CM Punk And AJ Mendez (Lee) Announced For Horror Movie

Image result for CM Punk & AJ Mendez

CM Punk and wife AJ Mendez (AJ Lee) have been announced for Rabid, a new horror movie that is a remake of the 1977 David Cronenberg movie of the same name.

The movie is being written & directed by The Soska Twins, who directed WWE Studios’ Vendetta and See No Evil 2 movies. The movie will star Laura Vandervoort and Ben Hollingsworth with Punk and AJ in supporting roles. Punk will star as “Billy” while AJ plays a character named “Kira.”

No word yet on the release date for the movie but below is the official press release:

Production Begins on the Feature Film RABID -FeaturingCM Punk and AJ Mendez-

– Written and Directed by The Soska Sisters (WWE Studios’ See No Evil 2 and Vendetta) –

– Remake of the Classic David Cronenberg 1977 Horror Feature Film –

– Starring Laura Vandervoort and Ben Hollingsworth –

– Body Horror Meets the World of High Fashion –

Toronto, Canada – July 17, 2018 – Canadian production company Back 40 Pictures announced today that production has begun in the Greater Toronto Area on the feature film Rabid. Written and Directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska (Dead Hooker in A Trunk, American Mary) and John Serge. Rabid stars Laura Vandervoort (Jigsaw, BITTEN) as “Rose” a demure seamstress who goes through a radical transformation after electing for plastic surgery following a disfiguring accident. Ben Hollingsworth (CODE BLACK) is “Brad” a fashion photographer. Rabid is a remake of the classic David Cronenberg 1977 horror feature film which was executive produced by Ivan Reitman. Rabid also stars Hanneke Talbot (PLAYING DEAD) who portrays Rose’s best friend Chelsea and Mackenzie Gray (LEGION, RIVERDALE) as arrogant fashion designer “Gunter”. Rabid will also feature WWE superstars CM Punk as “Billy” and his wife New York Times best-selling author AJ Mendez as “Kira”.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be re-imagining David’s 1977 body horror classic, Rabid, with such incredible support behind us. We are not fans of the current trend of soulless remakes as they disrespect the fans and the original body of work. Our Rabid is a continuation of the thoughts and conversation David started, but modernized through a female perspective. The film will not only honour his original Rabid but also Cronenberg’s entire body of work. This would not have been possible without a team behind us that cares about the artist as well as the fans,” said Writer-Directors Jen and Sylvia Soska.

Drawing influence from the original movie, the remake is set in the seductive and glamorous world of high fashion and will follow Rose (Laura Vandervoort), a young woman whose disfigurement after an accident leads to a radical and untested stem-cell treatment. While turning Rose into the belle of the ball, the experimental transformation comes at a price.

“I don’t think there’s any bigger fans of David Cronenberg than the sisters, so it was really exciting when they agreed to helm this project. They will put their own stamp on the movie of course, but with nothing but the utmost respect to David, and that’s important when you’re remaking a classic horror film like Rabid, says producer Paul Lalonde. The Soska twins are the hottest young directors in the horror space right now, and our talented cast headed by Laura (Vandervoort) and Ben (Hollingsworth) will give horror fans a rich and chilling character-driven story with plenty of body horror. We’ve got a fantastic cast, a great crew, top notch special effects and industry leading stunt coordinators. And having the whole story set against the backdrop of high fashion, that’s not only a great chance for some important social commentary, it’s also a really fun twist on horror. A peek inside the world of haute torture if you will.”

A71 Entertainment will distribute Rabid in Canada with 101 Films handling the United Kingdom, Back 40 Pictures orchestrating theatrical distribution duties in the United States, and Shout! Studios’ Scream Factory imprint distributing the film across multiple platforms in the U.S. Rabid is produced by Back 40 Pictures in conjunction with Telefilm Canada, Ontario Media Development Corporation and London based, Media Finance Capital. Michael Walker, Paul Lalonde and John Vidette are serving as producers.

Source: WrestlingINC

AJ Lee Claims She Pushed Punk To Get Lump Checked Out, Surprised WWE Doc Wasn’t Concerned Sooner

aj lee cm punk trial interview testimony

AJ Mendez Brooks, who performed as AJ Lee, took the stand Monday and confirmed she pushed CM Punk to seek additional treatment over a discolored lump on his backside.

According to Wrestlezone — who had a reporter in attendance — both AJ and Punk were on the stand Monday morning beginning the fifth day of testimony in the libel trial pitting Punk and Colt Cabana against WWE doctor Chris Amann.

AJ noted the lump grew from a zit-sized spot to its largest at the 2014 Royal Rumble. She confirmed text communication about the lump and testified she sent Punk to a physician’s assistant that she believed to be a doctor.

On the stand, AJ told jurors she was surprised Amann didn’t see the lump as a problem sooner.

Before AJ was questioned … Punk was crossed examined by Amann’s lawyers about Friday’s testimony which included the lump, other health issues,and the 2014 Royal Rumble.

Punk said the physician’s assistant he saw definitely referred to the lump as staph but confirmed it was never diagnosed as such.

It’s interesting to note a text was also shown in court in which Punk told Mark Carrano, who is WWE’s Senior Director of Talent Relations, “take me off all shows, I’m sick and have bruised ribs and concussion symptoms.” Notes from Wrestlezone didn’t say when the text was sent.

At one point, Amman’s lawyers brought up the 2014 Rumble and asked if he stayed in the match in an effort to “blow WWE away” — despite being concussed — in an attempt to headline WrestleMania.  Punk simply responded, “I don’t know.”

On Friday, Punk took the stand and cried while recalling the events surrounding that same Rumble match. After composing himself, the UFC fighter told jurors he stands by the comments he made during the infamous podcast interview.

Dr. Amann is asking for $1 million in damages.

Both sides have rested and closing arguments begin today.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

AJ Lee’s Book Being Developed Into Potential TV Series

aj lee mendez book possibly tv series producers develop developed

Former WWE wrestler AJ Lee (aka AJ Mendez Brooks) has announced that her best-selling book is being developed into a possible TV series by Emmy nominated producers.

Mendez dropped the news via social media on Tuesday and said, “Proud to share, Emmy nominated producers EUE/Sokolow & Jeff Fisher will develop  for TV!”

Adding, “Now, more than ever, it is vital that women tell their own stories. That’s why I’m proud to work on this project as a writer & executive producer.”

Crazy is My Superpower was released in April and became a New York Times Best Seller. The production team she’s signed on with recently made the show Genius which garnered ten Emmy Awardnominations. The full press release can be FOUND HERE.

No word on whether any networks have expressed interest yet.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

AJ Mendez Brooks (AJ Lee) Talks New Book, Bipolar Disorder, Chaotic Childhood, CM Punk, Wrestling Career (Video)

Image result for AJ Mendez brooks on Jim and Sam show

Former WWE Superstar AJ Mendez Brooks (AJ Lee) appeared on Jim and Sam Show (Jim Norton and Sam Roberts) and talked about her new book, her battle with bipolar disorder her chaotic childhood her husband CM Punk and her wrestling career.

AJ Lee Partnering With ‘Girls Make Games’ For Contest

Girls Make Games is partnering with former WWE Diva AJ Lee for the AJ Brooks Scholarship Contest. Fans can send a one minute video of a game design concept that they would like to bring to life at the GMG camp. The deadline is May 15. Fans can submit their videos to ajscholar@girlsmakegames.com. The winner will get to attend the GMG camp in Chicago, a $1,500 value sponsored by AJ. The scholarship is open to girls ages 11-14. Visit http://www.GirlsMakeGames.com for more information.

 

#ThankYouAJ: A Reflection

Art

The wrestling world lost one of its brightest young stars from in-ring competition when AJ Lee retired. Whether you loved her or not, there is no denying the powerful and lasting impact that AJ made during her time in the WWE, especially for the Divas Division alone. From that spunky fan who waited hours in line to see WrestleMania 20 to the underdog who finished 3rd on the divas season of NXT. From the self proclaimed geek to the manipulative lover and eventual RAW GM, Then finally, a multi-time Divas Champion, redefining what it means to be beautiful and tough as a WWE Diva.

On the August 26th, 2013 edition of Monday Night RAW, AJ Lee dropped a pipe bomb against the cast of Total Divas in a promo that can define her impact in the WWE:

Quotes such as,  “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…I didn’t get here because I was cute, or because I came from some famous wrestling family, or because I sucked up to the right people. I got here because I am good. I earned this championship. No matter how many red carpets you guys want to walk, in your four-thousand dollar ridiculous heels, you will never be able to lace up my Chuck Taylor’s.”

While heel elements were added to the promo, AJ Lee was able to be in the ending segment of RAW during the summer of 2012 when she was in a love triangle with Daniel Bryan and CM Punk, her eventual real-life husband. That was only the beginning as she soon became the General Manager of Monday Night RAW and won the Divas Championship multiple times. After AJ’s rise in 2012, there became more focus on the Divas, including the hit E! reality show, Total Divas. Since then, The Bella Twins, Paige, Naomi, Alicia Fox, Natalya, and a majority of the Divas roster have made a name for themselves, receiving mercy, louder cheers from the audience, mainstream attention, and longer matches. In light of the #GiveDivasAChance campaign on social media, there is even more love given to the amazingly beautiful, talented, and tough ladies of the squared circle. In the not so far past of 2010 and 2011, NXT’s all divas third season was interrupted by Michael Cole’s rants and RAWs and SmackDowns were decorated with divas matches that would never go longer than two minutes.

That’s all changed now and it’s one of the best times for the Divas Division as all of the women are receiving positive love and support and are finally receiving the respect they all rightfully deserve. The diva who brought the division to light with the push of a lifetime during the Summer of 2012 was none other than AJ. With her “crazy chick” gimmick, fans were focusing more on here and her unpredictable antics as opposed to her male counterparts. It had been one of the most popular diva-related story lines arguably since the Trish Stratus/Mickie James feud of 2006 (LayCool and Maryse had popular story lines but failed to gain the momentum as AJ Lee’s).

AJ Lee’s time in the WWE will not only be remembered for her incredible talents, but for what she brought to the Divas Division—excitement, intrigue, and the light that helped to reignite interest in the Divas. While there are exciting things for the future (looking at you, Bayley, Sasha, and Charlotte) AJ Lee will be missed from the WWE. Her passion remained and it’s always a plus to see a Superstar or Diva who grew up as a passionate wrestling fan and were able to achieve their dreams and inspire others to be like them. The Divas Division has been the best it has been in years, and possibly ever. In the end, AJ Lee may not have single handedly started this trend, as credit should also be given to the Bella Twins combination of strength and beauty and the Anti-Diva allure of Paige, she was definitely instrumental in getting the ball rolling and giving the push the Divas Division has desperately been needing. Whether her retirement was due to being worn out from the business, a career ending injury, complications with the WWE as a result of her relationship with CM Punk, or just the idea that it was time to move on a pursue other interests, AJ Lee was able to leave on top and get that final WrestleMania moment. I’ll miss AJ Lee but I’m thankful for the impact that she left and I wish her only the best with her future as the next generation of WWE divas make their mark in the company. Let’s light it up!

-Celine

Photo Source (x)

More news on AJ Lee’s retirement 

On April 3rd the news broke that one of WWE’s biggest names announced retirement. That name was none other then 3 time divas champion AJ Lee. This left many fans confused. Why would someone who loves professional wrestling retire just 5 years after being in WWE?

Now with more light being shed on the situation we may have those answers. According to Wrestling obsbver newsletter the word going around backstage is her retirement is the result of a lawsuit that WWE physician Chris Anmann has against AJ’s husband Phil “CM Punk” Brooks

By retiring AJ was able to get out of her contract with WWE but she also gives up the opportunity to compete in any other pro wrestling organization.

-Vanessa (@GreatLove91)

Source: WrestlingInc.com 

AJ Lee retires 

This is not a late April Fool’s joke. The WWE just sent out word that April Jenette Brooks better known as AJ Lee has decided to retire from professional Wrestling. The WWE wishes AJ well and so do we here at WrestlingNewsBlog.

AJ was on the very first all female version of the completion show “NXT”. She made it to the final 3, AJ Lee is also a former GM of Raw, main eventef Raw multiple times and is a 3 time divas champion and not to mention the longest reigning divas champ of all time.

One of AJ’s most iconic moments was when she dropped her “pipebombshell” on the cast of total divas in 2014. One of my personal favorite AJ moments is the ongoing feud she had with real life best friend Kaitlyn (Celeste Braun)

I know today is a sad day for many fans but I honestly can’t say I didn’t see this one coming. With her husband CM Punk No longer a worker for WWE it was only a matter of time before we saw AJ Lee leave as well.

You can’t blame her for wanting to live a normal life with her husband but one thing is Forsure the black widow crazy chick has left her mark on the WWE and will be forever remembered.

Feel free to share your favorite AJ moments with us in the comments or you can tweet us @WrestleNewsBlog

 

-Vanessa (@GreatLove91)

Nikki Bella shoots on AJ Lee

It is being reported via WrestlingInc that this past Monday after Raw was concluded a divas segment for this Thursday’s Smackdown was tapped. It is said to be one of the better diva segments in awhile. In the promo divas champion Nikki Bella told AJ that Brock Lesnar has defended his title more then what AJ did when she was champion.

It’s not known if that line in particular was scripted or a pure shoot. If the line is kept in the promo then obviously it was scripted, but still this wouldn’t be the first time Nikki has flown off the script.

It should also be noted that according to fans in attendance there was even a cm punk jab when Nikki told AJ that while AJ was on vacation sipping vergin  magaritas the Bella’s were left to carry the decision. (Obviously punk is straight edge so it would be vergin magaritas)

Just in case the WWE does decide to cut this glourios promo you can enjoy the full unedited fan recorded version here

Weather it was scripted or not that’s great way to get heat so kudos to all involved.

-Vanessa (@GreatLove91)

Source: http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0324/591682/backstage-news-on-nikki-bella-taking-a-shot-at-aj-lee-during/

Happy Birthday AJ Lee!

Today is WWE Diva AJ Lee’s 28th Birthday. #HappyBirthdayAJ is currently the number one trending topic on Twitter. Here are some videos of some of AJ’s best moments to celebrate her Birthday: