CM Punk has opened up about the conversation he had with AJ Lee that helped motivate her to return to WWE after more than a decade away. The pair will join forces in a mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza this Saturday, facing Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. This storyline and match ultimately convinced AJ Lee to rejoin WWE, marking her first appearance since April 2015.
During an interview with ESPN, Punk explained the key message he delivered to AJ Lee, emphasizing how much the WWE environment has changed since her departure, particularly highlighting the strong support she has from the newer generation of wrestlers.
The Changing WWE Landscape That Influenced AJ Lee
Punk described the company as almost unrecognizable compared to when AJ last competed, underlining the respect and admiration she now receives from a roster influenced by her legacy. He said,
“Honestly, it was one of those things where I told her that the place was 180 degrees, maybe 360, I don’t know, different than when she left it.”
He continued,
“And all these wrestlers that really grew up watching her, got into the business because of her, were inspired to follow their dreams because she followed hers on such a grand stage – they were all in the company now, and I just thought it would have been a great way for her to see and understand how great she is and how much she’s loved.”
So that’s the other fun part of being around and witnessing it. And I just kind of had to explain, like, you’ve gotta see it to believe it.
— CM Punk, WWE Wrestler
A Unique Opportunity for One of Wrestling’s Beloved Figures
In the same discussion, Punk expressed how AJ Lee’s return holds significant weight in wrestling, rivaling even his own comeback. He noted his personal connection as both a fan and her husband, which adds to the excitement of her return for him. Punk stated,
“I’m biased obviously, but before I was Mr Mendez, before I was AJ’s husband, I was a fan. So it’s exciting for me as a wrestling fan to be able to experience all of these things with the fans.”
He further emphasized the magnitude of her comeback:
“Because her coming back after 10 years was a pretty big deal. I think in the landscape of wrestling, after I came back and hell froze over, there was one free agent in that orbit that could have done the same numbers or possibly even bigger numbers than me, and it was her. So I’m excited.”
Because her coming back after 10 years was a pretty big deal. I think in the landscape of wrestling, after I came back and hell froze over, there was one free agent in that orbit that could have done the same numbers or possibly even bigger numbers than me, and it was her. So I’m excited.
— CM Punk, WWE Wrestler
Upcoming Match and Fan Anticipation at Wrestlepalooza
The mixed tag team match featuring CM Punk and AJ Lee against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch is generating significant buzz ahead of Wrestlepalooza. Fans are looking forward to seeing this reunion and the impact AJ Lee’s return will have on WWE’s current landscape. The partnership between Punk and AJ also resonates due to their real-life connection, increasing the match’s emotional and storyline weight.
This event showcases how WWE has evolved over the years and how returning stars are being embraced by a new generation. It also highlights the ongoing significance AJ Lee holds within the wrestling community, both as a trailblazer and an inspiration to present-day talent.
