In a spectacular surprise that has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, AJ Lee made her long-anticipated WWE return on the September 5, 2025, episode of SmackDown—her first appearance in over a decade. The former Divas Champion arrived just in time to back up CM Punk after a tense confrontation against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, delivering a memorable slap that forced Lynch to retreat from the ring. This electrifying moment sparked widespread reaction online and backstage, with fans and insiders alike buzzing over the unexpected resurgence of Lee’s in-ring presence[1][2][3].
AJ Lee’s return was carefully orchestrated during a heated segment where CM Punk found himself cornered by Lynch and Rollins. Punk, appearing vulnerable but defiant, called in reinforcements—enter AJ Lee. Her appearance was met with a thunderous response from the live audience, reigniting the flame of a fan favorite whose last WWE outing was nearly ten years ago. According to WWE.com, Lee did not waste time; her slap was both a symbolic and literal statement of payback on behalf of Punk, easily turning the tide of the confrontation on SmackDown[1][2].
Fightful reported that sources close to WWE backstage hint this return could signal a renewed push for AJ Lee, potentially setting up fresh storylines involving major current superstars like Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. An insider commented, “AJ’s energy and timing in the ring have not diminished. They’re capitalizing on nostalgia while seamlessly blending her into ongoing story arcs”—a strategy that could boost SmackDown’s ratings and fan engagement significantly[3].
The impact of her return was not limited to in-ring action. Podcasts and wrestling analysts immediately began dissecting the significance of Lee’s comeback, highlighting her natural charisma and unique edge that helped redefine women’s wrestling decades ago. Many speculate that WWE may leverage her return to challenge the current roster’s top tier, especially since Becky Lynch has been a central figure in WWE’s women’s division for years. This dynamic sets the stage for potentially compelling rivalries and high-stakes matches in the near future[3][4].
On the flip side of the SmackDown excitement, troubling news emerged from the WWE medical reports regarding Charlotte Flair. Sources close to the situation revealed that Flair suffered an injury during a recent live event, with the nature and severity still being evaluated. Early reports suggest the injury could sideline her for an essential period, instigating potential reshuffling in upcoming storylines and match cards. Flair’s status is critical for WWE, given her dominant position as a multi-time Women’s Champion and a perennial fixture in headline events[3].
According to insiders, WWE is monitoring Charlotte’s recovery closely, with various contingency plans in place to maintain momentum in the women’s division. Speculation among industry professionals suggests that this might be one reason for AJ Lee’s timely return—to fill the void and maintain strong viewer interest on the women’s side of the brand[3].
The September 5 episode of SmackDown also included other notable moments such as Brock Lesnar interrupting a United States Championship match between John Cena and Sami Zayn, adding layers of intrigue to the show’s broader narrative. However, it was the return of AJ Lee and Charlotte Flair’s injury news that dominated the headlines and online chatter[1].
In sum, WWE fans are witnessing a pivotal moment in the company’s recent history. AJ Lee’s explosive return breathes new life into the women’s division, while Charlotte Flair’s injury adds an element of unpredictability to WWE’s booking strategies. As September progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how WWE navigates these developments.
According to a WWE insider speaking on the condition of anonymity, “AJ coming back was a calculated move to inject unpredictability and nostalgia. Charlotte’s injury is unfortunate, but it opens doors for fresh storylines and perhaps new stars to rise.”
Wrestling fans can expect more updates on both AJ Lee’s role moving forward and Charlotte Flair’s recovery in the coming weeks, with WWE.com promising official statements soon. Stay tuned as the landscape of WWE SmackDown continues to evolve dramatically following this stormy start to September[1][3].