10 Fascinating Facts About WWE In 2013

7. AJ Lee Came Close To Being Fired

The Rock CM Punk 2013
WWE

AJ Lee was a true rising star in the company in 2013, and was one of the most engaging characters on Raw for a while. Her manipulative gimmick was one thing, but Lee's in-ring work was also coming along nicely and it seemed like she'd dominate the women's division for years to come. Unless she got herself fired, that is.

That nearly happened in late-2013.

ESPN’s Michelle Beadle saw CM Punk in the hallway during a Tribute To The Troops special. She'd known him for years, and so said: “What’s up, f*ck face?”. AJ was apparently very annoyed by this, and caused a scene by getting in Beadle’s face. Punk had to calm things down, but it was embarrassing for all involved.

WWE didn't like the way Lee handled the altercation, and it's said they strongly considered terminating her contract as punishment. That would've been harsh, but perhaps shows how far the women's roster still had to go. All of them were considered expendable; even those who were over.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.