Introduction
For nearly a decade, AJ Lee real name AJ Mendez has remained one of the most talked about figures in professional wrestling, despite stepping away from the ring in 2015. Her impact on WWE’s women’s division is undeniable, and her absence continues to leave fans asking one question: will AJ Lee return? With CM Punk, her husband, back in WWE, and names like Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins dominating storylines, speculation is hotter than ever about whether AJ Lee is preparing for a comeback.
Who Is AJ Lee? A Quick Look Back
AJ Mendez, known to millions as AJ Lee, was one of WWE’s most dynamic performers in the early 2010s. With her trademark black Converse sneakers, sharp promos, and fearless in-ring style, she broke through in an era when women were still fighting for meaningful storylines. Between 2011 and 2015, she became a three-time WWE Divas Champion, held the title for a record-setting 295 days, and carved out a legacy as one of the most influential female wrestlers of her generation.
Her storylines with top names like John Cena, CM Punk, and Daniel Bryan were some of the most-watched segments on WWE television. Fans loved her unpredictable, rebellious character that blurred the line between reality and fiction. When she retired in 2015, citing injuries and personal reasons, it left a gap that WWE struggled to fill until the Women’s Revolution kicked into full gear.
CM Punk’s WWE Return Reignites Speculation
The conversation about AJ Lee’s WWE return intensified when CM Punk made his surprise comeback to the company in late 2023. Punk’s reappearance after nearly a decade away sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. If Punk could return after years of personal and professional differences with WWE, fans argue, why not AJ Lee?
Every appearance by Punk has fueled chants of “AJ Lee!” in arenas across the country. Many wonder if WWE is saving her for a shock return in a major storyline alongside her husband, much like Edge and Beth Phoenix teamed up in the past.
Becky Lynch and the Women’s Division Today
The women’s roster AJ Lee would return to looks very different from the one she left behind. Superstars like Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley have headlined WrestleMania, proving that women’s wrestling is now a top draw. Becky Lynch, in particular, has been vocal about her admiration for AJ Lee’s influence.
In interviews, Lynch has noted how AJ Lee paved the way for today’s performers by insisting on better storylines and showing that women could be central figures on weekly television. A match between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee is one of the most requested fantasy bookings among fans. It represents a generational clash between the woman who helped start the movement and the one who carried it to new heights.
Seth Rollins Connection
Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch’s husband, adds another intriguing layer. Rollins and CM Punk have a complicated history both on-screen and off. If WWE were to weave AJ Lee into a storyline involving Punk, Becky, and Seth, the potential for drama would be massive. Wrestling thrives on real-life tension spilling into storylines, and a feud that mixes these four names could headline any major event.
What Has AJ Lee Been Doing Since WWE?
Since leaving WWE, AJ Mendez has built a successful career outside the ring. She became a New York Times bestselling author with her memoir Crazy Is My Superpower, which chronicled her journey from poverty to wrestling stardom and her struggles with mental health. She has also worked as a screenwriter, producer, and mental health advocate.
In 2021, AJ Lee returned to wrestling in a non-wrestling capacity when she joined Women of Wrestling (WOW) as an executive producer and color commentator. While she made it clear she was not planning an in-ring return at that time, her involvement in WOW showed that her passion for wrestling never truly faded.
Did AJ Lee Return to WWE? Current Status
As of September 2025, AJ Lee has not officially returned to WWE. However, multiple reports suggest the company has made overtures, especially given the buzz surrounding CM Punk’s storylines. While no deal has been confirmed, insiders note that WWE is “very interested” in bringing AJ back, even for a limited run.
The timing would make sense. WWE is building toward WrestleMania season, where surprise returns and dream matches drive ticket sales and streaming numbers. An AJ Lee appearance whether in the Royal Rumble or in a high-profile storyline would generate headlines worldwide.
Possible Storylines for an AJ Lee WWE Return
- AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch: A generational dream match between two of the most influential women in WWE history.
- Tag Team with CM Punk: WWE could use real-life husband-and-wife dynamics in a storyline, similar to Edge and Beth Phoenix.
- Faction War: AJ Lee aligning with Punk against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch could ignite one of WWE’s biggest storylines.
- Mentor Role: Even if she doesn’t wrestle full time, AJ Lee could appear as a mentor or manager for younger talent.
Why Fans Still Want Her Back
AJ Lee represents unfinished business in WWE. Her career ended abruptly, leaving fans to wonder what more she could have achieved if she had stayed. The women’s division has grown significantly since then, but many still view her as a trailblazer who deserves one last run under the brighter spotlight of today’s era.
Social media trends show how much anticipation remains. Every time CM Punk wrestles, AJ Lee’s name trends on X (formerly Twitter). Hashtags like #AJLeeReturn and #ThankYouAJ spike whenever rumors surface.
Obstacles to a Return
Of course, a comeback isn’t guaranteed. AJ Lee retired due to injuries, including issues with her cervical spine. While she has not disclosed whether she’s been medically cleared, WWE is cautious about putting talent at risk. Additionally, her successful career outside of wrestling may mean she has little incentive to step back into the ring full-time.
Conclusion
As of now, AJ Lee remains retired, but the possibility of a return has never felt more real. With CM Punk back in WWE, Becky Lynch at the top of the women’s division, and Seth Rollins constantly involved in headline storylines, the stage is set for a potential comeback that would shake the wrestling world.
Whether she appears in the Royal Rumble, makes a surprise return on Raw, or chooses to stay in her role behind the scenes, AJ Lee’s legacy is already secure. But for fans, the hope of seeing her lace up her boots again remains alive and in professional wrestling, anything can happen.
