AJ Mendez on Women of Wrestling, mental illness & her autobiography | The Sessions w/ Renee Paquette
Рет қаралды 211,645
2 жыл бұрынWARNING: 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 suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
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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@ZeroShaneBob 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@AlexYBITW 2 жыл бұрын
She left way too soon.
@officialsonic1 2 жыл бұрын
she is apart of that ERA of women breaking glass ceiling even tho she was never apart of that incredible roster wwe had
@AneesSarwar34 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@AlexYBITW 2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@AneesSarwar34 2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@logankerr8090 2 жыл бұрын
AJ Lee deserves a spot in the HOF. she changed the game
@steveh4290 2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely, when you see Bellas & Torrie Wilson in, crazy.
@realkatybird Жыл бұрын
Facts
@mahithrichard9140 Жыл бұрын
Definitely she will gain❤️
@saidraalien6837 Жыл бұрын
@@steveh4290 Shows how much it doesn't matter . (politics)
@cgriffin_122 Жыл бұрын
definitely I'm praying for that day to come for WWE to come to there senses
@aaronford5199 2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad that AJ and Punk are doing better
@shootboxpodcast 2 жыл бұрын
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..
@aaronford5199 2 жыл бұрын
@@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
@justachannel571 2 жыл бұрын
Iam glad they back to wrestling 🤩🤩
@Zephyr3122 6 ай бұрын
@@justachannel571 only Cm punk is back on wwe, but miss Aj retired
@michaelpatalano9884 2 жыл бұрын
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!!
@Exlegion19 2 жыл бұрын
She was the revolution. She changed the face of women’s wrestling, especially with her anti-divas promo.
@jaryd12345 2 жыл бұрын
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
@ljavwa3459 2 жыл бұрын
Positive disruptors often don't get to reap the benefits of their disruption. That privilege is for the people next in line to enjoy.
@ABD-pc3jf 2 жыл бұрын
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
@Diana_0071 2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@shaheenmall3923 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Orange6921 2 жыл бұрын
She is still the hottest female wrestler of all time. Punk is a lucky punk.
@NellyGandhella 5 ай бұрын
@@Orange6921 wtf what about Nia Jax
@trini2DBone134 4 ай бұрын
@@NellyGandhellawhat about her?
@wstine79 2 жыл бұрын
So happy to see AJ Mendez as Renee's first guest in the new studio.
@Diana_0071 2 жыл бұрын
Agreed.
@ExorcismVODs 2 жыл бұрын
her and chris van vliet use the same studio
@dalbertorodriguez3028 Жыл бұрын
@@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
@ohb71303 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Diana_0071 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@NothingAtAll00 Жыл бұрын
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.
@stuartpenzer773 2 жыл бұрын
so happy to see aj back in the wrestling bubble, she's always been my biggest 'what if' in wrestling
@ChrisVanVliet 2 жыл бұрын
Loved this! Such a great conversation!
@AllYellowJoshua 2 жыл бұрын
Heyyy Chris! 💛💛💛💛
@michaelsinger4638 2 жыл бұрын
AJ must be so proud of her daughters in NXT right now. Miss you AJ.
@jessicamorrow2396 2 жыл бұрын
Her daughter is in NXT??? UMM what sorry didn't know she was that old dang
@michaelsinger4638 2 жыл бұрын
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.”
@austinjones7104 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@PhillyLeotardo25 2 жыл бұрын
It’s a shame she became a racist like her husband. Feel bad for Jay Lethal
@Diana_0071 2 жыл бұрын
@@PhillyLeotardo25 How do you know she became an actual racist? Or is this coming from internet rumors and accusations?
@Xnovality 2 жыл бұрын
@@PhillyLeotardo25 it must suck to be you.
@temiadeyemo2433 2 жыл бұрын
@@PhillyLeotardo25 the way you have to make up lies just because you don’t like someone is pathetic.
@temiadeyemo2433 2 жыл бұрын
@@Diana_0071 they’re are just being a typical internet troll
@rohitcr2k 2 жыл бұрын
What a splendid interview. I miss AJ in the ring. Her impact is legendary.
@hassanmasood186 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@realhiphopfan91 2 жыл бұрын
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
@jimmyGH123 Жыл бұрын
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!
@JzonAzari 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@joevales6775 2 жыл бұрын
AJ Mendez is an inspiration. Whether one is a professional or in the public eye, many of us have mental health issues. I congratulate AJ for separating professional and personal personas and having the courage to separate the two and go through the process of understanding and coping with mental health. Thank you AJ for sharing. Blessings!
@voxextremos22 2 жыл бұрын
I got a little choked up when she talks about her illness. If you’ve been there before you know.
@_TheAlexLee 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@PtolemyJones 2 жыл бұрын
Even if she doesn't want to actually wrestler, I would love to see her ideas and creativity reflected in the characters she works with. She can only make anyplace she works a better product. So thrilled to see her happy, healthy and doing things she enjoys.
@michaelmireles2510 2 жыл бұрын
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
@SHOWTIME-Chris 2 жыл бұрын
The most underrated Women’s wrestler in history.
@xLitaFan4Everx 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Renee and AJ for this incredible interview! AJ is so amazing and I thank her for again being so honest about her mental health and her struggles. She's using her platform to help so many people in need of a voice and is a light in the darkness. So excited for her about all her projects. She deserves all her success. Love you, AJ! 🖤🕷💗
@r3bel383 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@bigweezey 2 жыл бұрын
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
@cjrebirth 2 жыл бұрын
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
@jsbrngit 2 жыл бұрын
AJ is one of the greatest heels all-time. HOF worthy.
@dontdiesweetheart7926 2 жыл бұрын
Aj being one of my favorite female wrestlers of all time you know I have to watch it
@erinhaley2202 2 жыл бұрын
One thing I love about AJ is she touches on subjects especially with wrestling that not a lot of people talk about. I suffer from depression anxiety and some other mental health issues I use my job and watching wrestling to keep my focus some place else
@gerrymotions3601 2 жыл бұрын
You had me at aj Mendez
@713.lestat 2 жыл бұрын
Listened to the Audio, man this Podcast is heartwarming hearing about Her Struggles and it's so nice to see both of you again!
@glisteningmelon9078 2 жыл бұрын
AHHHH i’ve been waiting on this one! this woman legit changed my life💕
@-Weltschmerz 2 жыл бұрын
who changed she your life?
@normalboy8453 2 жыл бұрын
Our life
@GhostofKaiser 2 жыл бұрын
Ms. Paquette, this was probably the best Sessions you’ve done. Very thankful that Ms. Mendez was willing to come on your podcast to speak of how she manages/d her mental health through her life. And many kudos to Ms. Mendez for living her dreams at least twice over now.
@sofiadrosos1308 2 жыл бұрын
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. ❤
@MsDigimonGirl 2 жыл бұрын
Omg I’ve been waiting so long for this!!!!! I love aj so much she is my fave person in the world and she is a great mental health advocate ❤❤❤ I don’t think I have ever clicked on a video so fast in my life ❤
@scottodrowsky9835 2 жыл бұрын
Was so looking forward to this, and it did not disappoint! Thank you both for this!
@freakinflax 2 жыл бұрын
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 🔥
@fifthgearfiend Ай бұрын
if AJ Lee ever came back to WWE the reaction would be absolutely insane, she deserves everything in the world and more
@AllYellowJoshua 2 жыл бұрын
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! 💛
@RyanScorpioKing Жыл бұрын
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.
@DavetheTurnip 2 жыл бұрын
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 😃
@Divasqueen99 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@pookiejames05 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@thereelpineapple 2 жыл бұрын
Throw Dashwood in there too
@meh6622 2 жыл бұрын
@@thereelpineapple tenielle dashwood?
@pigs18 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Tca1414 2 жыл бұрын
One of the greatest interviews so far 👌 and great stage for the sessions!
@cooktheant 2 жыл бұрын
I just want to say how awesome this interview was and how gracefully you dealt with talking about mental health. As someone that has also struggled, it makes me so proud of AJ for fighting her demons head on and really showing how she has coped. Brilliant interview once again Renee.
@dashkanishka 2 жыл бұрын
This one is special. Look at that huge display for - THE SESSIONS. Renee's mother must be very proud of her.
@portillo6040 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for posting this. You two are amazing at what you do and so glad where you are both at in careers.
@Gillespie4real 2 жыл бұрын
sending love to her. I miss her and i’m glad she is focusing on her mental health. Looking forward to her new book
@RingTheBelle 2 жыл бұрын
Omg this studio is everything..!
@GuiOmania 2 жыл бұрын
It was very nice to finally have news about A.J ,i am very happy for her !!!
@nikitasantamaria 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@YnRJRod 2 жыл бұрын
ugh 2 amazing human beings. can’t wait to listen to this all the way thru(:
@thegoldenadonis7552 2 жыл бұрын
Girl this interview, you guys’ chemistry, and this studio *chef’s kiss* thank you
@the_worlds_enemy 2 жыл бұрын
Brings me immense joy to see AJ and I’m very excited for her projects! Terrific interview!
@mr.smiles1031 2 жыл бұрын
Best interview yet!!! Have missed AJ!!!
@GamingWithTheJD 2 жыл бұрын
Super excited seeing AJ on the show!!!!
@apenasaka 2 жыл бұрын
reneeeee thank you so much for bringing aj
@HarvRoman 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you both for such an important conversation!
@RoyallyRumbled 2 жыл бұрын
What a great interview. Incredibly excited for the many projects she's killin' it on.
@FStyleWWE 2 жыл бұрын
First 5 seconds with that warning and I already know it is going to be a great episode. Thanks Renee!
@GreenAthletics 2 жыл бұрын
Finally! Been waiting for AJ to be on a podcast. Thank you Renee!
@NeophyteToT 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@CharmCityGamer 2 жыл бұрын
So glad to see you and AJ reunited Renee! Thanks!
@MartinStrazynski 2 жыл бұрын
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!) ?
@moreblack 2 жыл бұрын
What a great interview, really miss AJ. Looking forward to her announcing gig on WOW.
@devaughnmorris7315 2 жыл бұрын
Always an excellent interview. Thank you Renee.
@daniel35748 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Renee and AJ I have just been diagnosed with bipolar It is beautiful to see people talking about it thank you
@Diana_0071 2 жыл бұрын
Love the new studio Renee!! So glad AJ was your first guest. :-)
@eiaaueiauea 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@finger4165 2 жыл бұрын
What a lady. Super respect 🙏 her and her journey. Inspiring!!!! Always loved her promos on TV, and loved the move Black Widow.
@daveyoung9628 2 жыл бұрын
Really loved your interview with AJ keep up the good work 👍
@GimmeAHullYeah 2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic chat, thanks for this Renee!
@ariot_1399 2 жыл бұрын
I WAS WAITING FOR THIS INTERVIEW
@evelyncamacho2271 Ай бұрын
I stopped watching the day AJ left, always happy to see her. Her smile is so radiant, she’s so cool omg 💗💗💗🙏🏼
@vassyg11 2 жыл бұрын
AJ is absolutely inspiring, lovely and amazing!!! She makes my day, motivates me.. Truly wonderful! ❤️
@jesusiskingofmyheart 2 жыл бұрын
I've always loved AJ Lee! She's so well spoken and beautiful inside and out! Really enjoyed this interview ❤️
@obengfosubernard6349 2 жыл бұрын
I really love her especially her entrance. She has to come back, be a part-timer and also do her dream profession
@tylerlincoln8582 2 жыл бұрын
Yes! Been waiting for this one!
@chrispanico2276 2 жыл бұрын
Two of my favorite people in the industry, Ive been looking forward to this!
@PaulSJFC94 2 жыл бұрын
AJ just seems like the nicest person, fantastic interview and i love the set!
@ryanbatch5579 2 жыл бұрын
I tweeted to get this interview to happen weeks ago. Thanks Rene.
@jeffersonthegreat7871 Жыл бұрын
You can tell AJ is such a sweet person. I hope she experiences as little dark days as possible.
@devondonovan1588 2 жыл бұрын
Could not wait for this and it did not disappoint.
@alisonbruton9976 2 жыл бұрын
Loved it, I think it's one of the greatest sessions ever. Two inspirational women killing it in a man's world great to see you both doing so so well. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours x x x
@victoriamoreno4325 2 жыл бұрын
AJ was, is and will always be my hero. 💜
@wrestlingfluency 2 жыл бұрын
AJ is such a strong person. I'm glad she is an advocate and she is doing great work.
@renneb4200 2 жыл бұрын
I've been waiting for this!!!!!
@moshtren22 2 жыл бұрын
This felt so short 🥺 lol can’t wait to see everything AJ does going forward 👍😎
@sonnywong1429 2 жыл бұрын
Such an excellent interview, I really enyoed listening to this episode of the podcast wih AJ Lee.
@fortminorproject 2 жыл бұрын
I love the studio setup love that you got AJ on the show 💯🔥
@wuztron 2 жыл бұрын
A.J. seems like such an awesome person. Very nice to hear she's doing well and also doing something she loves to do.
@kekwayblaze3176 2 жыл бұрын
So wonderful to see AJ once again!
@silverman169 2 жыл бұрын
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!
@hector9960 2 жыл бұрын
Just a fun, serious and great interview!!!
@Nattycatzz 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this interview
@dgrancastillo 2 жыл бұрын
The set looks great. Loved the interview!
@alexloyola4695 2 жыл бұрын
"Sports!" Yep, endearing three and a half minutes into the episode. Great chat.
@aleindria42 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@GreciaCalderon10 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@shannonwilson9790 2 жыл бұрын
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.
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