AJ Lee Returns to WWE: Signed, Sealed, and Ready for More

After a decade-long departure, AJ Lee made a triumphant return to WWE during the September 5 episode of SmackDown, generating a seismic wave of excitement across the wrestling world.

A Surprise AJ Lee Return That Stunned Fans

In a dramatic storyline centered on CM Punk’s feud with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, AJ’s music suddenly hit, and she emerged to a roaring Chicago crowd. She delivered a quick yet impactful takedown of Becky Lynch, then embraced CM Punk in a poignant, fan-pleasing moment. It was a memorable payoff to a storyline that had teased her comeback for weeks, and it ignited roaring approval from the live audience in the Allstate Arena.

More Than a Cameo: A New Contract for a Renewed Run

Reports confirm that AJ Lee didn’t just make a one-off appearance—she signed a multi-year contract with WWE, securing her place in the promotion for the foreseeable future. This guarantees fans can expect to see much more of her in the ring and storylines. The contract was formalized in a backstage segment, complete with Triple H posing for photos with AJ—and with CM Punk by her side—capturing the symbolic “ink to paper” moment.

A New Chapter: What’s Next in Store

Inside WWE, her return sets the stage for a high-stakes mixed tag team match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event on September 20. Fans are expecting CM Punk and AJ Lee to face off against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, a marquee matchup sure to headline the show and electrify viewers.

Why This Return Is So Significant

• AJ Lee, real name April Jeanette Mendez (now Brooks), made a name under the WWE banner from 2009–2015, where she became a three-time Divas WWE Champion and had one of the most iconic personas of her era. Her return is not just nostalgic—it’s a reshaping of the women’s division with a beloved, proven performer.
• Her departure in 2015 followed a lucrative run but came on the heels of a neck injury. Her return—so many years later—signals that she’s regained the physical capacity and creative desire to compete again.
• During her time away, AJ transitioned into writing, producing, and mental health advocacy, earning acclaim for her bestselling memoir Crazy Is My Superpower and her work on animated and comic projects.

Final Thoughts About AJ Lee

AJ Lee’s return isn’t a flash in the pan—it’s a bold resurgence. With a multi-year contract in hand, a ready-made storyline, and a fan base excited for her every move, she’s poised to make a major impact once more. Blending nostalgia with renewed purpose, AJ is officially back—and WWE is richer for it.