WWE Legend AJ Lee Confirms Major Anime Feature Film Collaboration with Toei Animation

WWE Icon AJ Mendez Developing Feature Film Script for Toei Animation

The convergence of professional wrestling and Japanese animation has reached a new milestone. WWE icon AJ Mendez, formerly known professionally as AJ Lee, has officially announced a significant creative endeavor: she and her writing partner, Aimee Garcia, are currently developing a feature film script specifically for the esteemed Toei Animation studio.

Mendez revealed this groundbreaking collaboration during a discussion on the latest episode of the What's Your Story? with Stephanie McMahon podcast. This announcement has generated substantial interest across both the wrestling and anime communities, highlighting Mendez's successful transition and evolution since her retirement from WWE in 2015.

Mendez has established herself as an influential figure in writing and production, with a portfolio that includes a bestselling memoir, successful comic book series, and various film and television projects. She and actress Aimee Garcia co-founded Scrappy Heart Productions. This company has previously contributed to the narrative of the Netflix original film Blade of the 47 Ronin and the graphic novel Day of the Dead Girl.

During the interview, Mendez spoke candidly about her deep connection to anime culture. She cited Toei Animation’s globally recognized works, such as the seminal series Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon, as foundational influences from her childhood. Mendez described visiting Toei Animation’s headquarters as the realization of a lifelong aspiration, expressing genuine awe at seeing beloved Dragon Ball Z memorabilia displayed throughout the studio space.

While the specific plot and genre of the forthcoming feature film remain strictly confidential, Mendez confirmed that the podcast appearance served as her official public statement regarding the project's existence.

For Toei Animation, the studio responsible for international franchises including One Piece, Digimon, Dragon Ball Z, and Sailor Moon, this collaboration aligns with a continued strategic commitment to expanding its global reach and fostering diverse creative alliances. As the worldwide popularity of anime continues its unprecedented growth, the studio's decision to enlist high-profile talent like Mendez and Garcia signals a growing trend where Japanese animation proactively seeks partnerships within the American entertainment sphere. This cross-cultural alliance is viewed as a significant development for the industry, positioning the forthcoming film as a highly anticipated release within the rapidly evolving landscape of original anime content creation.