CM Punk and AJ Lee are scheduled to face Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza, with speculation mounting around who will join Punk as his partner. This anticipated showdown has drawn attention in part because Becky Lynch recently slapped CM Punk, signaling a brewing conflict and confirming WWE’s plan for a mixed tag team bout.
Becky Lynch’s aggressive move against Punk sets the stage for a rivalry, while Seth Rollins’ involvement intensifies the stakes. As Lynch confronts Punk, it logically follows that AJ Lee could return to align with “The Voice of the Voiceless” for support in this high-profile contest.
Alternate Partner Possibility Raises Questions
Despite the strong possibility of AJ Lee teaming with CM Punk, speculation suggests Wrestlepalooza may feature an unexpected partner instead. Punk is expected to appear on tonight’s SmackDown, which takes place in his hometown, sparking rumors about AJ Lee’s potential return during the event.
However, wrestling commentator Sam Roberts expressed alternative theories on Notsam Wrestling, highlighting WWE’s ongoing narrative development between Punk and Rhea Ripley. Roberts emphasized WWE’s tendency to nurture on-screen relationships when a storyline is forthcoming, hinting that Ripley could be Punk’s Wrestlepalooza ally instead of AJ Lee.
Why are we establishing an on-screen relationship, a friendship between CM Punk and Rhea Ripley? Is there a chance that it’s not AJ Lee at Wrestlepalooza? Is there a chance that it’s CM Punk and Rhea Ripley? … Maybe WWE is trying to throw Rhea Ripley into the mix so that people like us can speculate wildly and start to go, ‘Well, maybe it’s not this, maybe it’s that.’ So, it’s not so clear the direction that it’s going. They present us a road that has multiple forks in it. Maybe it’s a red herring, maybe it’s we think it’s going to be AJ Lee, but just in case it’s not AJ Lee, let’s start building some foundation so it can be Rhea Ripley.
—Sam Roberts, Wrestling Commentator
Adding complexity to the storyline, WWE has recently featured a brief exchange between CM Punk, known as The Best in the World, and Rhea Ripley, nicknamed The Eradicator. This interaction occurred following Becky Lynch’s confrontation with Punk on RAW, planting seeds for various possible directions regarding Punk’s tag team choice.
CM Punk’s Role Beyond the Ring
Alongside his in-ring storylines, CM Punk has recently taken on a mentoring role, offering guidance to WWE’s female talent on handling online harassment. His efforts reflect broader concerns within the wrestling community about social media bullying and the welfare of performers dealing with public scrutiny.
Other Wrestling Developments Echo Through the Industry
While the Wrestlepalooza card draws attention, several notable events are unfolding in both WWE and AEW. AEW is witnessing the return of a star who disappeared for over a year, debuting on Dynamite alongside a major title bout announcement.
Meanwhile, a report has confirmed the surgery timeline for Will Ospreay, updating fans on the AEW star’s recovery status. Additionally, another AEW talent has surpassed expectations by recovering from a serious injury six months ahead of schedule, reshaping timelines in the wrestling world.
Back in WWE, details are emerging about Cody Rhodes’ return to the promotion after his 2016 departure, revealed by Bruce Prichard amid ongoing contract negotiations. Furthermore, Kenny Omega has clarified his upcoming AEW absence, addressing speculation about his time away from the spotlight.
WWE is reportedly preparing to stage another international Premium Live Event, expanding the company’s global footprint. On the AEW side, Mercedes Mone is set to defend her TBS Title at All Out, with two additional matches recently added to the card, increasing excitement for the event.
Wrestlepalooza’s Uncertain Road Ahead
The uncertainty surrounding CM Punk’s potential partner at Wrestlepalooza has fueled intense debate among fans and analysts. Whether AJ Lee returns to team with Punk or Rhea Ripley steps into the role, the storyline promises to maintain suspense leading into the event. WWE’s layered storytelling, featuring multiple possible directions, keeps audiences guessing and amplifies anticipation for tonight’s SmackDown and the Wrestlepalooza main event.
This mystery partner situation is significant because it reflects WWE’s strategy to engage fans through speculation and dynamic character alliances. The outcome will likely impact future programming and feuds, affecting both Punk’s narrative arc and ongoing rivalries with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
