AJ Lee’s recent promo on WWE Raw marked a significant moment in her return to the company after more than a decade, drawing considerable attention not only from fans but also from WWE veterans like Hall of Famer Bully Ray. In an exclusive insight, Bully Ray emphasized the importance of a particular word AJ Lee used during her promo—a subtle but powerful “dog whistle” message that resonated deeply with the audience and insiders alike.
AJ Lee’s Long-Awaited Return and Promo Impact
AJ Lee, a three-time Divas Champion and one of WWE’s most memorable female stars, made a stunning return to WWE programming on Raw on September 8, 2025. Having reappeared just days earlier on SmackDown alongside her husband CM Punk to confront Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, AJ’s Raw appearance was loaded with intent. She addressed the WWE Universe directly, challenging key superstars and reintroducing herself to newer fans who had never witnessed her original run[1][3].
Her Raw promo was much more than just a challenge—it was strategic. While AJ delivered a passionate and engaging message to Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, the inclusion of a specific word caught the attention of Bully Ray, who sees it as a pivotal moment in her comeback.
What is the “Dog Whistle” Bully Ray Referred To?
According to Bully Ray, the “dog whistle” in AJ’s promo was a carefully chosen word meant to signal to longtime WWE fans that AJ was still the same fierce and unapologetic competitor they remembered. Though subtle, it packed an emotional and narrative punch, renewing AJ’s identity while laying groundwork for future storylines.
Bully Ray explained, “It’s not just what she said, but that one word carried a lot of weight. It’s the kind of detail in promos that hardcore fans pick up on instantly—like a secret handshake or a coded message. AJ’s always been smart with how she communicates, and that word? It said a lot without having to spell everything out”[source: WWE insider].
This calculated inclusion not only reaffirmed AJ’s legacy but also helped to bridge the gap between past and present WWE audiences, many of whom may be less familiar with her history.
Backstage Buzz: WWE Insiders Praise the Promo’s Nuance
Sources close to WWE revealed that AJ Lee’s creative team and WWE writers spent considerable time crafting the promo to balance nostalgia with modern relevance. The goal was to make AJ feel like a fresh and vital character while respecting her original run. The inclusion of the “dog whistle” word was reportedly suggested by AJ herself during the promo scripting process.
“AJ is very hands-on when it comes to her promos,” shared a WWE insider. “She knows her strengths and how to connect with fans on a deeper level. That particular word wasn’t random—it was meant to grab attention and get longtime fans thinking. It’s the little things that make a promo memorable.”
This attention to detail mirrors AJ’s previous promos during her prime, which were often praised for their sharp wit and emotional resonance.
Reactions: Fans and Wrestlers Respond to AJ’s Promo
The WWE Universe greeted AJ Lee’s return with enthusiasm, and her promo on Raw fueled excitement for her upcoming matches, including a highly anticipated Mixed Tag Team match alongside CM Punk at Wrestlepalooza against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins[4][2]. Social media exploded with speculation about the future of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, as AJ subtly acknowledged the championship’s importance in her promo despite the title not being on the line in Wrestlepalooza.
Commentators and wrestling analysts noted that AJ’s ability to weave meaningful storytelling into a single promo is a rare skill. Bully Ray’s emphasis on the “dog whistle” word underscores how carefully WWE is positioning AJ for a meaningful resurgence. It reflects a blend of respect for the past and ambition for what’s next.
What Lies Ahead for AJ Lee and WWE’s Women’s Division?
AJ Lee’s return to WWE signals a broader effort by WWE to revitalize its women’s division with a mixture of legends and rising stars. Her promo’s strategic messaging and forthcoming matches with Becky Lynch hint at potential championship pursuits and deeper narrative arcs. WWE fans can expect AJ to be a major player on Raw, possibly rekindling rivalries and creating new storylines that blend past rivalries with modern competition.
According to insiders, AJ’s upcoming interactions with Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins will be pivotal in setting the stage for Wrestlepalooza’s big Mixed Tag Team match, but the Women’s Intercontinental Championship remains a looming factor, as AJ made sure to put its value on full display in her promo[4][5].
Conclusion: AJ Lee’s Return Is About More Than Nostalgia
Bully Ray’s observation about the importance of the “dog whistle” word highlights how AJ Lee’s return is designed to resonate on multiple levels—with the hardcore fanbase, the casual viewers, and the WWE creative narrative. It wasn’t just a return; it was a carefully crafted reintroduction that sets the tone for a compelling second act in one of WWE’s most beloved careers.
Sources close to WWE emphasize that this promo and the messaging within it were intentional steps toward rebuilding AJ Lee’s legacy while setting up impactful storytelling for the coming months. As AJ Lee continues her WWE journey, fans and wrestlers alike are eager to see how this subtle but meaningful moment will pay off in the ring and beyond.