WWE Superstar CM Punk will make a rare appearance on SmackDown this Friday in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois, fueling speculation around the potential comeback of AJ Lee. Punk’s involvement in the episode, combined with a backstage exchange where he asked general manager Pearce about the location for Friday night shows and was told “Chicago,” has intensified rumors about Lee’s imminent return.
The upcoming SmackDown edition features a star-studded lineup, including John Cena’s final performance in Chicago. Rumors also suggest that Brock Lesnar, known as The Beast Incarnate, may appear during the show.
Pre-Show Activities Link Punk to Local Baseball Celebration
Before the program airs, CM Punk will participate in a Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame event at Wrigley Field. This three-day celebration honors the 2025 Cubs Hall of Fame inductees, Derrek Lee and Sammy Sosa, with the Cubs facing the Washington Nationals during the festivities.
As a lifelong Cubs supporter, Punk is set to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the game. His ties to the team are well-known; in 2014, he famously led the seventh-inning stretch by singing
“Take Me Out to the Ballgame”
during a matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Natalya Anticipates AJ Lee’s Dramatic Comeback in Chicago
The storylines heating up on SmackDown include the confrontation between Becky Lynch and CM Punk. After repeatedly slapping Punk and sending him backstage, Lynch has intensified tensions, which have sparked widespread anticipation about AJ Lee stepping into the scene to support her husband.
WWE Superstar Natalya expressed her excitement and confidence about Lee’s return, expecting an emotional and powerful moment when she confronts Lynch, who has been dominating Punk and Seth Rollins.
🚨 Over 15,000 plus fans are expected to pack the Allstate Arena in Chicago on FridayIn hopes of seeing Aj Lee make her return to Pro Wrestling NEEDLE MOVER 🔥(WrestleTix) pic.twitter.com/XPh1I6seEr
—FADE, Social Media
On Busted Open Radio, known as the BOAT, Natalya voiced her eagerness to witness AJ Lee take down Becky Lynch, signaling a significant rivalry ahead. Natalya’s perspective is grounded in her recent loss to Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, making her stance on seeing Lynch defeated particularly poignant.
