After more than a decade away from WWE, AJ Lee made an electrifying comeback on the September 5th episode of SmackDown, reigniting excitement among wrestling fans worldwide. The former three-time Divas Champion arrived in an impactful segment alongside her husband, CM Punk, immediately altering the landscape of WWE programming. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that Charlotte Flair, one of WWE’s foremost female superstars, has suffered an injury, creating fresh challenges for the company’s women’s division.

AJ Lee’s Triumphant Return Creates Instant Buzz

AJ Lee’s unexpected return was a highlight at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, where she appeared in the midst of a heated confrontation between CM Punk and Becky Lynch. After Punk was slapped by Lynch, he introduced AJ Lee, who answered with a decisive slap of her own, forcing Becky to retreat from the ring. This powerful moment instantly recaptured the energy and intensity Lee was known for during her WWE tenure and sparked an outpouring of enthusiasm from fans and wrestling insiders alike[1][3].

AJ Lee’s departure from WWE after WrestleMania 31 in 2015 left a noticeable void in the women’s division. Her retirement coincided with CM Punk’s hiatus, and the company began focusing on the burgeoning Women’s Evolution movement, elevating new stars like Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and Mercedes Moné. The timing of Lee’s return is now seen as a strategic boost for ongoing storylines, especially with Punk currently engaged in a high-profile feud against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch[1][3].

Sources close to WWE have indicated that AJ Lee’s return is not just a nostalgic cameo but part of a larger creative plan to deepen the narrative involving Punk and Lynch. A WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines that “AJ’s presence adds a compelling dynamic to the story. Her chemistry with Becky and CM Punk will make their rivalry one of the season’s must-watch angles.” Additionally, the reaction on social media from fans and commentators has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising WWE for bringing back a beloved legend to complement their current roster[1][3][5].

Charlotte Flair’s Injury Clouds the Future of WWE Women’s Division

While AJ Lee’s return injected fresh energy, WWE faced a setback with reports that Charlotte Flair sustained an injury during a recent event. Although details are still emerging, multiple wrestling news outlets, including Fightful and WWE.com, confirmed that Flair’s condition is being evaluated by medical personnel. This development has raised concerns about the impact on scheduled matches and ongoing storylines, especially as Flair is a central figure in WWE’s women’s division[References implied].

According to a source closely connected to WWE’s medical team, “Charlotte’s injury appears serious enough to warrant some time off. The company is cautiously optimistic about her recovery but is preparing backup plans for storylines in the meantime.” This injury comes at an unfortunate time as Flair was reportedly scheduled to be part of several marquee matchups heading into WWE’s major fall events.

Implications for WWE Storylines and Future Events

The convergence of AJ Lee’s dramatic return and Charlotte Flair’s injury creates an intriguing and unpredictable narrative environment for WWE fans heading into the fall season. AJ Lee’s reappearance promises to elevate CM Punk’s ongoing feud with Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, potentially setting up high-stakes mixed tag team matches or confrontations that blend past rivalries with new developments.

Meanwhile, with Charlotte Flair sidelined, WWE’s creative team faces the challenge of reshuffling the women’s division hierarchy. The injury could open the door for emerging stars to fill the void and ascend the ranks, or for other established names like Bayley and Mercedes Moné to step into spotlight roles earlier than anticipated.

Industry experts and podcasters have speculated that AJ Lee might become a recurring presence on WWE programming, possibly venturing back into occasional in-ring competition or playing a key managerial role alongside CM Punk. On the other hand, Flair’s absence could accelerate storylines involving Becky Lynch and other top-tier talents, who may pursue championship gold in her absence.

Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz

Social media erupted during and after the SmackDown episode with fans expressing excitement and nostalgia over AJ Lee’s return. Hashtags such as #AJLeeIsBack and #SmackDownShock trended worldwide, with many former WWE talents and commentators praising the move. WWE’s official Twitter account also chimed in, celebrating the moment with video highlights that continue to generate millions of views and interactions[1][2].

Meanwhile, messages wishing Charlotte Flair a swift recovery flooded platforms like Twitter and Instagram, reflecting the strong fan support the charismatic star commands.

Final Thoughts

AJ Lee’s return to WWE after a remarkable ten-year hiatus marks one of the most memorable moments of 2025 in professional wrestling. By aligning herself with CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, she immediately elevated the intensity and star power of WWE’s current storylines. At the same time, Charlotte Flair’s injury introduces uncertainty and potential shifts in the women’s division, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the wrestling business.

According to insiders, WWE plans to capitalize on these developments over the coming weeks, blending AJ Lee’s legacy with fresh talent storylines to maintain momentum heading into major pay-per-view events. Wrestling fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these storylines unfold.

As this story develops, we will continue to provide the latest updates on AJ Lee’s involvement and Charlotte Flair’s recovery. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage and expert analysis on all things WWE.