WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray recently emphasized the significance of a particular “dog whistle” word used by AJ Lee during her highly anticipated return promo on the September 8 episode of WWE Raw. After a decade away from the ring, AJ Lee’s comeback was met with massive fan excitement, and Bully Ray lent insight into why a specific choice of words in her speech was both meaningful and impactful for wrestling fans and the larger wrestling culture.
AJ Lee’s return promo on Raw saw her warmly welcomed back as she reintroduced herself to a new generation of WWE viewers while also acknowledging longtime fans. During the heartfelt moment, AJ mentioned going on a mental health journey and seeking therapy, a statement that resonated strongly with the audience and sparked chants of “therapy” from the crowd. Bully Ray called attention to this precise reference as a purposeful and necessary “dog whistle,” highlighting the importance of openly discussing mental health within both the wrestling community and broader society. According to Bully Ray, this subtle but powerful nod was important because it showed growth and vulnerability from AJ Lee, setting an example about breaking stigmas that have long surrounded mental health, especially in the wrestling world, where toughness is often emphasized over emotional well-being[2][5].
Beyond just the word choice, AJ’s promo cleverly balanced nostalgia with a modern edge. She acknowledged her time away from in-ring competition and framed her return as a deliberate and thoughtful decision, not just a flash-in-the-pan moment. Sources close to WWE confirm that AJ Lee’s return has been in the works for months, aiming to complement ongoing storylines and elevate the women’s division with her unique charisma and storytelling ability. WWE.com and Fightful sources confirmed that the segment ended with a high-stakes mixed tag team challenge issued by AJ Lee and CM Punk to Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, setting the stage for a marquee Wrestlepalooza title match that has the WWE Universe buzzing[1][4][6].
Insiders reveal that WWE creative worked closely with AJ to develop this promo, emphasizing authenticity and relatability — a move that WWE.com hailed as a “perfect blend of nostalgia and relevance.” The inclusion of mental health terminology is reportedly reflective of AJ Lee’s personal advocacy off-screen, lending further credibility and seriousness to the message conveyed on live television. “The promo wasn’t just hype; it was setting a tone for future storylines that revolve around real human struggles and triumphs,” a WWE creative team member told Fightful. “This helps AJ connect on a much deeper level with both longtime fans who grew up watching her and newer audiences who are just discovering her”[2][4].
Bully Ray, who has decades of experience as both a wrestler and commentator, spoke about AJ Lee’s promo on a recent podcast. He praised her for hitting every important note — from humbly reintroducing herself to the wrestling world, to subtly throwing a gauntlet down to Becky Lynch while reminding fans that her legacy and connection to the sport remain strong. Bully underscored that the inclusion of the word “therapy” should not be overlooked; it represents a progressive shift in WWE storytelling, reflecting modern social themes in a way few promos have dared to do before. “She’s not just a comeback story. She’s about showing strength in vulnerability, and that ‘dog whistle’ word told a lot of people, ‘You’re not alone’” he said[5].
The wrestling community has widely praised AJ Lee’s promo for its emotional depth and its broader cultural relevance. Several post-show podcasts and YouTube reaction channels remarked that AJ’s use of mental health language on Raw was a bold step forward. Jim Cornette, a wrestling commentator, noted in one review that AJ’s charm and vulnerability made the promo stand out from typical wrestler returns — something fans hadn’t seen in quite some time[2]. Viewers on social media also reacted strongly, highlighting the therapy moment as a turning point not just in AJ’s career but also in WWE programming, where mental health is becoming a more visible topic.
Looking forward, the challenge to Becky Lynch sets up a compelling Wrestlepalooza showdown that promises intense competition and layered storytelling. Both AJ Lee and Becky Lynch carry rich histories as champions and fan favorites, and Bully Ray hinted that their rivalry could eventually lead to an Intercontinental Women’s Championship storyline, adding prestige and heat to the feud over the coming months[5].
In summary, AJ Lee’s September 2025 return promo on WWE Raw marked not only the comeback of a beloved WWE Hall of Famer but also an important cultural moment for WWE storytelling. Bully Ray’s spotlighting of the mental health “dog whistle” embedded in her speech underscores the growing relevance of sensitive topics in wrestling narratives. According to WWE and Fightful insiders, AJ’s promo was meticulously crafted to resonate with today’s fans while honoring her legacy, illustrating how WWE is evolving to embrace authenticity and real-life issues within its entertainment framework.
As the WWE Universe eagerly awaits the AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch Wrestlepalooza match, one thing is clear: AJ Lee’s return is more than just nostalgia — it’s a narrative evolution, one amplified by Bully Ray’s insightful commentary and the power of that one meaningful word.
For ongoing updates on AJ Lee and upcoming WWE events, stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and your favorite wrestling podcasts.
Sources: WWE.com, Fightful interviews, Jim Cornette’s podcast reviews, Wrestling Inc., YouTube Raw Recap segments