AJ Lee Makes Shocking WWE Return After Decade-Long Absence

The wrestling world was turned upside down on September 5 when AJ Lee, former Divas Champion and beloved WWE superstar, made her stunning return to the squared circle after more than a decade away. The electrifying moment unfolded during the main event segment of “Friday Night SmackDown” in Chicago, where Lee emerged to confront Becky Lynch in what can only be described as one of the most unexpected comebacks in recent wrestling history. The Chicago crowd, already known for its passionate wrestling fandom, erupted with a thunderous ovation as Lee’s music hit, creating an unforgettable moment that bridged the past and present of women’s wrestling. What made the return even more special was the setting—Chicago is the hometown of Lee’s husband, CM Punk, adding an extra layer of emotional resonance to an already charged atmosphere.

The dramatic scene began innocently enough, with World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins introducing his wife, Becky Lynch, to the Chicago audience. As Lynch began to run down CM Punk and take verbal shots at the Windy City, the crowd seemed to sense something magical in the air, breaking into sustained chants of “AJ Lee” that reverberated throughout the arena. The tension escalated when Punk himself emerged to confront Lynch, calling Rollins a coward for “hiding behind his wife.” The verbal sparring quickly turned physical when Lynch slapped Punk across the face—a move that would trigger the night’s biggest surprise. Punk, maintaining his composure, informed Lynch that while he would never put his hands on a woman, he knew someone who would. Those words hung in the air for just a moment before AJ Lee’s distinctive theme music blasted through the speakers, sending the crowd into absolute pandemonium.

What followed was pure wrestling theater as Lee sprinted to the ring with the same boundless energy that had made her a fan favorite years ago. A visibly shocked Becky Lynch barely had time to register what was happening before Lee speared her to the canvas and unleashed a flurry of offense that had the audience on their feet. “The Man” Lynch, normally the aggressor in her confrontations, found herself retreating up the entrance ramp alongside her husband Rollins, both wearing expressions of disbelief and anger. Meanwhile, the show concluded with the powerful image of CM Punk and AJ Lee embracing in the center of the ring—a reunion of wrestling’s power couple that many fans thought they would never see. The contrast between the triumphant pair in the ring and the fuming couple on the ramp perfectly set the stage for what promises to be an explosive feud.

This remarkable return appears to confirm the widely rumored mixed tag team match that will pit the husband-and-wife duos against each other at the upcoming WrestlePalooza Premium Live Event on September 20. The seeds of this confrontation were planted at the Clash in Paris event, where Lynch interfered in the main event by delivering a low blow to Punk, helping Rollins retain his World Heavyweight Championship. Lee’s return serves as direct retaliation for that attack, evening the odds for her husband and creating a symmetrical feud between two of wrestling’s most prominent couples. The dynamic is particularly compelling because it blends real-life relationships with professional storylines, a combination that has historically produced some of WWE’s most engaging content. Fans are already speculating about the potential chemistry and in-ring dynamics between these four performers, each bringing their own distinctive style and charisma to what should be a marquee match.

AJ Lee’s return marks her first appearance in a WWE ring since the night after WrestleMania 31 in March 2015, when she stepped away from in-ring competition at just 28 years old due to permanent damage to her cervical spine. Her premature retirement left many fans wondering what might have been, as Lee was at the height of her popularity and skill when health concerns forced her to step away. During her initial run with the company, Lee established herself as one of the most influential female performers of her era, breaking the mold of what a women’s wrestler could be in WWE. As a three-time Divas Champion who held the title for a then-record 295 days, she combined exceptional in-ring ability with a magnetic character that resonated with audiences. Her “anti-diva” persona—quirky, authentic, and unapologetically herself—challenged the conventional portrayal of women in wrestling and helped pave the way for what would later become known as the Women’s Revolution in WWE.

The significance of Lee’s return extends beyond just this one storyline or potential match. It represents a bridge between different eras of women’s wrestling in WWE—from the “Divas” period when Lee was active to the current landscape where women regularly headline major shows. Many of today’s female superstars, including Lynch herself, have cited Lee as an inspiration and influence on their careers. Her comeback also occurs at a time when WWE, under the leadership of Triple H following Vince McMahon’s departure, has shown increased willingness to embrace its past and bring back formerly estranged talents. Both Lee and Punk had seemingly burned bridges with the company during their departures, making their returns all the more remarkable. As wrestling fans process this unexpected development, the overwhelming sentiment seems to be one of celebration—for a beloved performer getting another chapter, for a story coming full circle, and for the endless possibility and surprise that professional wrestling at its best can deliver. Whether this leads to a single match or a longer run for AJ Lee remains to be seen, but for now, her return stands as one of 2024’s most genuinely shocking and joyful wrestling moments.