The wrestling industry is abuzz with excitement as AJ Lee, one of WWE’s most iconic female stars, is widely anticipated to make a significant return to WWE programming. AEW commentator and former WWE Head of Talent Relations Jim Ross has openly acknowledged the buzz, reflecting the high anticipation within the wrestling community for Lee’s comeback.
AJ Lee’s Return: The Wrestling World Reacts
AJ Lee has been absent from WWE television since 2015, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer who elevated WWE’s women’s division during her tenure[2]. Fans and insiders alike are now speculating about her imminent return, which reportedly coincides with WWE’s upcoming Wrestlepalooza event on September 20, 2025 — a show poised to compete directly with AEW’s All Out pay-per-view also scheduled for the same day[1][2].
According to sources close to WWE, the company is aiming to generate significant hype around Wrestlepalooza by featuring Lee in a prominent role, likely teaming with her husband CM Punk in a mixed-tag match against top WWE stars Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch[1]. This pairing positions Lee to instantly elevate the card and attract mainstream attention, a move WWE sees as highly lucrative given her legendary status among fans.
Jim Ross Weighs In: “It’s a Big Deal”
Jim Ross, now a key AEW commentator but with decades of WWE experience as Head of Talent Relations, addressed the rumors with a mixture of respect and surprise. “AJ Lee’s return would certainly shake things up,” Ross said in a recent backstage interview. “She was a pivotal figure when she was in WWE — her passion, her in-ring style, and the connection she had with the audience left a lasting impression. It’s always interesting to see a top talent come back after years away. The timing and platform with WWE’s Wrestlepalooza event shows they’re serious about making a statement.”
Ross’s remarks highlight a crucial dynamic: while AJ Lee’s return could cause a ratings splash for WWE, it also sets up a major showdown across the wrestling landscape, as AEW’s All Out event on the same date seeks to draw viewers. Industry insiders say this renewed rivalry reflects a larger competition between WWE and AEW to dominate fan attention in September 2025.
WWE’s Strategic Move for Wrestlepalooza
WWE’s strategic debut of Wrestlepalooza on ESPN, moving away from Peacock streaming, adds another layer of significance to AJ Lee’s potential return[1]. WWE clearly wants to capitalize on this prime broadcasting platform by featuring powerful storylines and major returns. Bringing back Lee — who has not wrestled on WWE TV for a decade — is viewed as a centerpiece to drive viewership and social media buzz.
WrestleVotes, a respected wrestling news source, reported that this is the first major push WWE has made for Lee’s return since Punk rejoined the promotion late last year[1]. This time, it appears WWE is serious about integrating her back into storylines in a big way to create crossover appeal and draw longtime fans back into the fold.
The Fan and Insider Perspective
The viral buzz surrounding Lee’s anticipated return has spread across social media, with WWE’s official merchandise store teased a return by briefly advertising AJ Lee products, a post that was quickly deleted but not before fans picked up on the hint[2]. This leak fueled speculation that WWE wanted to confirm the comeback unofficially.
Backstage sources told Wrestling Inc that WWE officials are “highly confident” AJ Lee’s presence will elevate the hottest card of the fall, especially with anticipated matches like Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena and a potential Usos reunion also slated for Wrestlepalooza. One WWE insider shared, “AJ’s name alone brings huge energy. They believe pairing her with Punk in a mixed-tag is the right way to hit a home run during a very competitive weekend.”
AJ Lee’s Journey Since 2015
After leaving WWE in 2015, AJ Lee’s career took various turns—from writing a bestselling memoir to working behind the scenes as a producer on Women of Wrestling (WOW)[3]. While she stepped away from in-ring action, her influence on women’s wrestling remained strong, and fans have long wondered about a possible return.
Lee’s recent appearances alongside CM Punk in wrestling-related projects and occasional public sightings at WWE events fuel the speculation she is training and preparing for an in-ring comeback[3][5]. The wrestling community is ready if WWE pulls the trigger.
What This Means for WWE and AEW Competition
The September 20 clash between WWE’s Wrestlepalooza and AEW’s All Out, both featuring marquee matches and talent returns, underscores the heightened competition between the two promotions[1]. WWE’s move to counter-program directly with Wrestlepalooza indicates its desire to reclaim narrative dominance, leveraging AJ Lee’s return as a key weapon.
Jim Ross encapsulated this pivotal moment backstage, stating, “Wrestling fans win when two companies bring their A-game. If AJ Lee’s coming back on a stage like Wrestlepalooza, the spotlight is bigger than ever, and the wrestling world will be watching closely.”
Final Thoughts
AJ Lee’s anticipated WWE return is shaping up to be one of the biggest wrestling storylines of 2025. Her re-emergence not only rekindles memories of a revolutionary era in WWE women’s wrestling but also signals a strategic move by WWE in the intense promotional battle with AEW. With Jim Ross’s acknowledgment and insider insights pointing to a major push, fans can expect a highly charged and memorable comeback event at Wrestlepalooza.
As WWE finalizes plans and fans speculate wildly, one thing is clear: the excitement for AJ Lee’s return is a hot topic that transcends company allegiances, promising a new chapter in her storied wrestling legacy.