In a dramatic twist that has fans buzzing, AJ Lee made a stunning return to WWE on the September 5, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown in Chicago to stand by her husband, CM Punk, reigniting one of the most emotional comebacks in recent wrestling memory.

The night began with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch turning up the heat when Lynch dealt Punk a devastating low blow during a segment that echoed their Clash in Paris conflict. Amid the chaos and fan chants of “AJ Lee!”, Punk, visibly emotional, looked out at the crowd before calling out the location—“Chicago”—brightening at the realization SmackDown was in his hometown. Then, in a moment that sent the arena into a frenzy, AJ Lee appeared.

AJ stormed the ring and delivered a powerful attack on Becky Lynch, reviving her iconic “crazy” persona. Michael Cole called it “the return of AJ’s signature character,” as Punk and his wife stood tall in front of the roaring Chicago crowd.

Why It Matters

AJ Lee’s comeback is a seismic moment. Ending a ten-year hiatus that began after a March 30, 2015 match and her April-2015 retirement due to neck injuries, this marks one of the most anticipated returns in WWE history.

Her return wasn’t just physical—it was emotional. Triple H welcomed her back with an official contract-signing backstage, celebrating the reunion of AJ Lee and CM Punk in the ring. The segment was filled with nostalgic energy and palpable fan excitement.

What’s Next

All signs point to a blockbuster mixed tag match at Wrestlepalooza (September 20, 2025), WWE’s debut premium live event on ESPN’s streaming service, likely pitting AJ Lee and CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. Rumors have swirled for weeks, building off Lynch costing Punk his title in Paris and the fan frenzy that followed.

SmackDown was more than a reunion—it was a launchpad. The emotional weight of seeing Punk and his wife unite, the surprise factor, and the storyline implications all set the stage for a major Wrestlepalooza moment.

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CM Punk’s return in 2023 reenergized his career, and now with AJ Lee back in the fold, WWE fans are witnessing the rekindling of a partnership many thought was long gone.

Conclusion

AJ Lee’s WWE return on September 5, 2025—decked in nostalgia, fueled by emotion, and anchored by her loyalty to CM Punk—was a moment fans will remember for years. Her surprise appearance in Chicago doesn’t just revive her career; it strengthens a storyline poised to headline one of WWE’s most pivotal events yet. Keep your eyes on Wrestlepalooza—it’s shaping up to be unforgettable.

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