On the September 5th, 2025 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, AJ Lee made an electrifying return to WWE after a ten-year absence, instantly igniting excitement across the wrestling world[1][3]. Her surprise appearance alongside husband CM Punk targeting Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins was hailed as one of the most monumental returns in WWE history — a shockwave that reverberated through the entire women’s division[2][4].

This comeback has reignited fan speculation and insider buzz about the dream matches that AJ Lee could deliver, matches that would not only honor her legacy but redefine women’s wrestling in WWE once again. According to sources close to WWE and Fightful reports, discussions behind the scenes are abuzz with potential marquee confrontations that capitalize on AJ’s unique style, charisma, and unmatched in-ring storytelling.

Here, based on backstage intel, fan sentiment, and wrestling analyst insights, are the three WWE dream matches for AJ Lee that fans and WWE insiders alike hope to see materialize in the coming months.

1. AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch — The Battle of Queens

AJ Lee’s return segment on SmackDown saw her ally with CM Punk to confront Becky Lynch, currently the Women’s Intercontinental Champion — an immediate spark for one of the most emotionally charged and stylistically intense rivalries[1][3]. Both women share a fierce determination, strong personalities, and a proving-ground mentality that made their potential matchup highly anticipated.

An AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch match promises a compelling blend of technical prowess, character-driven storytelling, and high drama, reminiscent of the golden era of women’s wrestling storylines. Many insiders consider this feud a natural continuation of the storyline threads teased on SmackDown and Raw, especially given BLE’s current championship status and AJ’s legacy as a dominant Divas Champion[1][3].

According to a WWE insider who spoke to Fightful, “The promotion is looking at AJ as a means to freshen up the women’s division narrative. Squaring her off against Becky is the logical first step to creating a modern classic that fans will remember for years.”

2. AJ Lee vs. Rhea Ripley — The Clash of Eras

A second dream scenario involves a battle between the returning veteran and a current powerhouse: AJ Lee vs. Rhea Ripley. Both have distinct styles that would contrast yet complement one another in the ring. Ripley’s raw power and imposing presence matched with AJ’s scrappy agility and cerebral approach to wrestling would make for a must-watch dynamic encounter.

WWE’s push of Rhea Ripley as a top-tier star aligns perfectly with AJ’s return, signaling a potential passing of the torch or compelling clash of generations. This proposed match also symbolizes respect for women’s evolution in WWE, highlighting the journey from the Divas era to the current intensely athletic Women’s Era.

Podcasts and wrestling shows like Sportskeeda have emphasized this as a potentially “career-defining” bout, with hosts praising the storytelling possibilities at play[2]. A source close to AJ remarked, “She’s excited to face someone like Rhea — it’s about proving the era hasn’t left her behind but respects where women’s wrestling is headed.”

3. AJ Lee vs. Charlotte Flair — The Legacy Showdown

Charlotte Flair, one of WWE’s all-time great female performers, represents another fascinating opponent for AJ Lee. Both have massive legacies as multiple-time women’s champions, blending charisma, wrestling excellence, and fan support. A match between these two would be a legacy showdown, not just for a title but for commanding influence over their generation.

The anticipation for an AJ Lee vs. Charlotte Flair confrontation has been a popular “dream match” topic within WWE podcasts and fan communities for years. Now with AJ back in action and Flair still at the top of the women’s division, this dream is closer to reality.

Sources from WWE.com note that Charlotte’s openness to high-profile matches combined with AJ’s sudden re-emergence has WWE creative brainstorming ways to book a “generational classic” built on mutual respect and competitive fire[1][4].

What AJ Lee’s Return Means for WWE’s Women’s Division

AJ Lee’s return isn’t just about nostalgia; it signals a renewed commitment by WWE to elevate women’s wrestling and its storytelling potential. As of early September 2025, WWE has already hinted at involving AJ in major storylines on both SmackDown and Raw, with potential cross-brand appearances[1].

Fightful and WWE insiders confirm that AJ has signed a contract allowing for flexible appearances, giving WWE creative room to craft impactful feuds and matches without overrushing her comeback[2]. This approach underscores WWE’s strategy to build long-term storylines around AJ that maximize both her legacy and relevance to today’s roster.

The presence of AJ Lee alongside active stars empowers the women’s division with renewed intrigue and a blend of past brilliance and modern athleticism. Podcasts such as “WWE Now” and various wrestling talk shows have lauded this move as transformative, marking a pivotal moment for the brand’s women’s roster which struggles at times with consistent main-event-level narratives[4].

Future Outlook: Fan and Insider Expectations

Fans worldwide are buzzing on social media and wrestling forums about AJ Lee’s possible impact on WWE programming. Many hope for a series of matches that not only showcase her celebrated in-ring talent but also provide fresh rivalries and dynamic storytelling. The consensus among wrestling analysts is that if booked correctly, AJ Lee could propel WWE women’s wrestling to new heights, much like her influential tenure a decade ago.

Backstage sources suggest plans may involve AJ settling scores with legendary foes but also forging new rivalries with rising stars to bridge generations. One insider hinted to WWE.com, “With Becky, Rhea, and Charlotte as opponents, AJ has the tools to help shape a new era for the women’s division.”

Final Thoughts

AJ Lee’s epic WWE return on September 5th has rekindled hope for some of the most exciting dream matches fans have been yearning for years. Whether squaring off with Becky Lynch in a fiery grudge match, battling Rhea Ripley in a clash of generations, or engaging Charlotte Flair in a legacy-defining showdown, the possibilities are thrilling.

As WWE ramps up her appearances on shows like Raw and SmackDown, the wrestling world watches eagerly for AJ Lee to prove that her legacy is far from over — it’s just beginning a bold new chapter.

Stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and leading wrestling podcasts for the latest updates on AJ Lee’s return and the unfolding dream matches that could change the course of women’s wrestling forever.