CM Punk and AJ Lee: From WWE On-Screen Romance to Real-Life Love Story

WWE stars CM Punk and AJ Lee, whose real-life love story began on-screen, have become one of wrestling’s most beloved couples. The duo first crossed paths in 2012 during a WWE storyline that paired them together, sparking a romance that would lead to marriage two years later.

CM Punk, born Phillip Jack Brooks, is a former WWE Champion who held the title for over a year. AJ Lee, born April Jeanette “AJ” Mendez, is a three-time Divas Champion who also held her title for more than 400 days. Their on-screen chemistry quickly translated into a real-life relationship, culminating in their marriage on June 13, 2014.

While Lee retired from wrestling in 2015 to focus on writing and her production company, Scrappy Heart Productions, Punk has continued his wrestling career, rejoining WWE in November 2023 after a nearly decade-long hiatus. Despite their differing career paths, the couple remains united by their shared passion for wrestling and advocacy for mental health awareness.

Both Punk and Lee have been open about their challenging upbringings, which shaped their wrestling personas and personal lives. Punk’s straight-edge lifestyle stems from his father’s struggles with alcoholism, while Lee has spoken candidly about her family’s battles with mental illness and addiction, as detailed in her memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower.

Their wedding day, while joyous, was marked by an unexpected twist: Punk received his WWE termination papers via FedEx on the same day.