AJ Lee has officially returned to WWE, signing a new contract with the company. She made her first appearance in over ten years on the September 5 episode of SmackDown in Chicago, where she was introduced by her husband, CM Punk, before attacking WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch. The physical confrontation happened moments after Lynch had slapped Punk multiple times in the ring.
Triple H later confirmed the signing on social media, posting footage of Lee putting pen to paper on her WWE contract before the show.
Lee’s return ends a long absence from wrestling that began after her retirement in 2015, which was prompted by a spinal injury.
The attack on Lynch serves as a direct response to recent events in the ongoing feud between Punk and Lynch’s husband, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. At WWE Clash in Paris, Lynch interfered in their championship match, a key factor that led to Rollins retaining the title over Punk.
This confrontation in Punk’s hometown of Chicago now appears to set the stage for a mixed tag team match. Multiple reports indicate the angle is leading to a bout pitting Lee and Punk against Lynch and Rollins at Wrestlepalooza on September 20.
After the broadcast concluded, Lee was seen holding Lynch’s WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship, suggesting a future role in the title picture.