AJ Lee made a much-anticipated comeback to WWE last year, initially teaming with CM Punk at Wrestlepalooza in September. Following that appearance, she remained off television until November, when she participated in the women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series. Despite her return, Lee has kept a limited schedule, focusing on maintaining her mental health as a priority, which she has openly addressed. Reports also suggest that her comeback was never intended to be full-time.
WrestleMania 42 Plans for AJ Lee and Becky Lynch
Although AJ Lee did not appear at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, speculation about her future has centered largely on WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April in Las Vegas. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer shared that a match between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship has been planned for the event and remains on the schedule. Meltzer noted that Lee’s absence from the Royal Rumble served little purpose, considering the upcoming showdown.
Current Dynamics in WWE’s Women’s Division
Meltzer explained that the women’s tag team division—including stars like Rhea Ripley and Toni Storm (formerly Dust) Sky—holds a stronger position than both the singles women’s championships at this time. He also highlighted several prominent competitors such as Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax with Lash Legend, Bayley accompanied by Lyra Valkyria, and The Bella Twins, all competing primarily in tag team or faction roles. This focus has thinned the roster of singles challengers, making the Lynch-Lee match particularly significant.
AJ Lee’s Legacy and the Significance of Her WWE Return
AJ Lee, who now goes by AJ Mendez outside the ring, is regarded as one of the most influential female wrestlers in WWE history. Her initial run as Divas Champion helped reshape how female talent was perceived in the company. Fans were greatly disappointed when she departed in 2015, especially given the difficult environment surrounding her husband’s treatment by WWE. Her decision to return cautiously last year reflected lessons learned from those tough experiences.
AJ Lee’s Perspective on Her WWE Comeback
Addressing her return, AJ Lee shared with Stephanie McMahon that she initially viewed her WWE comeback as a “one-and-done” experience, aiming to enjoy her time without long-term pressure. She explained,
“There was this world in which it was just like a one-and-done,”
and added,
“Where it was just like, come back and have fun and see how you feel.”
Lee also revealed the challenge she faced with mental health, stating,
“And that’s been a big thing too, because of — I never wanted to feel how I felt mentally, to where my last year was very hard for me,”
further saying,
“And so, I have been a little trepidatious in what I’m committing to and what I can handle. And part of the appeal of ‘Okay, let’s keep doing this’ was that group of women [in WarGames].”
She emphasized the importance of working alongside the women in the division, commenting,
“And being like, ‘Oh, I’m a fan of all of them. I’ll be so happy to just be surrounded by them and get to work with them,’”
and continued,
“To just kind of hang out with them in that way, okay, trust this group. I give so much credit to the women [for making] it very appealing.”
Looking Ahead to WrestleMania and Beyond
The matchup between AJ Lee and Becky Lynch is one of the most anticipated contests on the WrestleMania 42 card, especially with the Women’s Intercontinental Championship on the line. Lee’s return not only represents a continuation of her storied career but also signals WWE’s commitment to elevating women’s singles competition despite the current emphasis on tag teams. Given her impact on the sport and ongoing cautious approach, this chapter could set the tone for future appearances and possibly lead to an eventual WWE Hall of Fame induction.
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, fans should stay alert for additional updates on Lee’s participation and the evolving women’s division dynamics. The event promises to highlight some of the most influential female wrestlers of this era in a high-profile showdown.
