Quick Read
- AJ Lee returned to WWE on September 5, 2025, after a ten-year hiatus, appearing alongside CM Punk.
- Her comeback took place in Chicago during WWE SmackDown, igniting fan nostalgia and excitement.
- AJ attacked Becky Lynch, reviving her iconic ‘crazy’ persona, and stood tall with CM Punk.
- The reunion sets up a possible mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza on September 20, 2025.
- Fans and WWE officials alike celebrated the emotional and impactful return.
In a moment that electrified the wrestling world, AJ Lee made her highly anticipated return to WWE on September 5, 2025, during WWE SmackDown in Chicago. This marked the end of a ten-year hiatus for the former champion, who left the ring in 2015 due to neck injuries. Her surprise appearance alongside her husband, CM Punk, turned the SmackDown episode into a night to remember.
AJ Lee’s Triumphant Return
The evening began with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch escalating their feud with CM Punk. Lynch delivered a shocking low blow to Punk during a heated segment, fueling the already intense storyline. As the Chicago crowd erupted into chants of “AJ Lee!”, Punk, visibly moved, acknowledged his hometown audience before AJ Lee’s music hit, sending fans into a frenzy. AJ stormed the ring, attacking Lynch and reigniting her “crazy” persona that had made her a fan favorite during her previous WWE tenure.
AJ’s return wasn’t just a nostalgic moment—it was a monumental shift in WWE’s storytelling landscape. As BuddyTV described it, her comeback was “decked in nostalgia, fueled by emotion, and anchored by her loyalty to CM Punk.” The segment concluded with Punk and AJ standing tall in the ring, a united front against Rollins and Lynch.
The Backstory: A Decade Away
AJ Lee’s last WWE appearance was in April 2015, following a match that marked the end of her illustrious career due to neck injuries. Her unexpected retirement left fans yearning for her return. Over the years, her absence only heightened the anticipation, making her comeback one of the most awaited moments in WWE history.
CM Punk, her husband, also had a tumultuous journey. After leaving WWE in 2014, he returned to the company in 2023, reigniting his career and fan interest. Together, their reunion represents not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment in professional wrestling. As Bleeding Cool noted, “AJ Lee and CM Punk soak in the crowd reaction during AJ’s surprise return on WWE SmackDown.”
Setting the Stage for Wrestlepalooza
With Wrestlepalooza on the horizon, all signs point to a mixed tag team match featuring AJ Lee and CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. Scheduled for September 20, 2025, this premium live event will be WWE’s debut on ESPN’s streaming service, adding another layer of significance to the storyline.
The ongoing feud between these four superstars has been a central narrative in WWE programming. Last week on Raw, Rollins and Lynch antagonized Punk, further building tension. As Netflix Tudum highlighted, “the emotional weight of seeing Punk and his wife unite, the surprise factor, and the storyline implications all set the stage for a major Wrestlepalooza moment.”
The Impact on WWE and Its Fans
AJ Lee’s return is more than just a storyline—it’s a cultural moment for WWE. Her comeback has reignited interest in the women’s division and provided a nostalgic boost for long-time fans. Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, officially welcomed her back with a contract signing backstage, signaling the company’s commitment to leveraging her star power.
The Chicago crowd’s reaction underscored the emotional resonance of the moment. Fans took to social media to express their excitement, with WWE’s official Twitter account sharing clips of AJ’s return that quickly went viral. As BuddyTV aptly put it, “AJ Lee’s WWE return doesn’t just revive her career; it strengthens a storyline poised to headline one of WWE’s most pivotal events yet.”
Meanwhile, CM Punk continues to solidify his legacy within WWE. His journey from being a controversial figure to a celebrated veteran has been nothing short of remarkable. Paired with AJ, the duo is poised to dominate WWE storylines in the coming months.
As AJ Lee and CM Punk prepare for what could be one of the most significant matches of their careers, WWE fans are reminded of the power of storytelling in professional wrestling. Their reunion isn’t just a plot twist; it’s a testament to the enduring connection between wrestlers and their audience.