AJ Lee is making her long-awaited return to WWE, with her first in-ring appearance in a decade scheduled at Wrestlepalooza. She will team up with her husband, CM Punk, to face Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, igniting significant interest in her comeback storyline. As fans enjoy her current momentum, AI predictions suggest that Lee’s journey will lead her to a major singles match at WrestleMania 42, setting the stage for a memorable encounter.
Next year’s Royal Rumble event, taking place in Saudi Arabia for the first time, is expected to feature AJ Lee entering the women’s Royal Rumble match—her debut in this format. Despite never competing in a Royal Rumble before, Lee has long been rumored as a surprise entrant, much to the excitement of WWE fans. According to AI, she will enter as the 30th participant, a prime position for impact, and go on to win the entire match, earning her a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42.
The AI also forecasts that Iyo Sky will be the last competitor standing against Lee in the Royal Rumble, teasing a potential feud between the two. Fans have eagerly anticipated a singles match involving Lee and Sky, and this finish would build anticipation for their eventual clash. This Royal Rumble victory marks the official beginning of AJ Lee’s WrestleMania 42 campaign.
A Brief Rivalry Brewing Between AJ Lee and Nikki Bella Ahead of WrestleMania
Bridging the gap between the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania often presents booking challenges, especially with the wrestlers destined for major title matches. AI envisions a short but intense feud between AJ Lee and Nikki Bella during this period, with a showdown set for the Elimination Chamber event. Nikki Bella, who has returned to WWE as a full-time competitor, is expected to adopt her classic heel persona following elimination from the women’s Royal Rumble match, reigniting a historic rivalry with Lee.
Lee and Nikki Bella’s history dates back to the Divas era, a time when these two stars regularly competed against each other. This feud would serve as a nostalgic throwback for longtime fans while giving Lee crucial momentum before stepping into her WrestleMania title match. Featuring two well-known talents from different generations in a non-title conflict allows for compelling storytelling and heightened audience interest.
Rhea Ripley and AJ Lee Set for a Showdown at WrestleMania 42
At WrestleMania 42, AI’s projections place AJ Lee challenging the reigning Women’s World Champion, Rhea Ripley. Though these two have never faced each other before, both stars bring unique strengths and personalities that make this matchup highly anticipated. Ripley’s versatility allows her to work as either a heel or a babyface, and she regularly participates in major WrestleMania matches, further establishing her as a worthy opponent for Lee.
The AI predicts that Lee will triumph over Ripley to capture the Women’s World Championship, marking a triumphant return to the top of WWE’s women’s division. Following this victory, Lee is expected to renew her rivalry with Iyo Sky, revisiting their Royal Rumble encounter and continuing to engage fans with a series of competitive matches. A well-developed build-up to this WrestleMania clash would showcase the talents of both women on the microphone and inside the ring, promising a match that could steal the show.
Evaluating the Possibility of AJ Lee vs. Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42
AJ Lee’s WWE run spanned from 2009 to 2015, and she returned in 2025 to rekindle her career. During her time, she secured the Divas Championship three times, solidifying her legacy as one of the era’s standout stars. While it remains difficult to predict concrete booking decisions so far ahead, the prospect of Lee facing Ripley at WrestleMania 42 offers a narrative rich with potential.
This proposed match would pit a legendary figure from WWE’s past against one of today’s biggest stars, delivering a dynamic that appeals to multiple fan demographics. The contrast between Lee’s underdog energy and Ripley’s dominant powerhouse style creates a ‘David vs. Goliath’ storyline that could resonate deeply with the audience. Both women excel in delivering compelling promos and high-quality in-ring performances, making this matchup a natural fit for the grand event.
Of course, WWE’s creative direction is unpredictable, and other storylines may emerge for both Lee and Ripley. Nevertheless, with the WWE Universe expecting AJ Lee to feature prominently at WrestleMania 42, crafting a compelling rivalry is essential to maximize her return’s impact and maintain the momentum she has built.
