There have been several instances, over the past few years, that AJ has generated major heat backstage amongst members of the Total Divas cast. The first instance was a blistering shoot promo in 2013, targeted against all of the women on the show: "Do you wanna know what I see when I look in that ring? Honestly? A bunch of cheap, interchangeable, expendable, useless women. Women who have turned to reality television 'cause they just weren't gifted enough to be actresses. And they just weren't talented enough to be champion.I have done more in one year than all of you have done in your entire collective careers. I have saved your Divas division, I have shattered glass ceilings, I have broken down doors. Why? So, so, a bunch of ungrateful, stiff, plastic mannequins can waltz on through without even getting as much of a thank you? You guys can't even go backstage and shake my hand and look at me in the eyes because you know that I worked my entire life to get here, I gave my life to this and you were just handed fifteen minutes of fame.I didn't get here because I was cute, or because I came from a famous wrestling family, or because I sucked up to the right people. I got here because I am good. I earned this Championship and no matter how many red carpets you guys wanna walk in your four thousand dollars ridiculous heels, you will never be able to lace up my Chuck Taylors. You're all worthless excuses for women and you will never be able to touch me. And that is reality." And then there was her final appearance at the Slammys, where she put over the NXT roster as being the future of the Divas division, without namechecking anyone on the main roster except for Paige. It may have the cold, hard truth (NXT women's wrestling is light years ahead of the main roster's), but the truth isn't always pleasant, and certainly doesn't make any friends. Did we miss some of AJ's arch enemies? Let us know in the comments!
Kevin is an AP English Language teacher and freelance writer from Queens, NY. His focus is on American pop culture and American issues. He wrote a weekly column for Complex called "Throwback Thursdays," which spotlighted video games and trends from previous console generations. Kevin has also been published in VIBE, Salon, PopMatters, Joystiq, and Racialicious. Follow him on Twitter to learn more.