Starz‘s Stephen Amell-led pro wrestling drama Heels has revealed a first look at the character played by former WWE superstar AJ Mendez (aka AJ Lee).
On Twitter, Starz shared a number of images featuring the new faces coming to the Duffy Wrestling League in Heels Season 2. First and foremost is Mendez, who will fittingly be playing a wrestler on the show. Mendez joins a cast list that also includes her husband and fellow wrestler CM Punk (real name Phil Brooks), who played Ricky Rabies in Heels Season 1. Additionally, Starz has revealed first looks at the characters played by Josh Segarra (Arrow) and Emmy Raver-Lampman (The Umbrella Academy).
Under the name AJ Lee, Mendez had a six-year career with sports entertainment giant WWE. She initially signed with the company in 2009 before being called up to the main roster in 2011. Mendez subsequently held the WWE Diva’s Championship three times, tying Eve Torres for the most reigns with the now-defunct title. Mendez retired from in-ring competition and departed WWE in 2015.
Since hanging up her boots, Mendez has turned her attention to other professions, such as acting. For instance, she appeared alongside the aforementioned Brooks in the 2019 horror film Rabid. Mendez is also attached to appear in the upcoming road trip comedy Sacramento opposite Kristen Stewart and Michael Cera. Moreover, Mendez co-wrote the script for the 2022 Netflix film Blade of the 47 Ronin.
Heels Returns for Season 2 in July 2023
Heels premiered on Starz in August 2021. Season 1 ran for a total of eight episodes through the following October. The series stars the aforementioned Amell alongside Alexander Ludwig. The two play a pair of brothers vying for control of their late father’s professional wrestling federation in Georgia.
Heels Season 2 premieres on Starz on Friday, July 28.