AJ Lee makes WWE return on SmackDown after a decade away

AJ Lee made a memorable return to the WWE ring on the September 5, 2025 episode of SmackDown in Chicago, her first in-ring appearance in over a decade.

The surprise comeback unfolded in dramatic fashion: during a tense segment featuring her husband CM Punk, AJ entered the arena and confronted Becky Lynch following her confrontation with Punk.

The crowd erupted as she stormed the ring, marking one of the most emotional moments in recent WWE history.

Speculation had grown in the lead-up to SmackDown, especially after a controversial ending to Clash in Paris, where Lynch aided Seth Rollins in retaining his championship, a moment widely interpreted as a setup for AJ’s return.

Insiders also suggest that WWE plans to pair AJ Lee and CM Punk in a mixed tag team matchup against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch at the upcoming WrestlePalooza event on September 20, the first premium live event on ESPN.

AJ Lee hadn’t wrestled since March 2015 and had been away due to injuries and other pursuits. Her return marks a major narrative and emotional milestone for WWE in 2025.