AJ Lee, one of WWE’s most beloved female wrestlers during her prime, never received the strong support many fans believed she deserved. During that period, Lee and Stephanie McMahon had a public disagreement over the treatment of women in WWE, which they later discussed on McMahon’s podcast “What’s Your Story?”. They reflected on their past conflicts and their future paths in the industry.
Lee mentioned feeling proud of how far they’ve both come despite the challenges. She acknowledged that back then, the women’s division faced significant struggles, and she was among the first to vocally push for change, which made her a target for establishment resistance. Lee recalled a social media exchange where McMahon shared Patricia Arquette’s equal-pay quote, and she added her own comments about the women’s division not receiving equal pay despite getting more attention than many men, which stirred some strong reactions.
Lee also explained that though she tries to be respectful, she is straightforward and critical of those who use “no filter” as an excuse for rudeness. She admitted feeling like she had “nothing to lose” at the time she spoke out. McMahon praised Lee’s bravery for speaking out, highlighting how genuine her personality was both on and off television. She acknowledged that the changes in WWE’s women’s division didn’t come from the executives but from women in wrestling history who demanded respect and recognition, like Lee, who inspired fans and helped drive the movement.
Thanking McMahon for recognizing her role in advancing women’s wrestling, Lee said meaningful change requires sacrifice and being willing to risk everything. She voiced no regrets for standing up to McMahon, despite the difficulties she faced, and appreciated McMahon’s calm and businesslike attitude during that tough time. McMahon emphasized the significance of this moment as a vital step forward for the wrestling world.
Fan Take: This reconciliation between AJ Lee and Stephanie McMahon is important for WWE fans as it highlights progress made in the women’s division and acknowledges the sacrifices behind it. It signals a growing respect for female talent and the potential for continued positive evolution in women’s wrestling.
