AJ Mendez on Women of Wrestling, mental illness & her autobiography | The Sessions w/ Renee Paquette
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- WARNING: The following episode contains graphic descriptions of depression and suicidal ideation that may be disturbing to some audience members. Discretion is advised.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-8255, its text counterpart 741-741. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you and your loved ones.
For more information and resources visit NAMI.org or visit suicideprevent....
AJ Mendez, formerly AJ Lee, and Renee discuss how AJ left the in-ring life behind for a life as a TV writer and producer, overcame her fears to write a bestselling autobiography, lived through a dark depression during the peak of her WWE run, and what got her back into wrestling as an executive with WOW.
#reneepaquette #ajmendez #ajlee
The Sessions # 141
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It's crazy that AJ is the same age as Becky Lynch, and younger than Charlotte Flair. She seems like she's from a whole different generation of wrestlers. It was a completely different time for Women's wrestlers during AJ's time in the WWE.
She left way too soon.
she is apart of that ERA of women breaking glass ceiling even tho she was never apart of that incredible roster wwe had
Seriously nobody can tell me that she doesn’t have years left in her or at the very least a run in wwe, I’d love to see a feud between her and Becky, wishful thinking cuz if she returns she’ll go to aew.
@@AneesSarwar34 Because of Punk she'll never go back to WWE. She wasn't even considered for Evolution in 2018 when she was the reason why women started to get taken more seriously.
@@AlexYBITW if AJ never comes back to wwe, her home imo, that is wwe shooting themselves in the foot! That’s besides the point though, first let’s see if or when that passion gets ignited.
AJ Lee deserves a spot in the HOF. she changed the game
Absolutely, when you see Bellas & Torrie Wilson in, crazy.
Facts
Definitely she will gain❤️
@@steveh4290 Shows how much it doesn't matter . (politics)
definitely I'm praying for that day to come for WWE to come to there senses
AJ is one of my favorites. It always upsets me that she left right around the time the WWE finally took the women seriously. She was before her time and deserves another reign to cement her legacy!!
She was the revolution. She changed the face of women’s wrestling, especially with her anti-divas promo.
Her and Paige I feel bad for because they were the main 2 sparks as far as I’m concerned and they never really got to fully enjoy the fruits of their Labour
Positive disruptors often don't get to reap the benefits of their disruption. That privilege is for the people next in line to enjoy.
They all get too much credit when Impact/TNA knockouts division was doing this years before anyone in WWE even considered giving women a chance to shine
@@ABD-pc3jf Good point. But Impact/TNA aren't as big of a company as WWE and didn't get a ton of TV time like WWE. Plus, WWE (at the time) had 2 shows. Impact and TNA only have one. Not to mention Vince was more big on men. Big, buff, bulky muscular men. Unfortunately, during AJ's time women were more of a sideshow as far as Vince was concerned.
I'm glad that AJ and Punk are doing better
Just a side note, it's so good to see the wrestlers from my (and probably your) generation who're on the smaller side in the WWE successfully extending their careers into their late 40s. Growing up in the early 2000s, it was almost like a pro wrestler death every month from steroid and narcotic abuse at one point. They dealt with mental health so differently back then..
@@shootboxpodcast it was nostalgic to time I got home from school do my homework then I was watching Raw I was in the fifth grade when the pipe bomb promo came out so excited to see who's next
Iam glad they back to wrestling 🤩🤩
@@justachannel571 only Cm punk is back on wwe, but miss Aj retired
AJ was one of my favorite women’s wrestlers from 9 years ago, enjoyed her time in WWE. I would love to see her comeback one day, but we’ll see what the future holds glad she’s back in the world of professional wrestling at least.
She is still the hottest female wrestler of all time. Punk is a lucky punk.
@@ExperienceEric wtf what about Nia Jax
@@NellyGandhellawhat about her?
if AJ Lee ever came back to WWE the reaction would be absolutely insane, she deserves everything in the world and more
She really became one of my favorites after listening to her book on audible. Was a great listen. At a time of MAJOR depression for me(losing my dad to suicide) , hearing her story did give me that “Holly crap I’m not the only one!” I go back to it from time to time. Always the, “okay I’m going to get through this.” Made me go back and watch more of the character of Aj Lee.
Sorry to hear about your dad. I am glad that her book was able to help you and get you through it. You're never alone. So many people in this world suffer like you have so never forget that you are NOT alone. You will never be alone when it come to mental health. The difference is you had the strength to help yourself and find something to help you get through your incredibly tough time.
So sorry for your loss first off. I was present at the death of my soulmate. It was an extremely sudden thing, and I was alone performing CPR with 911 on speakerphone. I couldn't raise my arms over my head for days afterward. So I didn't say all that to make it about me. Suicide is normally a sudden thing. And not knowing your story, I just wanted to say that I think I get it. It's a fucking horrible thing to get... But if I don't laugh, I'm going to cry. If I don't live, I'm going to die. We must press on. For the people we lost and for ourselves as well. And you are most definitely not alone. Many positive thoughts and lots of compassion being sent your way.
Loved this! Such a great conversation!
Heyyy Chris! 💛💛💛💛
Aj is so amazing and such a beacon for women’s wrestling I met her 10 years ago and I’ll never forget it, she hasn’t aged a day. It would be so cool to see her return to in ring action but I’m happy for her in whatever she does.
It’s a shame she became a racist like her husband. Feel bad for Jay Lethal
@@PhillyLeotardo25 How do you know she became an actual racist? Or is this coming from internet rumors and accusations?
@@PhillyLeotardo25 it must suck to be you.
@@PhillyLeotardo25 the way you have to make up lies just because you don’t like someone is pathetic.
@@Diana_0071 they’re are just being a typical internet troll
so happy to see aj back in the wrestling bubble, she's always been my biggest 'what if' in wrestling
AJ must be so proud of her daughters in NXT right now.
Miss you AJ.
Her daughter is in NXT??? UMM what sorry didn't know she was that old dang
It’s a running joke. Both Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez were inspired by her. And there’s a passing physical resemblance as well.
So the three of them all like to joke that they’re AJ’s “daughters.”
What a splendid interview. I miss AJ in the ring. Her impact is legendary.
As someone who suffers with bipolar disorder its awesome hearing someone else say it's okay not to be okay, and we shouldn't be ashamed in asking for help
I love when she just comes back for an occasional interview. Miss her in the ring so much but glad she's involved with the new generation of females.
AJ Mendez/Lee Is Always Going to be my favorite. This Interview was one of my favorites and I Can't wait to Catch Her On WOW. She is so inspiring and she to me in my heart is a legend in the sport of Wrestling and I cannot wait to see what she has in store. Thank You AJ Mendez for all that you doing in and out Of Wrestling
I've loved AJ since I was introduced to her in 2015, and my respect for her went WAY up when I read her story in her book "Crazy is My Superpower."
Also, yes I'm glad to know there's other people who have had issues with depression. I went through my own major experience last year and I'm grateful every day to still be here
AJ was one of the best champions in WWE. Good to see her doing things aside from wrestling. Especially working on books and being associated with pop culture.
In just 4 days since its release, this interview has already more few that the majority of the other Sessions. That's how you understand AJ was and still is very appreciated by the Internet Wrestling Community.
Listened to the Audio, man this Podcast is heartwarming hearing about Her Struggles and it's so nice to see both of you again!
The moment you can tell its a good interview is when you realise you have listen all the way through and not feel anything drag. For Me, the reason i always appreciated Aj, is because you could always tell she was a true fan.
I got a little choked up when she talks about her illness. If you’ve been there before you know.
I realize she's retired but yall can spout women's revolution all you want. It all started with Aj Lee she was the wrestlers wrestler while the other girls played on total divas! Props to AJ Lee for truly standing up and ushering in a NEW Era for women in wrestling!
AHHHH i’ve been waiting on this one! this woman legit changed my life💕
who changed she your life?
Our life
This was the interview I was looking forward to the most. Great conversation. So great to have her back in wrestling. I can't wait to watch WOW in the fall. It goes to show you don't know what people are going through and to be kind always. AJ saying to save the numbers to your phone is good advice. I'm looking forward to catching her dream projects that she couldn't talk about it. Thank you for uploading the video version. ❤
Omg this studio is everything..!
Renee Paquette is a really good interviewer. To me she reminds me of Drew Barrymore. Someone who can get the people they are interviewing to feel certain ways in their interviews and make the audience feel that same way. Aj Mendez was a great watch and listen here
Brings me immense joy to see AJ and I’m very excited for her projects! Terrific interview!
So happy to see AJ Mendez as Renee's first guest in the new studio.
Agreed.
her and chris van vliet use the same studio
@@ExorcismVODs what happened to this studio? I’m a newer fan and this is my first time seeing this set up. I’m use to the current webcam to webcams interview with her clearly at home lol
I nearly dropped my phone seeing this notification pop up omg I love aj forever! As someone who suffers horribly with mental illness and ideation it was so calming to hear her discuss her struggles and knowing if she can keep fighting as can the rest of us.
So glad to see you and AJ reunited Renee! Thanks!
Thank you Renee and AJ I have just been diagnosed with bipolar It is beautiful to see people talking about it thank you
AJ is one of the greatest heels all-time. HOF worthy.
The most underrated Women’s wrestler in history.
Finally! Been waiting for AJ to be on a podcast. Thank you Renee!
Really glad to see AJ doing fine. Missed her on TV, she always kept me from fast forwarding through the show, because I always liked her character on TV. I kinda thought she was a nice person outside of her character and this proves it to me.
You had me at aj Mendez
I love AJ. She was my favorite WWE woman wrestler and her character was fantastic. I’m glad she’s doing well and finding continued success in her personal and professional lives.
57:14 awwww Renee politely asking AJ if WWE did ask her to come back! This is why I love Renee, she has a sweet heart, builds a foundation of friendship/relationship with people and then ask them in a nice way touchy subjects (at least based on Aj's response on her question). Love you Renee! 💛
One of the greatest interviews so far 👌 and great stage for the sessions!
Thank you so much AJ for having the courage to come out with everything. I suffer from depression, anxiety, & PTSD and truly that each day is a struggle and a battle with yourself.
AJ's mental health struggles / journey mean so much to me, as someone who deals with a lot of similar issues. I love that she's unafraid to talk about it, because it's something we shouldn't hold as a taboo.
Love y''all. Keep it up.
AJ just seems like the nicest person, fantastic interview and i love the set!
You can tell AJ is such a sweet person. I hope she experiences as little dark days as possible.
This one is special. Look at that huge display for - THE SESSIONS. Renee's mother must be very proud of her.
I grew up watching aj and hearing her story on depression it is eye opening that even though she seemed happy and wasn’t it shows we always need to ask how others are.
What a great interview. Incredibly excited for the many projects she's killin' it on.
reneeeee thank you so much for bringing aj
So happy to have this finally happen! I have a lot to look forward for in regards to my Queen's career. Can't wait to watch her book adaptation, 47 Ronin, so much stuff! Also, I greatly respect her privacy in regards to her marriage with Punk, I may be a brat sometimes and just want to kick the door of her marriage in and just stay there because they're both amazing, but that's sometimes. I'm just really happy this finally happened! Also I'm happy that AJ's first priority is Punk's mental well being, she just wants him to be happy and safe. Such an amazing woman.
And to that guy who answered the phone when AJ most needed it, wherever you are man, thanks from all of us who loves her.
In a short time AJ left and indelible mark on the women’s division. Her and Paige don’t get enough credit. They ARE the reason of the revolution.
Throw Dashwood in there too
@@thereelpineapple tenielle dashwood?
I would toss Gail Kim in there as well. If the women's matches and promos weren't the highest rated segments of TNA at the time and they weren't getting so much attention, it's unlikely that HHH gets the leeway to showcase the women so much in NXT.
I really love her especially her entrance. She has to come back, be a part-timer and also do her dream profession
What a great interview. So many good vibes. Happy to hear all the great things happening for these wonderful people. And huge kudos to AJ for her strength and mental health advocacy - such important and impactful work.
Side note, hilariously unintentional bleep at 1:05:22 which made me do a double take.
Great episode Renee (JUST RENEE!) ?
her smile is so contagious! miss her💓
AJ was, is and will always be my hero. 💜
I've always loved AJ Lee! She's so well spoken and beautiful inside and out! Really enjoyed this interview ❤️
Super excited seeing AJ on the show!!!!
I love her, hope she comes back in the future even if its for just 1 big match it doesn’t have to be full time.
AJ is absolutely inspiring, lovely and amazing!!! She makes my day, motivates me.. Truly wonderful! ❤️
This felt so short 🥺 lol can’t wait to see everything AJ does going forward 👍😎
What a lady. Super respect 🙏 her and her journey. Inspiring!!!! Always loved her promos on TV, and loved the move Black Widow.
vince def looked at her like a daughter and wanted to protect and support her as much as possible....some guys just have that paternal instinct to protect certain girls/women cuz they can sense the darkness and trauma within....i'm the same way. i'm a few years older than both of them but ya i def also wanna protect her and take away the pain and suffering as much as i can cuz i know how it feels but she has phil to help with that so i'm happy and glad for her that she has someone like him to rely on and lean on when she needs to and vice versa cuz i know his childhood sucked ass too
I've never been this early for a Renee podcast! I always liked PAIGE the best, but AJ is another favorite of that era
AJ is a national treasure and should be protected at all costs.
AJ is literally the best wrestler ever she's been my fav since I started watching
Love the new studio Renee!! So glad AJ was your first guest. :-)
Girl this interview, you guys’ chemistry, and this studio *chef’s kiss* thank you
AJ is such a strong person. I'm glad she is an advocate and she is doing great work.
What a great interview, really miss AJ. Looking forward to her announcing gig on WOW.
I stopped watching the day AJ left, always happy to see her. Her smile is so radiant, she’s so cool omg 💗💗💗🙏🏼
No matter what they say, Aj Lee started the women's revolution. She was the saviors of the Divas Division. She was the Divas Division.
Lovely interview. In person too, which I think added to how engaging it was. Good to see AJ doing so well. She was a highlight when I was watching WWE back around 2011 😃
I miss AJ. She was so awesome.
Man she is an incredible person and the definition of a fighter.
First 5 seconds with that warning and I already know it is going to be a great episode. Thanks Renee!
"Sports!" Yep, endearing three and a half minutes into the episode. Great chat.
Best interview yet!!! Have missed AJ!!!
Was so looking forward to this, and it did not disappoint!
Thank you both for this!
That was so much fun. AJ Lee and CM Punk have always been my favourite wrestlers, and i'm so glad they are together. Can't wait to check out WOW!
Two of my favorite people in the industry, Ive been looking forward to this!
Thanks to this video of one of my favorite superstars of all time, AJ (Lee, Méndez, Brooks), you won a new sub Renee (Young, Paquette, Ambrose, Moxley, Good.)
Here are some of my Dream Matches for Aj Lee if she ever returned to WWE:
Aj Lee vs Alexa Bliss
Aj Lee vs Sasha Banks
Aj Lee vs Charlotte
Aj Lee vs Bianca Belair
Aj Lee & Alexa vs any tag team
Aj Lee vs Bayley
Aj Lee vs Becky Lynch and many more!!!
Thanks for posting this. You two are amazing at what you do and so glad where you are both at in careers.
always loved Aj Mendez, she was so great on the mic. impressive abs lol very good wrestler, she didnt put up with much.
Really loved your interview with AJ keep up the good work 👍
AJ carried the women’s division on her back if it wasn’t for her the women wouldn’t be where they are today ! Future HOFamer ❤️
Will always be a legend in my books either way changed the whole look of the women's division for rip ajs career 🙏 😢 💔
Thank you both for such an important conversation!
🔥🔥🔥🔥 JESUS CHRIST IS REAL!! I know for myself, seek Him OUT by talking honestly with him and praying and fasting in the Name of JESUS CHRIST!! I ENJOYED THIS!! May God Continue to Bless You All and Your Love Ones Abundantly With His Love in the Name of JESUS CHRIST!! 🙏🏾🙌🏾✝️🌞🌱✌🏾🌱🕊️
Finally My Crush. Actually before I listen to this I played her entrance song to be on the mood to finally listen to her. She grown a lot and I adore her for what she worked for.
Aj Mendez really is one of the most underestimated woman who came out of wwe. Congratulations on your success and kudos for honesty in your experiences in every aspect, your being open with mental health shows it doesn't have to be a albatross around your neck and you can reach for whatever you want. Every success to you in your next adventures you earned this.
So good to see Aj
Someone got a nice paddy Sponsorship! Sweet! You deserve it. Love the new podcast set 🙌🏾
Come back AJ pls❤️😭😭😭hoping u in every royal rumble ❤️😭😭😭love from SL really need u ❤️😒😒😒
i thought it was impossible for me to love her more than i already did but this proved me wrong. she keeps surprising me.
She’s so likable
Always an excellent interview. Thank you Renee.
Everybody still loves AJ. I don't need to see her wrestle again (not worth the health risks) but I'd *love* to see her as an on-screen shit stirrer.
Aj is one the best of all time pls aj come back for once atleast 🙏 i love u so much
No
The way is see she doesn’t even ever have to be involved In wrestling again, she left her mark, seems like a very genuine and nice person
I love this and you guys so much. Thank you for putting yourself out there and thank you Renee for this great interview. This set is so badass 🔥
Aj is really inspirational
I remember when the book came out
The way she made her issue her super power
I Love AJ Lee , She is my first favorite womens wrestlers