AJ Lee Reveals Why She Risked It All to Call Out WWE and Stephanie McMahon Over Equal Pay

When AJ Lee fired off a now-iconic tweet about equal pay in WWE, she didn’t just spark controversy—she sparked change. For the first time, she and Stephanie McMahon sat down face-to-face to talk about the moment that rocked WWE’s women’s division and how it became a turning point in wrestling history.

During her appearance on What’s Your Story? With Stephanie McMahon, AJ opened up about the time she directly challenged the WWE machine while holding the Divas Championship. Reflecting on her public tweet that called out WWE’s inequality, she said it came from a place of urgency and purpose.

“Your female wrestlers have record selling merchandise and have starred in some of the highest rated segments of the show several times, and yet they receive a fraction of the wages and screen time of the majority of the male roster. #UseYourVoice.”

AJ explained that she didn’t act out of recklessness—but out of conviction, even if it meant risking her spot:

“I try not to be rude… but I also was a bit like, ‘I ain’t got nothing to lose right now.’”

Stephanie reminded her that she actually was the champion at the time, to which AJ replied, “So actually did have a lot to lose.” Still, she stood by her decision, stating that comfort never created progress:

“Change doesn’t happen unless there’s sacrifice. You have to be willing to lose everything to get what you want… playing it safe might give you a safe life. But I don’t know if it gives you an exceptional life.”

Stephanie, who was initially the target of AJ’s tweet, admitted the post stung—but also revealed it helped trigger a necessary conversation in WWE:

“I was actually happy that you posted that. I wasn’t happy that it was directed at me… but I was really happy that you did… That movement—the whole women’s evolution in WWE—it didn’t happen because of executives… it happened because of the women… who paved the way… But the audience would never have gotten behind the movement if it weren’t for people like you.”

AJ Lee’s bravery in calling out inequality wasn’t just a social media moment—it was a battle cry that helped propel the women’s revolution in WWE. Speaking truth to power came with risks, but it also reshaped the future of the company’s women’s division forever.

If AJ had played it safe, would we have ever seen women headline WrestleMania? She took the first punch—now generations of women get to fight on a more level field.

How do you feel about AJ Lee taking that stand while still champion? Do you think it forced WWE to make changes—or was it all just good timing? Let us know in the comments below.

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