Why WWE Fans Suddenly Believe AJ Lee Could Be Returning Soon?
There is smoke…. but is there any fire in case of AJ Lee’s return to WWE?
Latest Update: This article was updated after RAW September 1, 2025 episode to include latest development in the storyline.
The speculations about a possible AJ Lee’s return to WWE are a buzz once again. While the fans’ expectation about Lee appearing in WWE never really died down since CM Punk’s return to the promotion, the speculations are at all time high due to how WWE Clash in Paris event ended and what followed on RAW September 1, 2025 episode. Lee left WWE in 2015, but has remained a fan favorite ever since. Is she ready to return after a decade? Let’s breakdown every development and report on this topic.
Becky Lynch’s Invovlement vs CM Punk
Seth Rollins defended World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk, LA Knight and Jey Uso in the main event of Clash in Paris event. Rollins was heard saying to Punk multiple times that he hated Punk’s Family. Then, in the final moments, Rollins’ wife and WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Becky Lynch came out to attack Punk. This led to Rollins retaining his title. After this, many fans instantly began speculating if Punk’s wife AJ Lee could step into the story to even the odds.
What followed on RAW September 1? On the following WWE RAW episode after Clash in Paris, Becky interrupted Punk’s segment in the ring. When Punk insulted Rollins, Becky went on to slap him multiple times. Punk did not respond, but he warned Becky that he would make her and Rollins regret it. This further gave weight to the speculations that Punk could bring in AJ Lee to counter Becky’s threat.
A singles match between Becky and Lee would be a blockbuster attraction. However, a mixed tag team match- Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch vs. CM Punk & AJ Lee – is looking more possible and can also be a fitting way for AJ to re-enter the spotlight.
CM Punk’s Reaction to AJ Lee Tease
The speculation only grew louder after what happened post-show. As Punk was leaving after the match, he was seen staring at a poster reading “CM Punk, bring back AJ Lee.” WWE rarely lets moments like these happen without reason. And this has fueled further speculation that this was a deliberate Easter egg planted to stir up intrigue. Punk’s reaction has set social media ablaze with fans treating as the major hint that AJ is coming back to WWE.
AJ Lee’s Name Brought Up in WWE Meetings
Perhaps the most important piece of news on this topic came from Fightful Select. The outlet reported that AJ Lee’s name has recently been mentioned during WWE’s internal creative meetings mutiple times. While the report doesn’t guarantee her return, the fact that her name is being seriously discussed backstage adds significant weight to the speculation.
WWE is always looking for ways to blend nostalgia with fresh storylines, and bringing AJ back at a time when Punk is active again could be a dream scenario. But again, WWE has misled fans with such teases often.
Will AJ Lee Return in Chicago?
WWE’s next SmackDown episode will air from Chicago, IL, which happens to the hometown of CM Punk and where AJ Lee currently resides. The buzz(after Punk’s reference during RAW) is that Lee could take a quick journey from her home to Allstate Arena to make her WWE return. This would not only be the exact scenario copied from Punk’s return to WWE two years back, but it is the place where she could get the loudest of the pops.
AJ Lee Return Updates (Live Feed)
TLDR Version/Quick Timeline for the fans who just wants latest updates.
- September 2, 2025: Multiple reports have confirmed that Lee is set to return or will be announced for a match during Smackdown on September 5. (More Details).
- September 1, 2025: An enraged Punk had a backstage segment with RAW Manager Adam Pearce where he referenced next SmackDown episode being in Chicago.(More Details)
- September 1, 2025: On RAW, Becky slapped Punk after he insulted Rollins.(More Details)
- August 31, 2025: Fightful Select reported that AJ Lee’s name was brought up in WWE Creative meetings recently.(More Details)
- August 31, 2025: CM Punk was seen staring at a poster which had “CM Punk, bring back AJ Lee” written on it.(More Details)
- August 31, 2025: With Becky Lynch’s involvement, fans were quick start speculating that AJ Lee could also feature in the storyline.
- August 31, 2025: In the main event match of Clash in Paris, a masked person hit Punk with a lowblow just as he was about to hit Rollins with GST. This person was unmasked as Becky.(More Details)
Why AJ Lee’s Return Would Matter
AJ Lee was ahead of her time. Blending sharp promo skills with in-ring psychology, she was stand out performer in an era before WWE’s women’s revolution. There are hardly any wrestler from the current women’s roster that was not her fan. Her return today would be monumental. Just like it was the case with Punk, it’s been a long-time that fans have been clamoring for it.
Pairing Lee with Punk while also tying into Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins’ storylines creates endless storytelling opportunities. WWE has a history of capitalizing on buzz. This might be another big opportunity for the same.