As WWE moves closer to WrestleMania 42, the lineup for the two-night event is gradually being finalized. After the 2026 Royal Rumble, Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns secured their spots, enhancing anticipation for the Grandest Stage of Them All. Despite some matches remaining under wraps, plans for surprising bouts are reportedly underway.
Unexpected Intercontinental Championship Match Between AJ Lee and Becky Lynch
Though WWE has not actively developed a rivalry between AJ Lee and Becky Lynch since WarGames, an Intercontinental Championship match between the two is set for WrestleMania 42. Industry insider Dave Meltzer confirmed this news, saying,
Lynch vs. AJ Lee for the IC title had been scheduled on the show, and at last word was still scheduled. Lee wasn’t in the Rumble, but it would have served no purpose for her to be in it.
— Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
AJ Lee, whose real name is April Brooks, is a retired wrestler known for her previous WWE tenure, while Becky Lynch has been a mainstay and fan favorite. Their sudden championship clash has caught many by surprise but adds an intriguing dynamic to the event’s card.
CM Punk Shares His Thoughts on AJ Lee’s Return
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk recently spoke to Complex News about AJ Lee’s comeback and the excitement around it. He expressed deep admiration and enthusiasm for the moment, stating,
I don’t have the words to explain exactly how enjoyable all that was for me. You know, like I’m her biggest fan. So to have a front row seat literally for her return, and you know, to help kind of put it all together behind the scenes, and the anticipation, like knowing it was going to happen, and just knowing like how great it was going to be, and what an amazing moment it was going to be. Yeah. Um time of my life 100%. Like, I selfishly want to tag with her more, you know, like it feels like that might have been a one-off, but I don’t know. We’ll have to see.
— CM Punk, World Heavyweight Champion
He also reflected on the storytelling leading up to AJ Lee’s return, adding,
Well, I mean, you know, we did it properly. We did it the right way. there was there was breadcrumbs to follow and sometimes, you know, doing the obvious thing and giving the fans what they want is the right thing to do.
— CM Punk, World Heavyweight Champion
Anticipation Builds as WrestleMania 42 Nears
The unexpected announcement of the AJ Lee versus Becky Lynch match for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship adds a fresh layer of intrigue to WrestleMania 42, bolstering WWE’s efforts to deliver unforgettable moments. With Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan already confirmed, fans eagerly await additional major match reveals.
As the event draws closer, the inclusion of this surprise match could impact storylines significantly, especially if AJ Lee makes a full-fledged return to WWE. The potential for new rivalries and alliances at WrestleMania 42 underscores the event’s standing as WWE’s showcase extravaganza, and further updates are expected soon.
