As WWE’s Royal Rumble unfolds today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, heightened anticipation surrounds potential surprise competitors for both the Men’s and Women’s Rumble matches. A prominent name generating buzz is AJ Lee, who is reportedly slated for a major Women’s Intercontinental Championship match against Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 42, set for April 2026. This anticipated confrontation could begin taking shape during the ongoing 30-Woman Royal Rumble.
Recent Activity and Limited Appearances Since AJ Lee’s WWE Return
AJ Lee officially made her WWE comeback in September 2025, ending a break of over ten years from the ring. Her return marked a high-profile mixed tag team encounter alongside her husband, World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, where they faced Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins at Wrestlepalooza. Despite holding a full-time contract, Lee’s WWE appearances have been infrequent since then.
Notably, Lee appeared again on the November 17, 2025, episode of RAW, where she interfered in a match to cost Becky Lynch the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. She also took part in the Women’s WarGames Match at Survivor Series: WarGames, teaming with Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair to defeat Becky Lynch and her team. Her absence following these events has led to growing speculation among fans and analysts.
Confirmed Competitors for the Upcoming Women’s Royal Rumble
Becky Lynch has been officially announced as a participant for the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble, with numerous top female talents confirmed, including IYO SKY, Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan, Rhea Ripley, Bayley, Raquel Rodriguez, Lyra Valkyria, Asuka, Chelsea Green, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Giulia, Jordynne Grace, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Maxxine Dupri. Adding to the intrigue, Lynch publicly invited AJ Lee to join the Royal Rumble during a recent ESPN appearance.
Potential Impact and Expectations for WrestleMania 42
The possibility of AJ Lee entering the Royal Rumble and challenging Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 42 could significantly stir excitement among WWE audiences. Lee’s sporadic presence since her return has made any involvement in WrestleMania highly anticipated. If the reported match materializes, it would mark a high-profile chapter in both Lee’s renewed career and the ongoing storyline surrounding the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Fans and commentators will be closely watching events leading into WrestleMania to see how this rivalry develops.
“Becky Lynch publicly invited AJ Lee to enter the Women’s Royal Rumble during a Friday appearance on ESPN.” – Source Attribution
