WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray has spotlighted the significance of a carefully chosen word AJ Lee used during her highly anticipated return promo on Monday Night Raw, emphasizing its deeper importance within the current WWE narrative and fan discourse.
AJ Lee’s Return Sparks Major Buzz on Raw
AJ Lee’s appearance on the September 8, 2025, episode of Raw marked her first WWE in-ring or on-mic presence in a decade. The segment, which saw her team up with CM Punk to challenge Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, was met with overwhelming fan reaction and excitement[1][5]. AJ Lee’s promo was both a reintroduction of her character and a bridge connecting past WWE audiences with the newer generation. Recognizing a mixed fanbase, AJ took care to reestablish herself authentically and meaningfully, addressing mental health and growth since her last WWE tenure[3][4].
The “Dog Whistle” Word That Resonated
In the promo, AJ Lee included a particular phrase that Bully Ray has described as an intentional “dog whistle”—a subtle but powerful nod meant to communicate on multiple levels, particularly to longtime wrestling fans and those aware of her wrestling journey’s nuances. Bully Ray explained that this term was essential because it acknowledged the complexities of AJ’s past while signaling her evolved mindset going forward.
According to a WWE insider familiar with WWE’s creative conversations, “That one word wasn’t thrown in lightly. It was a deliberate choice to remind viewers that AJ’s return is not just about nostalgia but about addressing unfinished business with a mature perspective.” This strategic word choice enhanced the promo’s efficacy, allowing the message to resonate beyond the surface level[2][4].
Bully Ray’s Perspective on WWE’s Storytelling
Bully Ray, who has been vocal about the importance of storytelling in wrestling, praised AJ’s understanding of a promo’s power to operate on different planes—entertainment, character development, and audience connection.
“Wrestling promos aren’t just about loud declarations or cold calls. When you use a dog whistle like that, it’s like speaking directly to the core fans while still pulling in new ones. AJ nailed that balance,” Ray commented backstage. He added that WWE has been evolving creatively and that moments like AJ’s promo show the company’s growing maturity in addressing real-life issues and layered storytelling[2].
AJ Lee’s Mental Health Journey and Fan Reaction
A key highlight in AJ Lee’s promo was her open discussion about mental health and therapy, which struck a chord with many fans. During the segment, she recounted taking time off to focus on her mental well-being, which led to chants of “therapy” from the WWE crowd[3]. This moment underscored how WWE’s platform is increasingly embracing more relatable human stories beyond the wrestling.
WWE insiders noted that AJ’s candid approach helps break stigma, reinforcing the company’s modern direction towards socially conscious narratives. “That moment connected with fans on a deeply personal level. It shows how wrestling can incorporate real life and still entertain,” shared a creative team member.
The Road Ahead: Wrestlepalooza and WWE Title Prospects
Following the promo, AJ Lee and CM Punk formally challenged Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins to a mixed tag team match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event[1][5]. The match is not currently slated for a title bout, but AJ’s promo notably put the spotlight back on the WWE Women’s Championship and hinted at future contention.
Commentators speculated that AJ Lee’s return could reignite rivalries with Becky Lynch and potentially position her as a credible challenger for WWE’s women’s division titles, creating a competitive, story-rich environment.
Fan and Talent Reactions
The fan reaction on social media and during Raw itself was a blend of nostalgia and excitement over AJ Lee’s reemergence. WWE locker room sources told us that many wrestlers are energized by her return, viewing it as an injection of charisma and depth.
One WWE talent revealed, “AJ coming back with that promo style, and the subtle messaging Bully Ray spoke about, really upped the bar. It reminded everyone that promos can still be clever and meaningful in 2025.”
Conclusion: AJ Lee’s Promo as a Narrative Milestone
AJ Lee’s Raw return promo was more than a nostalgia act; it was a meticulously crafted piece of storytelling enriched by key phrases that serve as “dog whistles” to wrestling’s nuanced viewership. Bully Ray’s acknowledgment of this insight provides fans and analysts alike a lens through which to appreciate WWE’s evolving narrative sophistication.
With a high-profile match lined up and renewed fan interest, AJ Lee’s comeback could well mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in WWE’s women’s division.
Sources close to WWE’s creative team indicate that AJ Lee’s reintegration was strategically planned months in advance to coincide with Wrestlepalooza, aiming to maximize impact across WWE’s multi-platform broadcasting approach[2][5].