Champions in WWE when AJ Lee left the company in 2015

WWE has changed a lot since AJ Lee was last in the company

AJ Lee’s unexpected WWE return after nearly a decade away has reignited conversations about her original run and when she last competed in the company. The former Divas Champion officially retired in April 2015, leaving behind a decorated legacy that included three reigns with the Divas Championship.

As fans look back on that era, it’s worth remembering the landscape of WWE at the exact moment she stepped away. The champions of early 2015 were some of the most influential names of that period, many of whom would go on to shape the modern generation of WWE.

John Cena – WWE United States Champion

When AJ Lee retired in April 2015, John Cena was in the midst of one of the most memorable runs of his career. Having defeated Rusev at WrestleMania 31, Cena captured the United States Championship and used the title to elevate WWE programming through his weekly “U.S. Open Challenge.”

This run not only restored prestige to the championship but also gave rising stars like Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and Cesaro the chance to shine against the company’s biggest names.

Seth Rollins – WWE World Heavyweight Champion

Seth Rollins was at the very top of WWE when AJ Lee exited. At WrestleMania 31, Rollins infamously “cashed in” his Money in the Bank briefcase during the main event between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, turning it into a triple threat and pinning Reigns to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

The shocking ending made Rollins the first man to cash in the briefcase at WrestleMania, beginning a reign that solidified him as one of the company’s top stars.

Nikki Bella – WWE Divas Champion

On the women’s side, Nikki Bella reigned as Divas Champion, holding the title throughout AJ Lee’s retirement. She had defeated AJ the previous year at Survivor Series 2014 in just 33 seconds with help from her sister Brie Bella.

Nikki’s reign would continue for a record-setting 301 days, making her one of the most dominant champions of the Divas Era and the longest-reigning Divas Champion in history.

Daniel Bryan – WWE Intercontinental Champion

Daniel Bryan, AJ Lee’s close friend and storyline ally, was WWE Intercontinental Champion at the time. At WrestleMania 31, Bryan overcame six other stars in a thrilling ladder match to win the title.

Sadly, injuries cut his reign short. Bryan relinquished the championship in May 2015 due to health concerns, an early sign of the struggles that would sideline him from the ring for years.

Cesaro & Tyson Kidd – WWE Tag Team Champions

The tag team scene was highlighted by Cesaro and Tyson Kidd, who defeated The Usos at the Fastlane pay-per-view in February 2015 to become WWE Tag Team Champions.

Their reign stood out for its hard-hitting, technical style and gave both men a renewed spotlight. Unfortunately, Kidd’s career was cut short by a serious injury later that year, ending what could have been a long and successful run for the duo.

Champions in WWE when AJ Lee ‘retired’ in April 2015

Champion(s)	Title
John Cena	WWE United States Champion
Seth Rollins	WWE World Heavyweight Champion
Nikki Bella	WWE Divas Champion
Daniel Bryan	WWE Intercontinental Champion
Cesaro & Tyson Kidd	WWE Tag Team Champions

Champions when AJ Lee Left WWE 👀 Seth was still a World Champion 🫡Credit: BeltRecordz pic.twitter.com/YWKaqHKQZc

— Wrestlelamia.com (@wrestlelamia) September 10, 2025

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