AJ Lee recently appeared alongside Stephanie McMahon on the podcast “What’s Your Story?” to revisit discussions around women’s compensation in WWE, focusing on a series of impactful tweets Lee made back in February 2015. The conversation was sparked by McMahon’s supportive message to actress Patricia Arquette, who advocated for equal rights during her Golden Globe Awards speech.
In response to McMahon’s tweet highlighting the importance of advocating for women, Lee pointed out that despite the talents of female wrestlers, including their impressive merchandise sales and high-profile segments, they were still receiving significantly less pay and screen time compared to their male counterparts. The tweet asserted that it was time for change in WWE, emphasizing the necessity of addressing these inequities openly.
Lee’s tweets were notable for being a rare instance of active WWE talent publicly challenging the organization’s executive policies. This bold move garnered significant media attention back then, prompting a response from Vince McMahon, who acknowledged the uproar with a tweet stating, “We hear you. Keep watching.”
During the podcast, Lee recounted that she had insisted on addressing these historical remarks, stating she felt she “had nothing to lose” at that time. McMahon reflected on the need for a cultural shift within WWE, asserting that the “women’s revolution” stemmed from the advocacy of fans and bold figures like Lee, rather than solely from executive decisions.
The podcast shed light on how the climate surrounding women’s wrestling was changing, especially with NXT’s revitalized focus on its female talents just prior to Lee’s tweets. This period also coincided with major figures like Ronda Rousey, who was surging in popularity within the sports world, paving the way for stronger representation of women in wrestling. Rousey’s eventual debut and headlining act at WrestleMania 35 further highlighted the evolving nature of women’s involvement in WWE.
The dialogue between Lee and McMahon not only revisited important historical moments in wrestling but also underscored the value of open discussions about equality, which continue to resonate in today’s sports entertainment industry. This reflection serves as a hopeful reminder that advocacy and perseverance can lead to significant progress.