Roxanne Perez Celebrates Mentorship from CM Punk and AJ Lee

Roxanne Perez, a prominent figure in WWE, recently broke character to express her deep admiration for CM Punk and AJ Lee during an interview with "Going Ringside." Perez, known for her villainous persona in the ring, described Punk and Lee as her "wrestling parents," highlighting the significant influence they have had on her career. Growing up watching their storylines, Perez credited them as pivotal inspirations for her decision to pursue wrestling. She stated, “The storylines that they created were some of my favorite to watch growing up. So to now have them there, and for them to just be people that I can turn to whenever I need advice or need help… yeah, they’re just amazing.”

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Both CM Punk and AJ Lee returned to WWE earlier this year, with Lee teaming up with Punk for a Mixed Tag Team match at WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025. This reunion has allowed Perez to witness their dynamic firsthand, which she described as uplifting. She noted, “You can definitely see the change in Punk’s energy and overall happiness when she’s around. It’s so cute. And it’s awesome to see.” This supportive environment has been crucial for Perez as she navigates her career on the main roster.

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In her reflections, Perez challenged the common adage "never meet your heroes," asserting that her experiences with Punk and Lee have been overwhelmingly positive. She remarked, “Oh, it definitely went well. And I tell them that a lot, where I’m like, ‘Thank you for making that quote ‘never meet your hero’ so untrue.’” This sentiment underscores the genuine bond she shares with both wrestlers, who have exceeded her expectations in terms of kindness and mentorship.

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Roxanne Perez's comments reflect a broader sentiment within the wrestling community regarding the importance of mentorship and support among performers. Her relationship with Punk and Lee illustrates how established wrestlers can positively influence the careers of newcomers. The emotional connection she feels towards them not only enhances her personal growth but also enriches her character development on-screen.

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While Perez's admiration for Punk and Lee is evident, some fans and critics may argue that the nostalgia surrounding these figures can overshadow the emergence of new talent. However, Perez's ability to blend her real-life fandom with her wrestling persona offers a fresh perspective that resonates with audiences.

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• “The storylines that they created were some of my favorite to watch growing up.” — Roxanne Perez, WWE Star

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• “And I tell them that a lot, where I’m like, ‘Thank you for making that quote ‘never meet your hero’ so untrue,’ because they’re just awesome.” — Roxanne Perez, WWE Star

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• “You can definitely see the change in Punk’s energy and, I don’t know, just overall happiness when she’s around. It’s so cute. And it’s awesome to see.” — Roxanne Perez, WWE Star

Roxanne Perez Addresses Relationship With AJ Lee and CM Punk Backstage

As Roxanne Perez continues to establish her legacy in WWE, the mentorship from CM Punk and AJ Lee remains a vital aspect of her journey, blending admiration with professional growth in the wrestling industry.

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