After over a decade away from WWE, former three-time Divas Champion AJ Lee is reportedly making a highly anticipated return to the company’s ring action, sparking widespread excitement among fans and insiders alike. According to Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez, AJ Lee is slated to wrestle in a mixed tag team match alongside her husband CM Punk against the formidable duo of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch at WWE’s upcoming Wrestlepalooza event on September 20, 2025[1][4].
AJ Lee’s absence from WWE programming has been one of the longest in recent memory, having retired following WrestleMania 31 in 2015. Since then, she has remained mostly out of the wrestling spotlight, making this sudden return both unexpected and significant. The build-up began gaining momentum after CM Punk teased an appearance on SmackDown in Chicago, hinting at new story developments[1][5]. Wrestling insiders confirm that her return will be more than a one-time special appearance, suggesting WWE has plans for her in ongoing storylines, particularly involving CM Punk’s feud with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch[4].
Inside sources reveal that WWE sees this as a major opportunity to capitalize on AJ Lee’s returning star power, pairing her with CM Punk to add fresh dynamics to the mixed tag team division. The storyline is expected to intensify after Becky Lynch’s surprising alignment with The Vision at Clash in Paris, which added layers to the feud between these top-tier talents[2]. Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer noted that Wrestlepalooza is shaping up to be a stacked event with multiple high-profile returns, including Brock Lesnar, making AJ Lee’s comeback even more impactful within this star-studded card[2].
Fightful Select also reported ongoing discussions about AJ Lee’s potential return following Becky Lynch’s involvement and CM Punk’s recent appearances, emphasizing that WWE appears dedicated to executing this high-profile storyline fully rather than treating Lee’s appearance as a one-off moment[1]. Fans can anticipate a mix of intense in-ring action and dramatic storytelling when AJ Lee steps back into the WWE squared circle alongside her husband.
In other news within the wrestling and entertainment world, Nick Hogan has filed a lawsuit against Bubba The Love Sponge, marking a legal dispute that is gaining attention outside the ring[1]. While unrelated to the WWE roster developments, this lawsuit underlines ongoing controversies involving personalities connected to the wrestling community.
According to a WWE insider, “The company views AJ Lee and CM Punk as a power couple that can bring excitement back to the WWE’s mixed tag division. There’s a lot of energy backstage about this matchup, and expect it to be a cornerstone of Wrestlepalooza.” This source also confirmed that the narrative will extend beyond the event, setting the stage for future appearances and rivalries[4].
AJ Lee’s return signals an important moment for WWE, merging nostalgia with fresh storylines while leveraging the wrestling acumen of a veteran performer. With CM Punk involved on-screen once again, and a painted rivalry against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, Wrestlepalooza promises to be a must-watch event this fall.
Fans eager for more will want to tune in to SmackDown on September 5, where AJ Lee is expected to make her first televised return appearance as part of the WWE’s ongoing storyline rollout[5]. Following this, the path is set toward the climactic mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza, delivered with all the high stakes and compelling drama WWE is known for.
Stay tuned for further updates as the event approaches and as WWE officially confirms the match card. The return of AJ Lee not only marks a pivotal moment for her career but also adds fresh intrigue to WWE programming going forward. Wrestling enthusiasts should keep an eye on WWE.com, Fightful, and popular wrestling podcasts for exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes details in the coming weeks.