After more than a decade away from the WWE ring, former three-time Divas Champion AJ Lee is set for a major in-ring comeback at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event on September 20, 2025. However, sources close to WWE confirm that this return is far from a mere one-off appearance; the company is optimistic about utilizing AJ Lee in ongoing storylines, signaling a significant role for the wrestling icon moving forward.

AJ Lee’s Return Confirmed for Wrestlepalooza

AJ Lee’s return was initially rumored following the controversial conclusion of the Clash in Paris event, where Becky Lynch’s shocking interference cost CM Punk the World Heavyweight Championship. This event sparked speculation about AJ teaming with her husband CM Punk, who recently re-signed with WWE, against Becky Lynch and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins in a high-profile mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza. Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer was among the first to report on Lee’s scheduled return, confirming the mixed tag format and placing her directly into one of WWE’s biggest storylines of the year[3][4][5].

Adding fuel to the fire, WWE Shop accidentally confirmed AJ Lee’s return via a now-deleted tweet, referencing new merchandise anticipation for her ahead of Wrestlepalooza. This slip further solidified the reality of her comeback plans, generating widespread buzz among fans and talent alike[2].

WWE’s Ambitious Plans for AJ Lee

Contrary to expectations that AJ Lee’s return might be a one-off sentimental appearance, Fightful Select reports indicate that WWE views her comeback as the first step toward re-integrating her into the company’s regular programming. Backstage, there is growing excitement and numerous creative pitches in development to feature Lee in more ongoing storylines and new angles beyond her debut match. WWE officials reportedly hope to capitalize on her enduring popularity and wrestling savvy to enhance women’s programming and boost ratings[1][4].

An insider shared, “This isn’t just a nostalgic one-off for WWE. The creative team sees AJ as a valuable asset who can contribute meaningfully—especially with her blend of in-ring skill and character work. There’s genuine excitement backstage about what she can bring to the table.” The same source highlighted how many younger women wrestlers in WWE, who grew up watching AJ Lee, are thrilled about the prospect of working with her and learning from her expertise behind the scenes and inside the ring[1].

AJ Lee’s Last Run and Impact on Women’s Wrestling

AJ Lee first retired from full-time wrestling after the March 30, 2015 episode of Monday Night Raw. Over the course of her career, she was the longest-reigning WWE Divas Champion until Nikki Bella surpassed her record. Lee was known for revolutionizing the women’s division with her unique character, intense in-ring style, and charismatic promos, influencing the generation of women currently dominating the WWE scene.

Since retiring from wrestling, Lee has remained connected to the wrestling world, notably contributing as an executive producer and commentator for WOW – Women of Wrestling from 2021 to 2023, gaining behind-the-scenes experience that complements her in-ring work[3].

Potential Debut Match Details

Details emerging from multiple reputable sources suggest the mixed tag team match will feature AJ Lee joining forces with CM Punk to face off against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. This match is expected to be a centerpiece for Wrestlepalooza, elevating the Women’s Intercontinental Championship scene and continuing the heated storyline ignited by Lynch’s interference at Clash in Paris. It marks AJ’s first match in over ten years and places her back in the spotlight at a time when WWE Women’s Division is experiencing renewed prominence[3][4][5].

Fan and Talent Reactions

The reaction from the WWE locker room and WWE Universe has been noticeably positive. Several veteran wrestlers who never had the chance to work with AJ have expressed surprise and excitement at her return, suggesting WWE’s backstage atmosphere is optimistic. Moreover, WWE superstars who were fans of Lee during their formative years are reportedly eager to see her back in action and potentially collaborate with her[1].

On social media and fan forums, the buzz has been palpable, with fans anticipating not only the match itself but also what future storylines and rivalries AJ Lee might be involved in. Given WWE’s efforts to spotlight women’s wrestling more prominently, her return fits into broader creative strategies aiming to blend fresh talent with beloved stars from wrestling’s recent history.

Looking Ahead: AJ Lee’s Role in WWE

While Wrestlepalooza will be a major milestone event for AJ Lee, WWE’s hope is that her comeback will mark the beginning of a sustained run. With multiple creative pitches reportedly under consideration, Lee could soon become a recurring figure on WWE’s weekly shows like Raw or SmackDown, engage in rivalries, and mentor the rising stars of the division.

A WWE insider summarized the evolving sentiment: “AJ’s long layoff is not seen as a barrier. Look at CM Punk’s return—hesitation quickly disappeared once he proved he still had it. The same optimism applies to AJ. The company is ready to back her up, with compelling storylines and strong matches.”

As Wrestlepalooza approaches, all eyes will be on AJ Lee’s return to see whether she can recapture the spark that made her a trailblazer and help shape the next era of WWE women’s wrestling.

This report incorporates information from Fightful Select, Wrestling Observer, WWE.com, and social media leaks, reflecting the evolving situation as of early September 2025.