Starz’s pro wrestling drama directed by Stephen Amell heels has revealed a first look at the character of former WWE Superstar AJ Mendez (aka AJ Lee).
At Twitter, Starz shared a series of pictures featuring the new faces coming to the Duffy Wrestling League in Heels season two. First up is Mendez, who will fittingly play a wrestler on the show. Mendez joins a cast list that also includes her husband and fellow wrestler CM Punk (real name Phil Brooks), who played Ricky Rabies on Season 1 of Heels. In addition, Starz has previewed the characters played by Josh Segarra (Arrow) and Emmy Raver-Lampman (The Umbrella Academy).
Going by the name of AJ Lee, Mendez had a six-year career with sports-entertainment giant WWE. She initially signed with the company in 2009 before being called to the main lineup in 2011. Mendez then held the WWE Diva’s Championship three times, giving Eve Torres the most reigns with the now-defunct title. Mendez retired from in-ring competition and left WWE in 2015.
Since giving up her career, Mendez has pursued other careers, such as acting. For example, she appeared alongside the aforementioned Brooks in the 2019 horror film Rabid. Mendez is also set to star in the upcoming road trip comedy Sacramento alongside Kristen Stewart and Michael Cera. In addition, Mendez co-wrote the screenplay for the 2022 Netflix film Blade of the 47 Ronin.
Heels returns for Season 2 in July 2023
Heels premiered on Starz in August 2021. Season 1 ran for a total of eight episodes through the following October. In addition to Alexander Ludwig, the aforementioned Amell plays the main role in the series. The two play two brothers vying for control of their late father’s professional wrestling federation in Georgia.
Heels Season 2 premieres Friday, July 28 on Starz.