AJ Lee has ended a decade-long retirement by officially signing a new contract with WWE and marking her in-ring return on the September 5 episode of Friday Night SmackDown from Chicago. The former three-time WWE Divas Champion made a dramatic comeback alongside her husband CM Punk, immediately inserting herself into a heated feud with Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins ahead of the upcoming Wrestlepalooza pay-per-view on September 20[1][2][3].
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque confirmed the signing shortly after the broadcast, sharing behind-the-scenes footage of AJ Lee putting pen to paper moments before her surprise SmackDown entrance. In the video posted on social media, both Triple H and Lee smile proudly, symbolizing a warm welcome back to the WWE family after more than ten years since her initial retirement in 2015 due to injury and personal fulfillment of her goals[1][3][4].
AJ Lee’s return was notably impactful, as she immediately targeted Becky Lynch following Lynch’s physical altercation with CM Punk earlier in the show. After Lynch slapped Punk multiple times, Lee stormed the ring to confront the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, signaling the revival of a new rivalry. Following the segment, Lee was seen holding Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship belt, hinting at her pursuit of titles and further prominence in WWE’s current women’s landscape[2].
Sources close to the WWE backstage report that AJ Lee’s comeback is intended to be long-term, with multiple appearances scheduled and storylines planned beyond just the Wrestlepalooza event. Industry insiders suggest that her mixed tag team match alongside CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins at Wrestlepalooza is just the beginning of a significant push. This narrative directly ties into ongoing tensions stemming from recent pay-per-view events, such as Lynch’s interference at WWE Clash in Paris, which cost Punk a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity against Rollins[1][2].
Fightful’s coverage and post-show podcasts underscore the excitement surrounding Lee’s return and her immediate impact on SmackDown’s dynamics. Fans have waited years for her comeback, given her influential role in the Women’s Revolution era and her ability to captivate audiences with sharp promos and intense in-ring work[3]. According to a WWE insider, “The company sees AJ Lee as a game-changer once again—a vital spark for the women’s division that will electrify fans and create fresh storytelling possibilities.”
AJ Lee’s re-emergence not only revitalizes the women’s division but also aligns with WWE’s broader strategy of blending veteran star power with fresh talent to keep programming compelling. Triple H’s public endorsements of Lee’s return reflect WWE’s confidence in her ability to elevate storylines and engage audiences worldwide[3][4].
As Wrestlepalooza approaches, expectations are high for the mixed tag team bout featuring Lee, Punk, Lynch, and Rollins—a marquee matchup promising intense drama and wrestling action. With AJ Lee back in WWE’s fold under contract, fans can anticipate her signature blend of charisma, athleticism, and unpredictable storytelling to enhance the pay-per-view’s appeal and beyond.
In summary, AJ Lee’s official WWE contract signing and SmackDown return represent one of the most significant comebacks of 2025 in professional wrestling. WWE has secured a beloved and influential figure whose presence will undoubtedly shape the women’s division and overall product in the months to come[1][2][3].
Reported By: Pavitra Shome
Sources: WWE.com, Triple H’s social media, Fightful, Wrestling News, insider interviews