AJ Lee Reveals Why She Came Back to WWE

Lee said:

When I retired, I was very sure that was the end. I felt very complete. I had a pitch-perfect career and executed all of my dreams. I was done.

Over the past couple of years, since my husband's been back, it's been in the air as an option. I wasn't super considering it until I got back on the Comic Con circuit. I wrote my first original graphic novel and started to do signings.

I realized that there are so many fans still out there who are so loyal and kind and have been with me for a decade. I realized I owe them a little something. I would like to give them something in return.

Everything Has Changed in 10 Years

In the ten years that AJ Lee was gone, everything about women's wrestling in WWE changed. She spoke on this, saying that she is glad women's wrestlers are no longer "limited on our looks," which is the "tenth most interesting thing about them."

One thing that AJ and her fans hope has changed is the condition of her neck. Lee retired in 2015 after sustaining injuries to her neck. Her match at Wrestlepalooza will be her first time taking a bump since March 30, 2015.

WWE Wrestlepalooza Full Card:*

• Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship
• John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
• IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship
• AJ Lee and CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a Mixed Tag Team Match
• The Usos (Jey and Jimmy) vs. The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed)

* card subject to change

How to Watch Wrestlepalooza:

• Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
• Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT 
• Streaming: ESPN (U.S.), Netflix (international)
• Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Indianapolis, IN (tickets still available)