Credit: WWE.com
AJ Lee has officially signed multi-year full-time contract with WWE, ending years of speculation and excitement following her surprise return during the September 5, 2025, episode of SmackDown. After over a decade away from WWE television and in-ring competition, the former WWE Women’s Champion returned to a thunderous reaction from fans, reigniting her legacy and setting up a major new chapter in her wrestling career.
Shock Return Shakes Up SmackDown Landscape
AJ Lee’s return came as a bombshell moment at WWE SmackDown, where she appeared in a dramatic segment alongside her real-life husband, CM Punk. The buildup had been intense after Becky Lynch cost Punk the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Paris and mercilessly taunted him on Raw. Just when tensions reached a boiling point between these top stars, Punk teased assistance from an unexpected source.
Suddenly, AJ Lee’s iconic entrance theme hit, sending the Chicago crowd into a frenzy. Lee stormed the ring and engaged in a fierce confrontation with Becky Lynch, who currently holds the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. In a powerful visual statement closing the show, AJ stood tall holding Lynch’s Intercontinental title, signaling her intentions to reclaim a dominant role on WWE programming.
Backstage Confirmation of Multi-Year Deal
Insiders confirm that WWE moved quickly to secure AJ Lee with a multi-year full-time contractual agreement due to overwhelming fan response and her seamless integration into one of wrestling’s hottest ongoing storylines. According to a WWE insider who spoke on condition of anonymity,
“With AJ’s return exceeding all expectations and the buzz she generated instantly, WWE knew this was a rare opportunity. They wasted no time locking in a multi-year deal. AJ is not just making cameo appearances she’s back to stay and will be a cornerstone of the women’s division going forward.”
This new contract solidifies Lee’s official return as an active competitor and key part of major storylines rather than a sporadic guest star.
AJ Lee’s Impact and Legacy
AJ Lee originally retired from in-ring competition in 2015, shortly after CM Punk’s controversial departure from WWE. Her decade-long absence saw her involved in other wrestling projects but never a full WWE comeback—until now. During her initial run, AJ Lee revolutionized the women’s division, earning three Women’s Championships and earning widespread acclaim for her intense, unpredictable style and compelling character work.
Her return immediately injects star power and credibility back into the women’s division, which has been in a constant state of evolution. Facing off with Becky Lynch, one of the division’s top champions and biggest stars, establishes AJ right away as a formidable presence.
“AJ Lee’s comeback is a homecoming for wrestling fans who’ve long awaited her return,” noted wrestling journalist Geno Mrosko. “Her dynamic with Becky Lynch and CM Punk on SmackDown invigorates WWE’s storylines and promises some electrifying matches ahead.”
What Is Next for AJ Lee?
Though details on specific matches and rivalries have not been fully revealed, all signs point to AJ Lee pursuing championship gold early in her return run. Her bold display holding up Lynchs’ Intercontinental title is interpreted as a message that she has unfinished business.
Sources close to creative indicate WWE is crafting a storyline that will pit AJ Lee and Becky Lynch in a high-stakes rivalry, involving intertwined stories with CM Punk and Seth Rollins, making for an explosive multi-person feud.
Additionally, extending beyond the in-ring aspect, AJ Lee is expected to bring her characteristic vibrant personality to promos and segments, adding layers to her character that made her so compelling during her original tenure.
Fan and Industry Reaction
The reaction from fans and wrestlers alike has been overwhelmingly positive. SmackDown’s rating lifted notably with AJ’s appearance, and social media erupted over her comeback, trending worldwide throughout the weekend following her return.
As one longtime fan put it on Twitter, “AJ Lee is a queen of WWE. Her energy and fire are unmatched—so glad she’s back full-time!” Industry veterans speculate her return will inspire a new generation of wrestlers aiming to match her intensity and creativity.
Conclusion
AJ Lee’s multi-year full-time deal marks one of WWE’s most exciting signings in recent years and a major coup for the company as it continues to capitalize on blending nostalgic returns with fresh storylines. Her unexpected but highly successful comeback on September 5, 2025, laid the groundwork for a thrilling renaissance, ushering in a new era for one of WWE’s most beloved and dynamic female superstars.
Fans eager for more can expect AJ Lee-centric programming, compelling rivalries, and moments of raw intensity in the coming months a true celebration of a wrestler whose influence helped shape the modern women’s division. As one WWE insider said,