The wrestling fraternity is buzzing with AJ Lee’s WWE return after a decade. The former Divas Champion was announced as CM Punk’s backup to deal with his Becky Lynch problem.
After AJ Lee charged at Becky Lynch and attacked her, the Women’s Intercontinental Champion scrambled to get out of the ring. In doing so, she left behind her title, which Lee gleefully picked up and skipped around the ring as the crowd roared.
Backstage, Triple H shared a picture with AJ Lee after her WWE return with his signature point gesture. He captioned it with a heartfelt title saying she was always welcome home.
You can always come home…Welcome back @TheAJMendez!”
You can always come home…Welcome back @TheAJMendez! pic.twitter.com/NDPNKQVCj4
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 6, 2025
John Cena Hinted at AJ Lee’s Return Earlier in the Night on SmackDown
The latest edition of the blue brand was hosted at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, which is CM Punk’s hometown.
John Cena kicked off the show as it was his final appearance on SmackDown in his retirement tour. Fans rooted for him and soon started chanting for AJ Lee. The Cenation Leader acknowledged their cheers and responded that SmackDown was indeed going to be an exciting one.
Cena was interrupted by Sami Zayn, the United States Champion, who issued a challenge to him. This was a full-circle moment as Zayn thanked the WWE veteran for giving him his very first match on the main roster in 2015.
John Cena accepted and fought in a match right then and there. The fight was disrupted by Brock Lesnar’s return as he was focused on Cena. He attacked both competitors and made his exit.
Later, WWE confirmed that John Cena will face his rival from his past at Wrestlepalooza, marking the first feud confirmed for the PLE.
Damian Priest and Aleister Black collided in a singles match. Priest did not seem up to the mark, while Black knocked him out for the win. Michin competed with Giulia for the Women’s US Championship which she retained with some help from Kiana James.