AJ Lee is making her WWE comeback after a decade, teaming with CM Punk to face Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch at Wrestlepalooza. CM Punk on AJ Lee return caught many by surprise, as the two will compete together for the first time in years, sparking anticipation among fans.
CM Punk Shares Why He Didn’t Anticipate AJ Lee Coming Back to WWE
Following CM Punk’s own return to WWE in 2023, many speculated whether AJ Lee might also rejoin the wrestling world. However, during a candid conversation with Peter Rosenberg and Big E, Punk revealed he never expected Lee to return to the ring. He explained that the two had never discussed wrestling since her departure, and her busy career outside WWE made a comeback unlikely in his mind.
Punk noted that Lee has been heavily involved with various production ventures and acting projects, which kept her attention away from wrestling. The timing for her return seemed improbable given how many commitments she manages. He admitted it was up to Lee to decide, but he thought the opportunity had passed after ten years away.
“I think it would have been a hard no. I never bothered her about it. I never asked her. We never watched wrestling, we didn’t talk about it. The ball was always going to be in her court, it just needed to be a conversation. Timing was super important. Timing, in this business, is everything. She’s so busy with everything else, that’s one of the bigger reasons why I just assumed, ‘Ten years, it’s long gone,’ and she has so many irons in so many different fires with production companies, so many different scripts, re-writes, doing her own acting. I just figured she was too busy and it would never happen. I guess timing is everything.” — CM Punk
Now that AJ Lee has made her return, Punk expressed enthusiasm for seeing her legacy evolve and her story unfold in WWE, especially since she has hinted at contending for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship as part of her renewed career path.
Wrestlepalooza Builds Anticipation with High-Profile Matches
At Wrestlepalooza, fans will witness a highly anticipated tag team match featuring AJ Lee and CM Punk facing Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. This event marks Lee’s first WWE match in ten years, heightening excitement around her comeback narrative. Beyond this match, Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes engaged in a heated contract signing on SmackDown as their own rivalry approaches a showdown.
The tension in WWE remains intense as Seth Rollins and CM Punk continue to feud, trading verbal attacks ahead of their encounter at Wrestlepalooza. Additionally, Cody Rhodes is set to defend his title against Drew McIntyre, while other WWE stars like John Cena and Brock Lesnar remain focal points of ongoing storylines.
Recent WWE Developments Highlight Turbulent Atmosphere
WWE has grappled with setbacks and regrets involving former stars’ returns, as sources indicate the company experienced “buyer’s remorse” after bringing back a particular wrestler. Meanwhile, notable personalities such as The Rock have issued messages to former champions despite distancing themselves from WWE. Triple H has also commented on TV characters reflecting real-life personalities, underlining how blurred the lines between reality and scripted drama can be in wrestling.
Elsewhere, Eddie Kingston, supported by an ROH legend, overcame doubts on the verge of his ring return, revealing struggles during his recovery and the mental toll the hiatus took. This background adds deeper context to the competitive and emotionally charged environment surrounding Wrestlepalooza and current WWE storylines.
The Impact of AJ Lee’s Return on WWE’s Landscape
AJ Lee rejoining WWE signals a significant shift, especially in the women’s division, where she is eyeing the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Her comeback rekindles fan interest after a long absence and could inspire fresh rivalries and story arcs. CM Punk’s unexpected reaction highlights how unpredictable wrestling careers can be, influenced strongly by timing and personal choices.
Wrestlepalooza will provide a critical platform not only for the returning talents like Lee but for ongoing feuds that define WWE’s current season. The event’s outcomes are likely to shape future narratives, impact wrestler trajectories, and set the tone for the company’s direction in the coming months, especially given the underlying tension highlighted by recent confrontations and contract disputes.
