During WWE SmackDown, AJ Lee made a surprising return after a decade to support her husband CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. This unexpected comeback visibly unsettled Lynch, whose genuine reaction demonstrated concern and fear. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray praised Becky Lynch for the authenticity she brought to that moment, highlighting how well she sold AJ Lee’s unexpected presence in the ring.
On Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray explained how Becky Lynch’s face revealed her true emotions when AJ Lee appeared, emphasizing that AJ has not been seen in WWE for ten years and remains a small but formidable competitor in the ring.
“Becky Lynch’s facial responses to seeing AJ Lee complete shock. Becky was selling fear that she had just seen AJ Lee. AJ Lee hasn’t been around in 10 years. AJ Lee is 90 pounds soaking wet, with a brick in her pocket and a feather on her head. She’s an absolutely tiny little woman.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
Despite Becky Lynch’s reputation as a relentless fighter who regularly competes with top talent, Bully Ray noted how Lynch’s reaction went against her usual confident persona, making the moment more believable and impactful.
“And she sold fear on her face like, ‘Oh crap, I think I just bit off more than I can chew. Oh crap, this is the last woman I wanted to see right now. Oh crap, maybe I am going to get my ass kicked.’ That put it over the top for me.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
Bully Ray Reflects on the Importance of Selling Emotion in Wrestling
Bully Ray contrasted Becky Lynch’s powerful selling of AJ Lee’s return with the typical tough, unbothered facades often seen among women wrestlers. He critiqued how many performers focus on projecting toughness at the expense of expressing genuine feelings or surprise. Lynch’s reaction stood out because it brought emotional depth to the scene rather than dismissiveness or arrogance.
“I’ve been bitching and moaning about women in this business for years. Everybody wants to be the baddest b*tch on the block. They all want to be so tough.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
“They all want to seem like nothing bothers them, nothing gets to them they roll their eyes, they flip their hair, they walk away. Nobody’s selling anybody these days. Becky sold for AJ and I’m not talking about physically in the ring. I mean with her eyes and her face and I absolutely loved it.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
Ray further emphasized that Becky’s reaction was particularly impressive because, as a dominant wrestler known for her toughness and resilience, she normally wouldn’t display fear or vulnerability, making her selling for AJ Lee all the more authentic and notable.
“But it meant even more for AJ Lee. Because yeah, Bubba is bigger than Miz, Bubba can kick Miz’s ass. But Becky selling for AJ why would she be selling? She should be like, ‘Yeah, come on, you tiny little nothing. Come in the ring and I’ll make mincemeat out of you.’ Nope.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
AJ Lee’s Official Match and Future Expectations
AJ Lee’s return has been confirmed with her first match set for WWE RAW, where she will team with CM Punk to face Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins at the upcoming WWE Wrestlepalooza event. This sets the stage for a high-profile showdown following her dramatic comeback, generating anticipation among fans and insiders alike.
The significance of Becky Lynch’s reaction symbolizes a successful storytelling moment in wrestling, showing how emotional authenticity can elevate a surprise return. With AJ Lee back in the spotlight, the upcoming events are expected to maintain this intensity and deliver compelling entertainment.
