AJ Lee Set to End Decade-Long In-Ring Hiatus, Navigating 'Scary' Return at WWE Wrestlepalooza Alongside CM Punk

AJ Lee, a prominent figure in WWE’s Divas division for years, is preparing to step back into the squared circle for the first time in over a decade, a move she openly describes as "scary." The three-time WWE Divas Champion is slated for a high-profile tag team encounter at WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025, an event marking her official in-ring comeback after her last match in March 2015. Her return is particularly notable given her long absence and previous contentment with retirement, underscoring professional wrestling’s enduring mantra of "never say never."

The announcement of Lee’s return electrified the wrestling community, particularly following her appearance on September 5, where she assisted her husband, CM Punk, setting the stage for their anticipated mixed tag team match against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. This bout at Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis represents a significant milestone for Lee, who last competed officially in WWE on March 29, 2015, at WrestleMania 31, teaming with Paige to defeat The Bella Twins. Her retirement, announced shortly thereafter, was attributed to a combination of a permanent cervical spinal injury and the desire to pursue other ventures, though underlying creative frustrations and her husband’s contentious departure from the company were also widely speculated factors.

Speaking to ESPN about her impending return, Lee candidly acknowledged the daunting nature of the challenge. "It’s been 10 years," Lee stated. "I try to stretch as much as I can, but don’t you really know what’s gonna happen when you get out there. But in the same way that does feel kind of scary, and as Becky [Lynch] said, a liability in one way, I think it’s an asset." This sentiment reflects the unique pressures faced by athletes returning to a high-impact sport after an extended period away, where physical conditioning, ring rust, and the evolution of in-ring styles present significant hurdles.

Lee’s career, spanning from her WWE developmental contract in 2009 to her main roster debut in 2011, saw her become a groundbreaking performer in an era often criticized for its treatment of women’s wrestling. Her unique blend of an unconventional character, impressive athleticism, and compelling storytelling helped bridge the gap between the "Divas era" and the burgeoning "Women’s Revolution." She held the Divas Championship for a record-setting 295 days across her three reigns, a testament to her consistent performance and popularity. Her character, often portrayed as an unstable but fiercely determined competitor, resonated with a wide audience and established her as a fan favorite.

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The prospect of Lee rejoining WWE gained considerable traction after CM Punk’s dramatic return to the company at Survivor Series in November 2023. Punk’s reconciliation with WWE, following nearly a decade of animosity after his own acrimonious departure in 2014, opened the door for potential collaborations, including Lee’s. Unlike many former wrestlers who express a desire for one last run, Lee had appeared genuinely content in her post-WWE life. Her only foray back into professional wrestling after her retirement was as an executive producer for the "WOW — Women of Wrestling" reboot, a role that kept her involved in the industry but not as an active competitor.

"It’s sort of been something that was in the air for the past couple of years as an option," Lee explained regarding her return. "However, when I retired, I was very comfortable staying retired, and I felt very complete in my career. I’ve always set out to do something, to embark on a new journey, it has to feel brand new and feel like I’m needed, and it has to feel exciting and kind of scary." This perspective highlights a selective approach to her return, indicating that the opportunity had to be uniquely compelling and personally fulfilling to warrant a comeback.

Her husband, CM Punk, has expressed immense enthusiasm about sharing the ring with her again. "I’m having the time of my life," Punk told the "Pardon My Take" podcast. "I’m like the uber-nerdiest wife guy. I always like to say I try to spend as much time with my wife as I can, and I spend a lot of time with her. And it never feels like it’s enough. So having her be back in this environment with me at work is like a dream come true." Punk’s sentiment underscores the personal significance of this joint return, blending their professional careers with their personal lives in an unprecedented manner within WWE.

Punk also provided insights into Lee’s rigorous preparation for her comeback. "She’s inspirational, honestly. Her willpower, a lot of that’s diet. But she’s also super strong in the gym and she’s, like, lifting heavy weights and busting her ass all the time." This dedication to physical readiness is crucial for any wrestler, but especially for one returning after a decade, mitigating the risks of injury and ensuring she can perform at the high level expected of her. The physical demands of modern professional wrestling have intensified significantly since 2015, requiring peak athletic conditioning.

The choice of opponents for this landmark return adds another layer of intrigue and challenge. Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch are two of WWE’s most decorated and popular active performers. Rollins, a multi-time World Champion and former Universal Champion, is known for his innovative offense and ability to deliver in high-stakes matches. Lynch, a trailblazer in the women’s division, is a Grand Slam Champion and was one-third of the first-ever women’s WrestleMania main event. Her "The Man" persona propelled her to unprecedented levels of popularity, and she remains one of WWE’s top draws. Their combined star power and in-ring prowess ensure that Lee’s return will be scrutinized against the highest competitive standards.

The storyline leading to this mixed tag match began with CM Punk’s re-emergence in WWE, quickly drawing the ire of many, including Rollins, who had publicly criticized Punk during his time outside the company. Lynch, a long-time friend and sometimes rival of Lee, has also been embroiled in various top-tier feuds. Lee’s intervention on September 5, coming to Punk’s aid, directly escalated the rivalry into a mixed tag team scenario, leveraging the real-life relationships and history between all four competitors.

For Wrestlepalooza 2025, this match is positioned as a marquee attraction, blending nostalgia with current-day star power. The event itself, scheduled for Indianapolis, is expected to draw a significant audience, eager to witness Lee’s return and the dynamic between these four prominent figures. The physical and psychological aspects of Lee’s comeback will be under intense observation. The "scary" element she described is not merely about ring rust but also the immense pressure to perform at a level consistent with her past achievements and the elevated standards of today’s WWE women’s division, which has seen a dramatic increase in athleticism and match quality since her departure.

Her return also carries broader implications for WWE’s women’s division. It signals a potential willingness for other retired female stars to consider comebacks, further enriching the talent pool and generating additional fan interest. For Lee herself, this could be a one-off special attraction or the beginning of a more extended run, depending on her physical condition and creative satisfaction. The decision to return, particularly after a decade away, highlights a profound connection to the wrestling industry and a desire to contribute to its current landscape, albeit with a clear understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. The Wrestlepalooza bout will serve as a critical test of her readiness and a defining moment in her already storied career.