CM Punk shared his admiration for AJ Lee on social media following her return to WWE on SmackDown. On his Instagram story, Punk posted a shot of Lee from the segment with the caption, “Just look at her. Ugh.” His post came after Lee confronted Becky Lynch in the ring to close the show.
The show’s final segment saw Becky Lynch interrupt a promo from Punk in the ring, delivering multiple slaps. Punk responded with the line, “I would never hit a woman, but I know someone who would,” which prompted Lee’s entrance.
Lee immediately attacked Lynch, clearing her from the ring. The segment ended with Lee and Punk embracing while Lynch and a visibly shocked Seth Rollins retreated up the ramp. After the broadcast concluded, Lee was seen holding the Women’s Intercontinental Title and skipping around the ring.
AJ LEE HOLDING THE TITLE WHILE SKIPPING INSIDE THE RING 🥹 pic.twitter.com/bwttTlvFaW
— 𝓙𝓸𝓱𝓷 (@TwistedJohnX) September 6, 2025
The appearance marked AJ Lee’s first time in a WWE ring in over 3,800 days.
This confrontation is reportedly building towards a mixed tag team match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza premium live event, which would see Punk and Lee team up against Rollins and Lynch. That event is also expected to feature the next chapter between Brock Lesnar and John Cena, following Lesnar’s attack on Cena at SummerSlam on August 3.