Credit: WWE.com
The possibility of AJ Lee making her WWE return after a decade-long absence has ignited considerable buzz within WWE circles and among fans, especially following the dramatic events at Clash in Paris and recent episodes of Monday Night Raw. Behind the scenes, WWE officials and creative teams appear increasingly optimistic and energized by the prospect of reintegrating one of the most beloved female superstars back into the fold.
Clash in Paris: The Spark That Rekindled AJ Lee’s Return Discussion
The trigger for the intense speculation came after the controversial main event finish at WWE Clash in Paris, where Becky Lynch shocked the audience by delivering a low blow to CM Punk who is AJ Lee’s husband helping Seth Rollins retain the World Heavyweight Championship against Punk and others. This surprising interference felt like more than just a storyline twist; it appeared designed to set the stage for AJ Lee’s comeback.
WWE backstage sources revealed that this segment, combined with CM Punk’s reaction to a fan holding an “AJ Lee” sign amidst the chaos, has fueled renewed creative pitches focusing on AJ Lee’s potential return. “There has been more traction on AJ Lee coming back lately than in the past several years,” said a WWE insider familiar with the creative process.
Official Plans: AJ Lee’s Potential Match at WrestlePalooza
According to insider reports, WWE is preparing a mixed tag team match for WrestlePalooza on September 20, 2025, where AJ Lee would team up with CM Punk to challenge Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. If this match goes forward as planned, it would mark AJ Lee’s first in-ring appearance since March 2015, almost exactly ten years ago.
This return is notable not only for AJ’s prolonged absence but also for the timing WrestlePalooza will be WWE’s first premium live event streaming on ESPN, making it a high-profile stage and a key opportunity for WWE to capitalize on the immense fan interest surrounding her comeback.
Backstage Perspective: Optimism Balanced with Caution
While WWE personnel are reportedly excited about AJ Lee’s return, there remains recognition of the challenges ahead. According to a WWE creative team member, “AJ has been hesitant about returning for years, but this time, the stars seem aligned her personal life, the storyline momentum, and the support from creative and the roster are pushing this forward.”
Another executive mentioned that her long time away from the ring is not seen as a major obstacle, partly because she still appears physically ready and also because her husband CM Punk recently came back after a significant hiatus. “If she wants to go, she can go the company trusts her skill and presence,” noted the source.
Fan and Roster Support for AJ Lee
AJ Lee’s name is frequently echoed by both fans and current WWE women’s roster members, indicating a warm reception if her return fully materializes. The sentiment has been so strong that even CM Punk, known for his passion and outspoken nature, has occasionally advocated for AJ’s comeback publicly and subtly during shows.
Big E’s comment on WWE’s post-Clash in Paris panel “This man CM Punk has got a wife too”—served as a witty nod that resonated with fans and insiders, reinforcing the intertwining of AJ Lee’s potential storyline involvement.
The Significance of AJ Lee’s Return to WWE’s Women’s Division
AJ Lee’s return would not just be a nostalgic moment but a meaningful boost to WWE’s women’s division, which has evolved substantially since her last appearance. AJ was a trailblazer during the Divas Era, renowned for her unique personality, in-ring skills, and mic work. Her comeback could reinvigorate storylines and offer mentorship and intensity to a new generation of female talent.
“AJ’s presence elevates any storyline. Having her back can bring a fresh yet familiar energy that fans crave,” said a current WWE women’s roster member close to the situation. The mixed tag team angle at WrestlePalooza, pairing her with CM Punk against top stars like Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, promises a marquee match full of star power and storyline heat.