Becky Lynch’s recent performance on WWE SmackDown drew high praise from wrestling veteran Bully Ray, who singled out her exceptional in-ring reactions during the explosive segment featuring AJ Lee’s surprise return. On the September 5, 2025, episode of SmackDown, AJ Lee made a dramatic comeback, aligning herself with CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, generating a heated and memorable showdown that showcased Lynch’s mastery in selling intense emotions live in the ring[1][3].
According to sources close to WWE and confirmed by wrestling insider reports on podcasts and Fightful, Bully Ray emphasized Becky Lynch’s ability to convey genuine shock and defensive instincts through facial expressions and body language when AJ Lee reappeared. This moment was notable because AJ Lee had been absent from WWE programming for some time, and her unexpected return heightened storyline tension between top stars. Lynch’s authentic reactions helped sell the gravity of the surprise, elevating the segment from a standard encounter to a compelling narrative climax[4].
In an interview on a recent wrestling podcast, Bully Ray shared, “Becky is one of the best in the business when it comes to reading the room and reacting like a real competitor. When AJ hit the scene out of nowhere, Becky’s face told the story before she even moved. That kind of in-ring psychology is rare and invaluable for WWE, especially on live TV.” Ray’s remarks highlight the significance of selling—wrestlers’ ability to portray pain, surprise, or fear convincingly—to deepen fan engagement[4].
The build-up to this moment was carefully crafted on SmackDown’s September 5 episode, where storylines intertwined CM Punk’s ongoing feud with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, culminating in AJ Lee’s return to support Punk. WWE.com’s official coverage praised the dynamic between the four wrestlers, noting that Becky’s response to AJ’s sudden alliance was “spot-on, effectively amplifying the chaotic nature of the segment”[1][3]. The segment has since garnered millions of views on WWE’s digital platforms, underscoring its impact on fans and critics alike[2].
Beyond in-ring storytelling, AJ Lee’s return sets the stage for upcoming events, including the confirmed mixed tag match challenge she issued to Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins for Wrestlepalooza. This storyline development promises more intense confrontations and highlights Becky’s central role in WWE’s women’s division narrative moving forward[5].
WWE insiders have also noted backstage that Becky Lynch’s professionalism and commitment to perfecting her reactions were instrumental in making AJ Lee’s return feel organic rather than scripted. Sources revealed, “She’s been working closely with creative teams and opponents to elevate each angle, and this SmackDown moment was a prime example of that collaboration paying off”[4].
This recent development adds another layer to Becky Lynch’s reputation as “The Man,” not just as a fierce competitor but as a masterful performer capable of bringing live story arcs to life. With AJ Lee’s comeback injecting new energy into WWE programming, fans can anticipate a thrilling rivalry filled with emotional depth and high stakes.
In summary, Bully Ray’s commendation of Becky Lynch’s in-ring reaction skills after AJ Lee’s surprise WWE SmackDown return reflects the veteran’s recognition of Lynch’s exceptional talent for conveying real-time emotion and narrative tension. As WWE continues to build on this storyline, Lynch’s ability to sell moments convincingly remains a key asset that elevates the drama and excitement of professional wrestling programming[1][3][4][5].