5 Shocking Revelations About AJ Lee And CM Punk’s Sensational 2025 WWE Return
The most powerful and private couple in professional wrestling, AJ Lee and CM Punk, have dominated headlines in late 2025, proving their star power remains unmatched a decade after their initial WWE departures. Their sensational, unannounced return as a united front to combat the formidable duo of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch has not only set the wrestling world on fire but also cemented their status as a financial powerhouse, with their combined net worth estimated at a staggering $16 million.
As of December 23, 2025, the couple is deeply entrenched in a high-stakes storyline that culminated in a major mixed tag team match at *Wrestlepalooza*, marking AJ Lee's first WWE match in over ten years. Beyond the ring, their careers have diversified into successful ventures in writing, acting, and comic book creation, providing a rare glimpse into the private lives of two of the industry's most enigmatic figures. This deep dive uncovers the latest updates, their complete biographies, and the details of their incredible comeback.
The Complete Biography and Profile of Wrestling’s Power Couple
The relationship between AJ Lee and CM Punk began on-screen in a WWE storyline around 2012, quickly transitioning into a real-life romance that led to their marriage on June 13, 2014. The nine-year age difference has never been a factor for the beloved couple, who now balance their high-profile wrestling careers with creative pursuits outside the ring.
AJ Lee (April Jeanette Mendez)
- Real Name: April Jeanette Mendez
- Born: March 19, 1987 (Age 38 as of 2025)
- Hometown: Union City, New Jersey, U.S.
- Spouse: Phillip Jack Brooks (CM Punk) (m. 2014)
- WWE Career Highlights: Three-time WWE Divas Champion, held the title for a record-setting 295 days in her first reign, and was named *Pro Wrestling Illustrated's* Woman of the Year in 2012 and 2014.
- Non-Wrestling Career: Bestselling author of the memoir *Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking the Rules of Madness*, co-writer of the *GLOW* comic book series, and involved in a secret anime movie project.
CM Punk (Phillip Jack Brooks)
- Real Name: Phillip Jack Brooks
- Born: October 26, 1978 (Age 47 as of 2025)
- Hometown: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
- Spouse: April Jeanette Mendez (AJ Lee) (m. 2014)
- WWE Career Highlights: Longest-reigning WWE Champion of the modern era (434 days), two-time Money in the Bank winner, and a five-time World Heavyweight Champion.
- Non-Wrestling Career: Actor in films like *Girl on the Third Floor* and the Starz wrestling drama series *Heels*. He has pre-existing acting projects "grandfathered" into his current WWE contract, allowing him to balance both careers.
The Sensational 2025 WWE Return and The Mixed Tag Team Saga
The wrestling landscape was irrevocably altered in September 2025 with the shocking return of AJ Lee, who stepped back into the ring after a decade-long absence to stand by her husband, CM Punk. This comeback was not a nostalgic one-off but a full-fledged, high-profile storyline that immediately thrust the couple into the main event picture.
CM Punk's long-running, intense rivalry with Seth Rollins—a feud that had escalated significantly since Punk's November 2023 return—reached a boiling point. The involvement of Rollins' wife, Becky Lynch, who had previously slapped Punk, necessitated an equal and opposite reaction, providing the perfect narrative catalyst for AJ Lee's return.
On an episode of *Raw* in September 2025, the two couples engaged in a fiery face-off, leading to the challenge for a colossal mixed tag team match. The spectacle was set for *Wrestlepalooza 2025*, where the couple soaked in an emotional reaction from the crowd, celebrating their joint return to the spotlight.
AJ Lee's decision to return, despite her successful non-wrestling career, was reportedly driven by the opportunity to work alongside her husband and to finally receive the recognition she deserved from the "Divas era." Her presence has been noted to have a positive effect on Punk, with fellow wrestlers observing that he is visibly happier with AJ Lee back on the roster.
Beyond the Ring: The Couple’s Creative Empire
What sets AJ Lee and CM Punk apart is their successful pivot to creative industries outside of professional wrestling, which has significantly contributed to their reported combined financial success of $16 million in 2025.
AJ Lee: The Literary and Comic Book Force
AJ Lee, whose real name is April Jeanette Mendez, transitioned seamlessly from the wrestling ring to the literary world. Her 2017 memoir, *Crazy Is My Superpower*, became a *New York Times* bestseller, where she candidly discussed her struggles with mental health and her journey to success.
Her passion for storytelling extends to the comic book universe. Mendez has co-written a *GLOW* comic book series and is reportedly involved in an upcoming anime movie project, solidifying her status as a serious writer and creative force.
CM Punk: The Actor and Indie Film Star
Phillip Jack Brooks, known as CM Punk, has cultivated a notable acting career, which he continues to pursue even after his WWE comeback. His roles include the horror film *Girl on the Third Floor* and the critically acclaimed wrestling-themed drama series *Heels*.
Punk has openly discussed the challenges of balancing his in-ring schedule with his acting commitments, but his current WWE contract allows him the flexibility to continue his non-wrestling projects. The couple has also hinted at the possibility of collaborating on a future TV or movie project, further blending their professional and personal lives.
AJ Lee and CM Punk: The Future of a United Front
The return of AJ Lee alongside CM Punk in late 2025 has created one of the most compelling narratives in professional wrestling history. It’s not just a comeback; it’s a statement about their enduring star power and their ability to control their own narrative after years away from the company.
The mixed tag team match against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch was a watershed moment, showcasing that AJ Lee has not lost a step and that the couple is a formidable, united force. Their continued presence on *Raw* and *SmackDown* has injected a fresh, unpredictable energy into the main event scene.
Fans are now speculating on what's next: a potential run for the Women's World Championship for AJ Lee, a major singles title defense for CM Punk, or perhaps a long-term storyline where they use their combined influence to shape the future of the company. Regardless of the direction, the "I Love My Wife" final boss, CM Punk, and the returning Divas Champion, AJ Lee, are once again at the very top of the industry.
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