AJ Lee WWE Return After 10 Years: Why Her Comeback is Breaking the Internet
AJ Lee Shocks WWE Fans With Epic Comeback
On September 5, 2025, the wrestling world erupted.
AJ Lee, one of WWE’s most beloved stars, made her stunning return after 10 years. The whole WWE arena was shocked of AJ Lee’s WWE Return After 10 Years.
The three-time Divas Champion appeared on Friday Night SmackDown in Chicago, standing alongside her husband, CM Punk, in his heated feud with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
It wasn’t just nostalgia—this was a game-changing moment for WWE. Within 24 hours, AJ’s return had already gone viral with over 130 million views across social media.
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AJ Lee’s Rise to Stardom and Sudden Exit
To truly appreciate this return, let’s rewind.
Born April Jeanette Mendez in 1987, AJ started wrestling in 2007 and joined WWE in 2009. She quickly stood out with her unique “crazy girl” persona, playful skip to the ring, and sharp promos.
From 2012–2015, AJ dominated WWE’s women’s division:
- Three-time Divas Champion with a record 406 combined days.
- Diva of the Year twice.
- PWI Woman of the Year three years in a row.
She paved the way for women’s wrestling at a time when female superstars weren’t given as much spotlight.
But in 2015, AJ shocked fans by retiring at just 28. She later revealed she suffered from cervical spine issues. She also stepped away during the fallout of CM Punk’s WWE exit.
Post-retirement, AJ thrived outside the ring. She became a bestselling author with Crazy Is My Superpower, acted in the TV series Heels, and even worked as an executive producer for Women of Wrestling (WOW).
Still, fans never stopped chanting her name. And when Punk returned in 2023, speculation grew—was AJ next?
The SmackDown Moment Fans Will Never Forget
Chicago’s Allstate Arena was buzzing. But no one expected what came next.
During the final segment of SmackDown, Punk was face-to-face with Rollins and Lynch after their interference cost him the World Heavyweight Title. Just when it seemed like Punk was cornered, the arena lights hit—and AJ Lee’s music blasted.
For the first time in 10 years, she stormed to the ring, attacking Becky Lynch with a fury that sent fans into a frenzy. The chants of “AJ! AJ!” were deafening.
The emotional moment ended with AJ embracing Punk in the ring—a callback to their on-screen love story. Reports confirm she’s signed a multi-year WWE contract, meaning this isn’t a one-time appearance.
Fans, Legends, and Social Media Go Wild
The reaction online was insane. In just one day:
- 47M views on Instagram
- 27M on Facebook
- 15M on X (Twitter)
- 12M on TikTok
- 4.5M on YouTube
Superstars and legends also celebrated:
- Saraya (Paige): “Epic return. Sisterhood in wrestling ❤️”
- Mark Henry: “This is history.”
Even critics admitted the buzz was undeniable. And the numbers proved it—AJ’s new “Love Bites Back” T-shirt sold thousands in just hours.
What AJ Lee’s Return Means for WWE
At 38, AJ is in phenomenal shape and ready for more than a cameo. WWE fans are already buzzing about dream matches like:
- AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch one-on-one
- A run at the Women’s Intercontinental Title
- Mentorship feuds with stars like Roxanne Perez
The immediate focus? A possible mixed tag match at Wrestlepalooza (Sept 20, 2025): CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch.
With WWE battling AEW’s All Out on the same weekend, AJ’s comeback could give WWE the edge.
AJ Lee: A Symbol of Resilience
AJ’s return is more than just wrestling—it’s inspiring.
She’s a Latina star who grew up in poverty, overcame mental health struggles, and became a trailblazer for women in sports entertainment. Her presence in 2025 isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about showing resilience and evolution.
The Road Ahead: AJ Lee Lights It Up Again
What’s next for AJ Lee? All signs point to in-ring action at Wrestlepalooza, followed by a bigger role in WWE’s women’s division.
Fans are hoping for championship runs, dream rivalries, and eventually a WWE Hall of Fame induction.
One thing’s for sure: AJ Lee’s return proves legends never fade—they only come back stronger.
The Black Widow is back. And she’s here to light it up once again.
