AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has publicly commented on the widespread reports of AJ Lee’s impending return to WWE. Speaking on a recent episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross expressed his approval, citing her established name value and the benefit of her access to CM Punk’s wrestling acumen.
Ross’s assessment of Lee as a returning “great star” aligns with the significant plans reported for her comeback. Her return is reportedly tied directly to a main event storyline, culminating in a proposed mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza where she would team with CM Punk against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
“Yeah, I was a fan of her work. I thought she did a great job, she was always in good shape. She learned well,” Ross stated, before noting the value of her established brand. “It’s not a new star, but a star that has certainly built up anticipation for her return… Any star that has name identity, and she has name identity.”
He specifically pointed to her distinct in-ring presence as a key asset.
“She’s a unique character, unique facial expressions. She’s athletic,” he observed. While admitting some surprise at her decision to compete again after nearly a decade, Ross framed it as a logical move.
Ultimately, Ross positioned Lee’s return as a net positive for the industry. “I wish her well. Good girl, pleasant. I’m pulling for her, I hope she does a great job. It never hurts for the business to get back somebody that was a great star… Anything new and significant is a good thing for pro wrestling.”