The WWE Universe erupted with excitement when AJ Lee made her shocking return to WWE on the September 5th, 2025 episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Chicago, ending a decade-long absence from the company’s squared circle. Among those most thrilled by the comeback is current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Roxanne Perez, who has publicly praised the moment as the “greatest of all time” (GOAT) return in WWE history.
AJ Lee’s return was intertwined with one of WWE’s hottest storylines involving her real-life husband CM Punk in a fierce rivalry with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. After months of escalating tension and culminating events such as Becky Lynch costing Punk the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Paris, Punk called on Lee to step in and shift the balance of power. The timing and setting were perfect—SmackDown aired live from Chicago, Punk’s hometown, creating an electric atmosphere for what turned out to be an unforgettable surprise appearance[2][3].
As Punk warned Lynch in the ring that while he would never put hands on a woman, he had someone who would, AJ Lee’s iconic entrance hit. The crowd exploded into cheers as Lee charged to the ring and instantly engaged Lynch in a heated brawl. Though brief, the confrontation set the tone for Lee’s in-ring return, showing she was as fiery and impactful as ever despite more than ten years away from WWE competition[2][3].
Roxanne Perez, known as one of WWE’s rising stars and a vocal admirer of the former Divas Champion, expressed her enthusiasm and respect for AJ Lee’s return during recent interviews and social media interactions. According to a WWE source close to Perez, “Roxanne has looked up to AJ since she was a fan first and a wrestler second. Calling her return the GOAT moment shows how much influence AJ still holds over a new generation of talent.” This sentiment encapsulates the widespread reverence for Lee’s return as both a nostalgic and groundbreaking moment[Reference Summary].
AJ Lee, who originally retired from WWE in April 2015 due to a severe neck injury, has spent her post-WWE years diversifying her career as a New York Times best-selling author, comic book and movie writer, actress, and producer. Despite stepping away from the WWE ring, she maintained ties to wrestling through her involvement with the Women of Wrestling promotion from 2021 to 2023[1][2]. Her return to WWE not only reignites her in-ring career but also reignites fan passion for a beloved star whose impact on WWE’s women’s division remains strong.
The timing of the return also dovetails with a slew of WWE merchandise and collectibles commemorating the moment. Topps released a special AJ Lee card celebrating her return, labeled with her entrance tagline, “Let’s Light It Up,” which fans and collectors have widely embraced[1].
WWE’s presentation of AJ Lee’s comeback was masterful from a storytelling perspective. The involvement of top stars like CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Becky Lynch in the storyline elevated the significance of her return, making it a pivotal chapter in an already intense rivalry. After more than a decade, AJ Lee’s WWE ring presence still carries weight and excitement, proving her enduring legacy in the sport-entertainment world[2][3].
With this spectacular return, speculation about AJ Lee’s future WWE schedule is rampant. According to reports from Fightful and WWE insiders, plans include multiple marquee appearances, potential storylines, and possible matches that could redefine the women’s division landscape once again[5]. Fans and wrestlers alike eagerly anticipate how WWE will capitalize on this momentum.
In summary, AJ Lee’s return to WWE after a ten-year hiatus has reinvigorated the company’s women’s division storylines and thrilled fans worldwide. Roxanne Perez’s characterization of the event as the “greatest of all time” underscores the monumental impact of seeing a beloved champion back in WWE’s spotlight. As fans and insiders digest this historic moment, one thing is clear—AJ Lee’s comeback is a defining moment in WWE history, blending nostalgia, star power, and fierce competition into one unforgettable episode.
This return not only celebrates AJ Lee’s past contributions but also paves the way for exciting new chapters in her career, as well as the careers of those she inspires, including Roxanne Perez and many others watching on. WWE fans should stay tuned as the story continues to unfold.