Just days before AJ Lee’s return at WWE Wrestlepalooza on ESPN, Paul Heyman openly criticized her performance and legacy. Lee came back to WWE to support CM Punk against the dominant duo of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. Following Punk’s thwarted attempt to claim the World Title from Rollins at Clash in Paris, The Man aggressively confronted Punk on subsequent RAW and SmackDown episodes, repeatedly slapping him without facing retaliation.
Unexpectedly for Becky Lynch, AJ Lee reemerged, launched an attack on her, and challenged them to a Mixed Tag Team match at Wrestlepalooza. This set the stage for Lee’s first in-ring appearance since her 2015 retirement, raising anticipation about how she will perform.
Heyman Compares AJ Lee’s WWE Career with Becky Lynch’s Accomplishments
Although AJ Lee’s WWE career was relatively brief, she made a lasting impact, holding the Divas Championship three times and engaging in significant storylines alongside major figures like Bryan Danielson (formerly Daniel Bryan), John Cena, and CM Punk, to whom she is married. On the recent show First Take, Paul Heyman addressed Lee’s involvement in the rivalry between CM Punk and Seth Rollins.
Heyman contrasted Lee’s career with that of Becky Lynch, emphasizing Lynch’s historic place as the first woman to main event WrestleMania — not only headlining the event but also securing the victory against high-profile opponents such as Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair in 2019. Heyman implied that Lee’s achievements fell short of Lynch’s legacy.
To be very honest with you, I don’t think AJ Lee is in the league of the greatest woman’s wrestler of all time, Becky Lynch. The first woman to ever main event WrestleMania and win. By the way, she won the match. Didn’t just main event it. She she won the match against Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair. I think it should simply be Seth Rollins versus CM Punk and the loser keeps AJ Lee,” Paul Heyman stated.
Mixed Tag Team Showdown at Wrestlepalooza Brings Uncertainty
The upcoming Mixed Tag Team bout at Wrestlepalooza marks AJ Lee’s first in-ring action since her hiatus nearly a decade ago. The matchup is receiving attention as it places Lee alongside CM Punk against the team of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. Lynch herself acknowledged the situation during a promo on RAW this week, which ended with a surprising turn of events.
This clash is significant not only for its narrative implications but also because it highlights contrasting legacies within WWE’s women’s division. The outcome could reshape perceptions of both AJ Lee’s career and her current abilities after a lengthy absence. WWE fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these storylines evolve.
“To be very honest with you, I don't think AJ Lee is in the league of the greatest woman's wrestle of all time, Becky Lynch. The first woman to ever main event WrestleMania and win. By the way, she won the match. Didn't just main event it. She she won the match against Ronda… pic.twitter.com/pO14h6e3km
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) September 16, 2025
