AJ Lee Returns to WWE After 10 Years

Former Divas Champion AJ Lee shocked the WWE Universe with her return on the September 6 episode of SmackDown (PH time), ending a 10-year absence from the squared circle. Her comeback immediately set the stage for one of the most intriguing rivalries in recent memory: a battle of power couples, with Lee and her husband CM Punk squaring off against World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch.

A Decade Away From the Ring

AJ Lee, known for her high-energy style and sharp charisma, last competed on WWE programming in March 2015, the night after WrestleMania 31. She left the company amid lingering neck injuries and growing frustration with the women’s division at the time. During her three-time reign as Divas Champion, Lee stood out as one of WWE’s most popular and influential female performers, often credited for paving the way for the women’s wrestling revolution that followed.

Her absence from WWE lasted a full decade, during which she focused on writing, philanthropy, and other projects outside professional wrestling. Fans had long speculated about whether she might return, but the surprise appearance on SmackDown confirmed what many thought unlikely.

Standing With CM Punk

Lee’s comeback wasn’t just about nostalgia. She arrived at a pivotal moment in her husband CM Punk’s ongoing feud with Seth Rollins. Punk, who made his own controversial return to WWE in late 2023 after years away, has been locked in a bitter rivalry with Rollins, one that has been escalating since SummerSlam.

At that event, Punk dethroned Gunther to capture the World Heavyweight Championship, only to lose it moments later when Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase. Their animosity grew even more at Clash in Paris, where Rollins retained his title in a fatal four-way match. The finish was marred by Becky Lynch interfering on her husband’s behalf, delivering a decisive low blow to Punk.

On SmackDown, AJ Lee evened the score. Stepping back into the spotlight, she confronted Becky Lynch directly, signaling that Punk would not have to fight this battle alone. The faceoff between the two women drew a thunderous reaction from the crowd, with fans immediately recognizing the potential for explosive tag-team confrontations.

A Power Couple Showdown

The storyline now pits two of WWE’s most decorated couples against each other. Rollins and Lynch, both multi-time champions and widely regarded as among the best performers of their generation, now find themselves targeted by Punk and Lee, whose return has reignited long-standing fan excitement.

The dynamic adds a fresh twist to an already heated rivalry. Punk and Rollins have history marked by verbal barbs, personal disdain, and high-stakes matches, while Lee and Lynch represent two eras of women’s wrestling colliding.

Looking Ahead

While WWE has not yet confirmed when the two couples will officially clash in the ring, speculation is running high that a mixed tag team match could headline an upcoming premium live event. Such a contest would not only bring AJ Lee back into in-ring competition but also mark one of the most high-profile mixed matches in WWE history.

For fans, Lee’s return represents both a dose of nostalgia and a new chapter in WWE storytelling. After 10 years away, she has reemerged at the center of one of the company’s hottest feuds, ready to reclaim her place on the grand stage.