In a monumental moment for WWE fans worldwide, AJ Lee has made her highly anticipated return to WWE after an absence of ten years. She appeared on the September 5, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, igniting the crowd and instantly reigniting her legacy in the wrestling world. AJ’s comeback aligns closely with her husband CM Punk’s ongoing feud with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, setting the stage for high-stakes conflict heading into Wrestlepalozaa[1][2][3].

AJ Lee’s Electrifying Return: Details and Impact

AJ Lee’s return took place amid a heated in-ring segment where Seth Rollins cut a promo introducing his wife Becky Lynch, who launched verbal jabs at Chicago’s sports teams. This segment quickly escalated tension, bringing out CM Punk, who has been embroiled in a bitter rivalry with Rollins and Lynch following WWE Clash in Paris 2025, where Becky’s interference cost Punk the World Heavyweight Title[1][2].

The crowd erupted when AJ Lee made a surprise entrance, attacking Becky Lynch and sending a clear message that this feud is far from over. This appearance marks AJ’s first WWE ring return since WrestleMania 31 over a decade ago, ending a retirement that followed CM Punk’s WWE exit in 2014. AJ’s return is widely seen as a major boost for WWE’s women’s division and a nostalgic thrill for longtime fans[1][3].

According to sources close to WWE, AJ Lee’s re-emergence was planned to coincide with CM Punk’s hometown SmackDown appearance in Chicago to maximize crowd reaction and story impact. A WWE insider told Fightful, “AJ coming back now adds huge star power to Punk’s storyline. There’s genuine excitement backstage about what she can bring to this renewed rivalry”[1].

The John Cena SmackDown Farewell: A Legendary Chapter Closes

Also featured on this star-studded SmackDown was John Cena, who wrestled what appeared to be his final match on the blue brand. Cena defended the United States Open Title against Sami Zayn in a competitive and technically impressive bout that had fans on the edge of their seats[2].

The match, however, was interrupted by Brock Lesnar’s unexpected attack on both Cena and Zayn, escalating the intensity between these top-tier superstars. WWE confirmed a high-profile match between Cena and Lesnar at the upcoming Wrestlepalozaa event. This confrontation has been building steadily, and Cena’s final SmackDown appearance added emotional weight to their impending showdown[2].

Fans rambled chants for AJ Lee throughout Cena’s match, underscoring the electric atmosphere of the night. SmackDown’s crowd in Chicago clearly appreciated this blend of nostalgia and fresh narratives, with AJ Lee’s return and Cena’s farewell match creating a monumental evening in WWE history.

Updated AAA x WWE: Worlds Collide Lineup

In addition to the headline-smashing returns and matches on SmackDown, WWE also released updated details for the highly anticipated AAA x WWE: Worlds Collide event. This collaboration between AEW’s Mexican partner AAA and WWE will feature a mixing of top talent crossing promotions, promising explosive matchups and dream encounters for wrestling fans[5]. While detailed match cards are still being finalized, top WWE stars including new faces like AJ Lee and returning icons will feature prominently in the lineup to maximize buzz and crossover appeal.

What This Means for WWE Moving Forward

AJ Lee’s return is more than a nostalgic reunion; it represents WWE’s commitment to elevating storytelling and women’s competition simultaneously. As Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, and now AJ Lee collide storyline-wise, fans are treated to a dynamic mix of heel and face turns, deep personal motivations, and captivating promos that have been lacking in recent months.

The presence of John Cena and Brock Lesnar at SmackDown also reaffirms WWE’s ability to blend its legends with current stars effectively. Cena’s final SmackDown match serves as a poignant farewell moment to a generational icon, while Lesnar’s attack injects fresh heat ahead of their marquee Wrestlepalozaa encounter, guaranteeing a must-watch pay-per-view.

According to WWE.com’s official release and corroborated by expert wrestling journalists and insiders, the coming weeks will see heightened activity leading into major events with more surprises expected as WWE leverages AJ Lee’s star power and Punk’s hometown momentum to break new story ground[1][2][3].

Fans React and What to Expect Next

Social media and wrestling forums exploded with fan excitement as photos and footage of AJ Lee’s return circulated. The chemistry between AJ Lee and CM Punk on-screen is anticipated to bring a compelling edge to their feud against Lynch and Rollins, driving up TV ratings and live event attendance.

Given WWE’s recent strategy to boost its women’s division with established legends and fresh talent alike, AJ Lee’s return could herald a new era for women’s wrestling on WWE programming. This is especially relevant as WWE builds towards Wrestlepalozaa, where multiple storylines are converging for climactic battles.

Final Thoughts

AJ Lee’s return to WWE after 10 years, coupled with John Cena’s final SmackDown match and the explosive Brock Lesnar attack, made the September 5 episode of SmackDown a historic night. WWE’s renewed focus on long-term storytelling with legendary stars like AJ Lee and rising talent like CM Punk signals an exciting future for fans.

Sources close to the WWE creative team have hinted that AJ Lee will have a prominent role in the coming weeks, possibly including mixed tag matches and major storyline involvement in Wrestlepalozaa and beyond. Fans should keep an eye on official WWE announcements, Fightful reports, and premium wrestling podcasts for further updates on AJ Lee’s role and upcoming matchups.

This return is a rare treat for nostalgic fans and a major stroke of genius for WWE as it blends the past’s charisma with present-day excitement.

Reported by Wrestling Headlines staff and compiled with exclusive insights from WWE.com, Fightful Wrestling, and verified backstage sources.