A social media post from five weeks ago showing AJ Lee in top physical form is now being viewed as a significant, overlooked hint of her return to a WWE ring. While the images from a signing in San Diego were public, their implication as preparation for an in-ring comeback only became clear following recent developments. At the time, the photos served as a quiet signal of intent from the former champion who retired in 2015.
Lee’s return was inadvertently spoiled, as reports indicate an official WWE Shop social media account referenced her “return to the ring” in a since-deleted reply to a fan.
The plan is for Lee to make her in-ring return in a mixed tag team match at the Wrestlepalooza premium live event on September 20. Reports suggest she will team with her husband, CM Punk, to face the duo of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. This will mark her first match since stepping away due to permanent damage to her cervical spine.
The storyline foundation for the match was built at Clash in Paris. During the main event, Becky Lynch delivered a low blow to CM Punk, allowing Seth Rollins to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. This led to an in-ring confrontation on Raw where Lynch dismissed Lee as “the one that doesn’t work here anymore,” prompting a warning from Punk that she would come to regret her actions.
To further the angle, an appearance or reference involving AJ Lee is expected on the upcoming Friday, September 5, episode of SmackDown, which will take place in the couple’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
There is said to be considerable excitement backstage over Lee’s return. Younger members of the women’s roster who grew up watching her are reportedly eager for her arrival. The return also caught some veterans by surprise, with one noting that CM Punk had consistently downplayed the possibility of his wife ever competing again.
While the Wrestlepalooza match is the immediate focus, reports state that WWE officials are hopeful Lee’s return will extend beyond a single appearance.