CM Punk recently shared insights into what prompted AJ Lee to return to WWE after a long absence. Speaking with Pete Rosenberg and Big E on ESPN, Punk revealed that he initially viewed Lee’s return as unlikely but acknowledged that timing played a crucial role in the decision.
The Importance of Timing and AJ Lee’s Busy Schedule
CM Punk explained that the opportunity for Lee to come back depended largely on when the conversation would happen. He pointed out how timing in the wrestling business is vital and that Lee’s hectic schedule made her return seem improbable. Punk noted,
“The ball was always going to be in her court, it just needed to be a conversation,”
highlighting that her commitments outside wrestling influenced the timing.
He described how Lee juggles numerous projects involving production companies, scripts, and acting work, which led him to believe she would never return:
“Timing, in this business, is everything. And she’s so busy with everything else, that’s one of the bigger reasons why I just assumed, okay, ten years, it’s long gone.”
How the Conversation Sparked AJ Lee’s Decision
Punk recounted the moment Lee approached him about potentially coming back, saying she had a window of availability despite her packed agenda. He said,
“One day she asked me, ‘I’m so busy doing stuff, but I have this time coming up. If I were to come back, what would you do? Talk to me, essentially, go ahead, book it.”
He revealed how his creative mind immediately started working on possibilities, and Lee’s openness to his ideas hinted at renewed enthusiasm:
“To me, that’s what I do. My brain never shuts off and I said, ‘Well, I would do this, this, and this… The fact that she didn’t say no right away and she wasn’t turned off by it, there was a hint of a spark.”
AJ Lee’s Impactful Return and Upcoming Match
AJ Lee reappeared on WWE programming earlier this month, making a strong statement by confronting Becky Lynch after Lynch repeatedly slapped CM Punk and played a role in costing him the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Paris. This confrontation set the stage for Lee and Punk’s upcoming mixed tag team match against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins at Wrestlepalooza on Saturday.
What This Means for WWE and Fans
AJ Lee’s return adds fresh excitement and drama to WWE’s current storylines, particularly with her involvement alongside CM Punk. Their upcoming tag match promises high stakes and intense action, highlighting how crucial timing and creative collaboration were in reigniting Lee’s WWE career. Fans can expect this storyline to continue evolving, potentially leading to more significant moments in WWE’s near future.
