Report Details Plans for AJ Lee’s WWE Comeback

While AJ Lee’s planned in-ring return is set for a blockbuster mixed tag team match, a new report indicates that WWE is hopeful her comeback will extend beyond a single night. Backstage excitement is reportedly high for the former Divas Champion’s return after a decade away from the ring.

According to a report from Fightful Select, which was first noted by Bryan Alvarez, the current plan is for Lee to team with her husband, CM Punk, to face the duo of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch at the Wrestlepalooza premium live event on September 20. Furthermore, WWE sources have “heavily implied” that Lee will either appear or be referenced on this week’s episode of SmackDown.

The company’s ambitions for Lee’s return may go further than just one match. The report states, “We were told this isn’t necessarily a one-off, and that WWE hopes that they can do more with her.” It adds that even if it is just for one match, the company is “happy to have her involved again.” A WWE higher-up is also reportedly unconcerned about her long layoff from competition.

News of Lee’s return has been met with a “great deal of excitement” from the WWE locker room, particularly among women who grew up watching her and are eager for the chance to work with her. One veteran who never shared a ring with Lee was quoted as being “shocked it happened,” noting that in the past, CM Punk would typically dismiss any talk of his wife returning, which was seen as a sign of respect for her wishes.

AJ Lee’s last match in WWE took place in March 2015. Her most recent role in the wrestling industry was as an executive producer and commentator for WOW (Women of Wrestling), but she has not competed in over ten years.