AJ Lee Returns to WWE After 10 Years on SmackDown | Watch

The waiting is finally over AJ Lee is officially back in WWE. The former Divas Champion returned on the long-awaited occasion during last night's episode of SmackDown in Chicago, marking a decade since she was last in the squared circle. She appeared as a surprise during the main event piece between Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, immediately causing the audience to go wild.

The rumors had been circulating for weeks about Lee's return, particularly after Becky Lynch caused CM Punk to lose the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Paris. Those rumors were laid to rest as Lee appeared in the ring with her husband Punk, laying down the gauntlet for a blockbuster bout at Wrestlepalozaa on September 20.

CM Punk and AJ Lee vs. Rollins and Lynch in the Works

The SmackDown main event ratcheted up when Becky Lynch, flanked by Seth Rollins, taunted both CM Punk and the Chicago people. Punk disrupted, calling Rollins a coward and cautioning Lynch to get out of the way. Hostilities finally boiled over when Lynch slapped Punk in the face. Soon after, Lee's signature entrance music 'Light It Up' echoed throughout the arena, affirming her highly anticipated return.

Lee entered the ring to a thunderous ovation and launched a surprise attack on Lynch, leaving “The Man” and Rollins visibly shaken. After 3,800 days away, Lee’s in-ring return not only electrified fans but also cemented her partnership with Punk against one of WWE’s most dominant power couples.

Brock Lesnar Crashes SmackDown Opener

While Lee's return was the big steal, the evening also held another surprise. The evening began with Sami Zayn defending his U.S. Title against John Cena in what was billed as an instant classic. But Brock Lesnar made his presence felt when he broke up the match, assaulted both men, and stormed off to the next ring. WWE never blinked at approving a headliner between Lesnar and Cena for Wrestlepalozaa.

Road to Wrestlepalozaa Heats Up

With AJ Lee officially back, WWE’s road to Wrestlepalozaa has gained major momentum. A mixed tag team clash between Punk & Lee and Rollins & Lynch now looms large as one of the most anticipated bouts of the year. Lee’s emotional return, coupled with the ongoing rivalries of Punk and Rollins, promises high drama when WWE heads to the September 20 spectacle.

To Chicagoans and beyond, SmackDown 2025 will be the night that AJ Lee finally returned home.