WWE Superstar AJ Lee recently spoke with ESPN’s SportsCenter about her return to wrestling, revealing that coming back to WWE has been an option for her over the past two years. She explained that although she felt complete when she initially retired, the idea of embarking on something new had to feel fresh, necessary, and exciting.
Discussing what led to her decision, AJ Lee said,
“Gosh, it’s sort of been something that was in the air for the past couple of years as an option. However, when I retired, I was very comfortable staying retired, and I felt very complete in my career. I’ve always set to do something, to embark on a new journey, it has to feel brand new and feel like I’m needed and exciting and kind of scary. Starting this new chapter on ESPN feels like a whole new mountain the company needs to climb, and I was flattered that they believed that I could help draw eyeballs in that way. Also, Becky is very interesting to me. I think she’s wonderful in the ring and we have a lot of similarities. She would not be an easy person to get back in the ring with. That was exciting,”
AJ Lee explained.
She described her return experience as surreal, adding,
“A little surreal. I you know was sort of imagining what that moment could be like and I in no way anticipated the response would be as humbling and amazing as it has been. So I still feel a little bit like I’ve disassociated. I’m just imagining all this and it’s it’s been pretty cool. It’s been wonderful.”
On concerns about ring rust after a decade away from the ring, AJ Lee acknowledged the uncertainty but also the unpredictability it brings:
“I mean, yes. It’s been 10 years. I, you know, I try to stretch as much as I can, but you don’t really know what’s going to happen when you get out there. But in the same way that that does feel, you know, kind of scary and, as Becky said, a liability in one way, I think it’s an asset because I am unpredictable. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I’m out there. I might go out there and braid her hair. I might bite her in the face. We might four-way kiss. Who knows what’s going to happen on ESPN.”
CM Punk Praises His Wife’s Strength as They Team Up in WWE
During a recent appearance on ESPN’s Pardon My Take, CM Punk shared his admiration for his wife, highlighting her determination and hard work in the gym. He expressed how meaningful it is to have her alongside him in WWE again.
He said,
“She’s inspirational, honestly. Her will-power, a lot of that is diet, but she’s also super strong in the gym and is lifting heavy weights and busting her ass all the time. I’m having the time of my life. I’m like the uber-nerdiest, wife-guy. I always like to say that I try to spend as much time with my wife as I can, and I spent a lot of time with her, and it never feels like it’s enough. Having her back in this environment with me at work is like a dream come true.”
WWE Plans Major Pay-Per-View Event in Italy for 2026
WWE President Nick Khan recently announced that Italy will host a WWE pay-per-view event in late 2026, marking a significant step in the company’s expanding international footprint. The news came during Khan’s appearance at the IMG x RedBird Summit, where he emphasized WWE’s global growth.
Khan noted,
“Almost half of our Premium Live Events take place outside of the United States now. We believe WWE is a global property, and the results for these shows — both in attendance and viewership, locally and globally — have been significant. We’ve seen year-over-year increases for viewership on each one.”
The Italian pay-per-view will coincide with the country joining WWE’s streaming partnership on Netflix. While specific details like venue and date are yet to be announced, WWE has previously held an international edition of Friday Night SmackDown in Bologna, Italy, on March 21, as part of the buildup to WrestleMania 41.
WWE NXT’s Recent Homecoming Episode Shows Strong Viewer Growth
The latest episode of WWE NXT’s Homecoming, which aired on September 16 on The CW Network, attracted 737,000 viewers—an increase from the 645,000 viewers of the September 9 episode. This growth highlights rising interest in the show among wrestling fans.
In the important 18-49 age group, the episode achieved a 0.17 rating, up from 0.14 the previous week, indicating a positive trend in key demographics for advertisers and WWE’s television partners.
Ongoing Developments and Controversies in Professional Wrestling
The wrestling world remains charged with intense debates and backstage dynamics. Notable figures like Kevin Nash have publicly criticized AJ Lee, while Jeff Jarrett commented on Up and Andrade’s need for self-reflection following multiple releases. Meanwhile, former WWE talent face health challenges and controversies continue around Toni Storm‘s relationship with WWE.
The potential for new members joining AEW’s Hurt Syndicate, rematches like Bayley versus Mercedes Mone, and high-profile roster changes keep fans and industry insiders on alert. Plans for WrestleMania 43’s staging in Saudi Arabia in 2027 also hint at significant shifts for WWE’s flagship event.
Other ongoing storylines include the escalating conflict between MJF and Andrade, which has deepened with personal references, as well as backstage talks involving Chris Jericho possibly moving from AEW to WWE and speculation about Ronda Rousey’s future wrestling home.
What the Future Holds for WWE and Its Talent
With AJ Lee’s cautious yet hopeful return, CM Punk’s enthusiastic partnership with his wife, and WWE’s expanding global reach, the company is positioned for new growth and challenges in the coming years. The planned pay-per-view in Italy signals WWE’s ambition to capture more international audiences, while rising ratings on shows like NXT reflect sustained fan engagement.
Meanwhile, the wrestling community’s ongoing controversies and roster movements suggest an unpredictable landscape filled with potential surprises. Fans can expect continued developments both inside and outside the ring as WWE and rival promotions adapt to evolving market demands and talent dynamics.
