It’s been a decade since AJ Lee last stepped inside a WWE ring, yet suddenly the buzz is deafening. The shock finish to WWE’s Clash in Paris on August 31, 2025, has reignited chatter across social media and among wrestling insiders alike: could the fan-favorite former Divas Champion finally be back?
In that dramatic main event, Seth Rollins emerged victorious in a Fatal Four-Way match against CM Punk, Jey Uso, and LA Knight, only thanks to a surprise low blow by Becky Lynch, who interfered on behalf of her husband. The moment instantly turned into a viral talking point, with Rollins delivering a chilling line about hating “your family.” It felt more like the opening salvo in a renewed feud, one that many hope extends beyond words to bring AJ Lee back into the fold.
WWE veteran Big E and commentator Jackie Redmond played right into the speculation during the post-show coverage. Big E quipped about CM Punk having a wife, while Redmond replied pointedly: “Are you saying this opens a certain door… to maybe, AJ Lee?!”
Add to that a fan in the crowd holding a sign that read “CM Punk, bring back AJ Lee,” which CM Punk noticed and Rollins reacted to, and it all felt like more than a coincidence.
This isn’t just hopeful wish-peddling from the audience. Fightful Select, the respected wrestling news source, confirmed that AJ Lee’s name has indeed come up repeatedly in internal WWE pitches lately. Crucially, these pitches reportedly haven’t been shut down as swiftly as in years past, suggesting that WWE is giving them more consideration now than ever.
The Takedown on SI echoed the sentiment: Lee has appeared in creative meetings, and insiders point to her enduring popularity and professional readiness, after all, she “looks like she just left TV”—as reasons there’s little concern about her long layoff.
On Reddit’s r/SquaredCircle, fans are livid. One user summed it up: “Man, after all my years of delusion – it feels like it’s actually happening this time.” Another said, “Oh yeah, she’s coming back.” That raw excitement has been bubbling for years; this feels different.
First, CM Punk’s return to WWE earlier this year naturally became a storyline magnet, and having AJ Lee reemerge alongside him would be storytelling gold. It’s the classic synergy of real life and narrative; fans have longed for it.
Second, a major WWE event is on the horizon: Wrestlepalooza, the first premium live event tied to the company’s new ESPN streaming partnership. With such a glamorous stage ahead, the timing couldn’t be more cinematic.
Meanwhile, top WWE brass seem less worried about ring rust. In fact, executives have reportedly said she looks ready and that her marriage to Punk, who also returned after years away, might give them extra confidence.
Notably, fighters across the women’s locker room have been dropping hints, too. Current Women’s Tag Team Champion Roxanne Perez revealed her dream is to face AJ Lee, adding another layer of fan-fueled intrigue.
That said, there’s a counterpoint that adds complexity to the narrative. In July, CM Punk weighed in, firmly ruling out any “joint” WWE return with AJ. He emphasized that professional appearances together conflict with the principles they uphold in their personal lives. Still, such statements feel intentionally vague, perhaps guarding against spoilers. Or maybe he simply meant a tag team debut, not a singles run or surprise cameo.
Putting it all together, we have a confluence of rumor, narrative setup, and strategic timing. A live blockbuster event looms, the creative team quietly discusses her return, the fans voice unwavering love, and investments from wrestlers like Roxanne Perez signal internal passion.
All the pieces are aligned so AJ Lee can slide back into the conversation, or maybe even onto the stage, sooner rather than later. The momentum is undeniable, whether she steps through the curtain for a cameo, a mixed-tag clash, or a full-blown comeback.
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