AJ Lee may be poised for a surprising WWE return after a significant hint from her husband, CM Punk, following the WWE Clash in Paris event. The tease occurred shortly after a dramatic Fatal 4-Way match for the World Heavyweight Championship on April 1, 2024, which took place in Paris, France.
CM Punk came close to winning the World Heavyweight Championship during the intense match against Seth Rollins, LA Knight, and Jey Uso. Punk had Rollins in position for his signature move, the Go To Sleep (GTS), when Rollins’ wife, Becky Lynch—who currently holds the Women’s Intercontinental Championship—interfered unexpectedly, hitting Punk with a low blow. This gave Rollins the opportunity to strike Punk with a steel chair, securing his title defense.
The Incident That Changed the Championship’s Outcome
Following Becky Lynch’s interference, Seth Rollins capitalized with a chair attack on Punk, retaining the World Heavyweight Championship. After the match concluded and the broadcast went off-air, Punk was clearly frustrated, visibly angry as he left the ring. He then collapsed on the floor briefly before rallying to greet fans with hand slaps on his way backstage.
CM Punk’s Interaction with a Fan Sparks AJ Lee Comeback Speculation
During his run of hand slaps with fans, CM Punk noticed a fan holding a sign that read, “Punk, bring back AJ Lee.” He paused, looked thoughtfully at the sign, and requested to hold it for a moment. The brief moment Punk studied the sign was seen as a clear indication he might be teasing a comeback for AJ Lee. He then returned the sign to the fan.
Commentators Big E and Jackie Redmond, covering the Clash in Paris Post-Show, also hinted at the possibility of AJ Lee returning to WWE, amplifying the speculation sparked by Punk’s action.
AJ Lee’s WWE Career and Retirement
AJ Lee’s WWE journey began in 2009 with nearly two years spent in the developmental system before her main roster debut in 2011. Known as “The Black Widow,” she emerged as one of the top female superstars during her tenure, capturing the Divas Championship three times. Despite her success, she retired in 2015, just a year after CM Punk left WWE under strained circumstances.
The Bigger Picture: WWE Clash in Paris and Other Key Moments
While the focus remained on the championship storyline, other notable matches took place during WWE Clash in Paris. The Wyatt Sicks successfully defended the World Tag Team Championship against The Street Profits, continuing their dominant reign. Meanwhile, a former WWE Champion aged 24, part of the recent May 2025 WWE roster cuts including Braun Strowman and Shayna Baszler, confirmed stepping away from wrestling, marking a shift in the company’s talent landscape.
Rusev also commented on the evolution of WWE, expressing surprise at how much the company had changed since his last involvement. Additionally, WWE analysts speculated that the match outcomes in Paris might prompt the return of a revered WWE legend.
Becky Lynch’s Controversial Role in Title Retention
Becky Lynch’s involvement in assisting Seth Rollins to retain the World Heavyweight Championship added a dramatic twist to the event. Her unexpected alliance with Rollins upset the plans of CM Punk, who had been on the verge of reclaiming the title. The interference created tension among fans and altered the momentum heading into upcoming WWE storylines.
The Potential Impact of AJ Lee’s Return
Should AJ Lee return to WWE, it could signify a major shakeup in the women’s division and the company’s broader narrative arcs. Her previous success and undeniable fan support position her comeback as a highly anticipated moment. CM Punk’s subtle tease has already ignited conversation among fans and analysts, suggesting WWE may be preparing for a significant reintegration of former stars to revitalize interest and storylines.
