with various wrestlers.
Recently, Ira went to another signing and posted a picture with AJ Lee of the WWE.  AJ (April Jeanette Mendez) has been involved in wrestling since 2007.  She has been with the WWE since 2009, but recently really caught the attention of the fans with her quirky character.  Currently, she is the General Manager of Monday Night Raw, but she is certain to get back in the ring at some point.
AJ's character is refreshing and said to be an extension of her.  The best wrestling personas are usually based on the real personality of the wrestler.
Ira enjoyed his experience meeting AJ and I enjoyed running it here.  I have not met AJ, but when I do, I will report it here, too.
Ira did ask me to mention MarkedOut.com, a site about meeting celebrities.  He is a member of their message board.  I am a big fan of MarkedOut.com and have contributed a few pictures to the site.  Take Ira's advice (and mine, too).  Check out MarkedOut.com.

Ira Knobler and AJ Lee in New York, NY-October 2012.