Pics of A.J. (with Natalya) vs. Tamina (with Alicia Fox) on SmackDown

In May 2009, World Wrestling Entertainment signed a 22-year-old New Jersey based women's wrestler by the name of Miss April to a developmental contract - the first women's wrestler signing since Natalya Neidhart in January 2007. She was signed to a contract following her display at a talent evaluation clinic held at the company's developmental facility in Tampa earlier in the month.

Before joining WWE, Jeanette performed for several Northeast-based independent promotions including VPW, NWS, and ACE as well as the all-female promotion Women Superstars Uncensored, where she was one half of the WSU Tag Team Champions along with Brooke Carter, known as The AC Express.

On August 31, 2010, it was announced that she would be part of the third season of NXT under the name A.J., with Primo as her Pro.

She was eliminated from the competition on the November 23 episode, finishing in third place.