MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 04: Dolph Ziggler speaks during a WWE Downunder media opportunity at Crown Entertainment Complex on October 4, 2018, in Melbourne, Australia.
AJ Lee is back in WWE. The former Divas Champion stunned the wrestling world with her return after a decade-long retirement. Fans witnessed the surprise comeback during the September 5 episode of SmackDown in Chicago, where she joined her husband CM Punk.
The crowd erupted as Lee confronted Becky Lynch, sparking an explosive new storyline. Her return marks one of the most talked-about WWE moments in recent years.
AJ Lee Joins CM Punk Against Rollins and Lynch
Lee’s WWE return happened at a crucial moment. Punk is currently in a heated rivalry with Seth Rollins. At SummerSlam in August, Punk won the World Heavyweight Championship. But Rollins shocked fans by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and reclaiming the title.
Their feud escalated at Clash in Paris. Punk nearly regained the championship, but Lynch interfered, helping her husband retain the belt. On Raw earlier this month, Lynch went further by berating Punk and slapping him. Punk hinted that something major would unfold on SmackDown. That tease led to AJ Lee’s unforgettable arrival.
Now, fans are buzzing about what’s next. Rumors suggest AJ Lee and CM Punk will officially team up against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch at WrestlePalooza on September 20. The event will be WWE’s first premium live show on ESPN’s streaming service.
AJ Lee’s WWE Legacy
For long-time fans, AJ Lee’s WWE return feels historic. She was one of the most popular women’s wrestlers of the early 2010s. Known for her “crazy” persona, sharp promos, and signature skipping entrance, Lee stood out in the division.
She became a three-time Divas Champion, tying the record for most reigns with the title. Despite her impact, her WWE career was short. She debuted on the main roster in 2011 and retired just four years later.
Her final match took place the night after WrestleMania 31 in April 2015. WWE soon announced her retirement due to injuries, including cervical spine issues. In her memoir Crazy Is My Superpower, Lee revealed that her health played a big role in her decision to step away.
Life After Wrestling
Although retired, AJ Lee stayed close to the wrestling industry. She became an executive producer for Women of Wrestling from 2021 to 2023. Beyond wrestling, she built a career as a writer, penning books, movies, and TV scripts.
Fans always speculated about her return. Hopes grew stronger when she appeared in the wrestling-themed TV series Heels. Excitement skyrocketed again when CM Punk rejoined WWE in 2023, as many believed AJ Lee could follow him back to the ring.
What AJ Lee’s Return Means for WWE
AJ Lee’s comeback signals a major shift in WWE’s women’s division. Her star power, combined with Punk’s ongoing rivalry with Rollins, sets up one of the most anticipated mixed-tag storylines in years.
The possible AJ Lee and CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins clash has fans eagerly counting down to WrestlePalooza. For WWE, it’s a perfect storm—mixing nostalgia, personal rivalries, and a high-stakes showdown.
After nearly a decade away, AJ Lee’s return proves one thing: in WWE, anything can happen.
