The recent hint of AJ Lee’s potential return to WWE has just become more ambiguous. Earlier, Netflix’s promotional banner for the November 17 episode of Monday Night RAW featured AJ Lee, sparking intense speculation about her possible comeback. However, in a surprising move, Netflix has quietly removed her from the banner, leaving fans with more questions than answers.
The Context: AJ Lee’s Last WWE Appearance
AJ Lee made her highly anticipated return to WWE earlier this year, teaming up with her husband CM Punk in a mixed tag team match against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch at ESPN’s WrestlePalooza. This event marked her first in-ring appearance in nearly a decade, attracting widespread attention across both wrestling and mainstream media. Despite the excitement generated by her return, AJ Lee has not been featured in any follow-up segments, leaving many to wonder about her future with the company.
WrestlePalooza: A High-Profile Return
Her appearance at WrestlePalooza was a significant moment, drawing a major reaction from fans. However, since that electrifying match, AJ Lee has been absent from WWE programming, raising concerns about whether she would be reintegrated into ongoing storylines.
The Netflix Banner: A Potential Spoiler
The November 17 episode of RAW, set to take place at Madison Square Garden, is already a highly anticipated event due to John Cena’s final appearance as a full-time WWE Superstar. The initial inclusion of AJ Lee in Netflix’s promotional banner suggested that WWE might be planning to bring her back for this significant occasion. This speculation was fueled by the fact that the event would be a historic moment for WWE, and AJ Lee’s return could have amplified the excitement.
The Removal: What Does It Mean?
Netflix’s decision to pull AJ Lee from the banner has significantly cooled down speculation about her return. The updated artwork now focuses solely on John Cena, erasing any trace of Lee from the promotional material. This move raises questions about whether WWE’s plans may have shifted behind the scenes or if the initial inclusion was simply a premature leak.
Backstage Perspective
According to a WWE insider, “The removal of AJ Lee from the promotional banner doesn’t necessarily mean she won’t appear. It could be a strategic move to keep her return under wraps until the right moment.” This suggests that WWE might still be planning to bring AJ Lee back, but wants to maintain the surprise element for maximum impact.
Implications for WWE Storylines
If AJ Lee does return, it could signal a significant shift in WWE’s women’s division. With her last appearance being part of a high-profile mixed tag match, her return could lead to a new singles storyline. For instance, she might pursue Becky Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship, reigniting a rivalry that began at WrestlePalooza. This would be an exciting development for fans, as AJ Lee facing off against The Man could create compelling storylines and matches.
Conclusion
The removal of AJ Lee from the promotional banner for RAW‘s November 17 episode has left fans and spectators puzzled. While there is no official confirmation from WWE regarding her return, the move by Netflix has certainly added to the intrigue surrounding her future in the company. As the WWE continues to build towards this historic event at Madison Square Garden, all eyes will be on whether AJ Lee makes a surprise return or remains absent from the spotlight.