Becky Lynch received significant praise from wrestling veteran Bully Ray for her exceptional in-ring reaction during AJ Lee’s highly anticipated WWE SmackDown return on September 5, 2025. The moment marked one of the most talked-about WWE segments of the year, with Lynch’s facial expressions and selling of AJ Lee’s return attack earning industry-wide recognition.
Becky Lynch’s Reaction Elevated AJ Lee’s Return
AJ Lee made a shocking return to WWE after a decade away, confronting and physically targeting Becky Lynch in a dramatic SmackDown segment that instantly electrified the audience[1][2]. While AJ’s surprise comeback created a buzz, it was Becky Lynch’s vivid and authentic reaction that truly stole the show and added a layer of realism to the encounter.
Bully Ray, a respected former WWE and TNA star who is known for his insightful analysis of wrestling psychology, highlighted Becky’s ability to sell the moment without overacting. “Becky’s facial expressions during AJ’s attack were spot on, conveying genuine shock, pain, and anger,” Ray shared in a recent interview. “Those kinds of reactions are what make wrestling moments memorable because they pull the fans right into the story happening in the ring.”[2]
Sources close to WWE’s creative team also confirmed that Lynch’s reaction was a deliberate focus during rehearsals to ensure the segment felt natural yet impactful. “Becky understands how to tell a story not just through moves, but with her entire body language. The creative wants fans to believe every strike, every smack,” a WWE insider commented. “Her performance turned what could have been just a routine return into a viral highlight.”[2]
The Context of AJ Lee’s Return and Its Impact
AJ Lee’s reappearance came as both a nostalgic and surprising shock, rekindling memories of her intense and emotionally charged wrestling style in WWE’s women’s division during the early 2010s[1][3]. Her attack on Lynch was meant to re-establish her presence at the top of the card and immediately set up a compelling rivalry.
The segment resembled a classic WWE moment, blending realism and storytelling. AJ’s aggressive in-ring style meshed well with Lynch’s reputation as “The Man,” creating palpable tension that captivated both the live audience and viewers worldwide. Lynch’s face showing real-time hurt and defiance was crucial in elevating the segment’s drama beyond the expected two-woman confrontation[4][5].
Industry commentators and fans alike noted that the attack—and Lynch’s selling—represented a refreshing return to a more old-school wrestling presentation where psychology and expression carry the match’s emotional weight rather than just physical moves[2].
Bully Ray on Becky Lynch’s Selling and Industry Standards
Bully Ray pointed out that selling — the act of making an opponent’s offense look believable and impactful — is often underappreciated in modern wrestling but remains essential for genuine storytelling. He remarked, “Becky’s reaction was textbook selling; it was understated but powerful. That mix is rare today. She makes you feel the pain, which brings authenticity to the whole segment.”[2]
Ray also noted the importance of veterans and experienced performers mentoring the newer generation to maintain this level of ring psychology. He praised Lynch for carrying that tradition forward: “She’s setting an example for younger talent on how to perform at a high level, especially when big returns or surprises happen.”
Behind the Scenes: WWE’s Emphasis on Authenticity
According to backstage sources, WWE’s creative team intentionally scripted the segment to lean heavily on Lynch’s ability to convey emotion through her expressions and reactions rather than focusing solely on athletic maneuvers. This strategic choice aimed to create a memorable moment that resonates deeply with fans and enhances the storyline’s emotional stakes.
One WWE creative member revealed, “We knew AJ’s return would generate buzz, but we wanted Becky to sell it so well that viewers couldn’t look away. Her performance exceeded our expectations. It’s the kind of segment that can elevate ratings and social media chatter.”[2]
This approach aligns with WWE’s broader trend toward more nuanced storytelling, seeking to balance impressive in-ring action with character-driven narratives that deepen fan engagement.
What’s Next for Becky Lynch and AJ Lee?
Following AJ Lee’s return and the physical altercation on SmackDown, the path seems clear for a high-stakes feud involving Becky Lynch. Fans are eagerly anticipating how WWE builds on this storyline, possibly culminating in marquee matches on major pay-per-view events.
Speculation around a tag team showdown with other top stars such as Seth Rollins or CM Punk has also emerged. Industry insiders believe that Lynch’s compelling in-ring work and AJ’s return could anchor some of WWE’s biggest showdowns in coming months[2].
Conclusion
Bully Ray’s commendation of Becky Lynch’s in-ring reaction underscores the vital role effective selling plays in professional wrestling storytelling. Lynch’s expressive and believable reaction to AJ Lee’s WWE SmackDown return greatly enhanced the segment’s impact, earning her respect from peers and fans alike.
As WWE continues to integrate legacy talent returns like AJ Lee with contemporary stars, performers like Becky Lynch remain crucial in bridging past and present wrestling storytelling styles with authenticity and emotional power.
“Becky didn’t just react; she sold every moment, reminding us all why she’s one of the best in the business right now,” Bully Ray concluded.
With this powerful showing, Lynch faced down a major shock return—and conjured a showcase of wrestling psychology that will be remembered for years to come. The WWE universe now watches closely to see how the rivalry will evolve on SmackDown and beyond.