AJ Lee Explains Her Decision To Leave WWE In 2015

AJ Lee has spoken on her sudden WWE retirement following WrestleMania 31

During her time with WWE, AJ Lee quickly rose to the top of what was then known as the Divas division, becoming a three-time Divas Champion. However, less than four years after making her main roster debut, the New Jersey native departed the company and stepped away from professional wrestling altogether.

During Season 3 of WWE Unreal on Netflix, AJ Lee discussed her decision to step away from wrestling following her return to WWE last year.

“In the last year of my career, so much was happening inside the company, outside of the company, with my husband and the company, my physical health, my mental health, that it just was this perfect storm of… I’m not okay now. I felt like I hit every single milestone on my 10 year wishlist of dreams. I did everything. But the tension, the fans, none of that means sh*t if you’re not alive to enjoy it.”

-AJ Lee

Away from the ring, Lee focused on several other passions, including mental health advocacy, animal welfare, writing her memoir, and creating comics. Prior to re-signing with WWE, she also worked as a producer and colour commentator for the reboot of WOW.

Since returning to WWE in September 2025, Lee has feuded with Becky Lynch over the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, capturing the title in February 2026 before holding it for 49 days.

As always, we will aim to provide any further updates on AJ Lee’s future as soon as we hear more.

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