Triple H was hilariously replaced by an unexpected name in the backstage area before AJ Lee made her WWE return.
Triple H unveiled footage where he met AJ Lee before SmackDown in Chicago and welcomed her back to the fold. Afterward, the WWE star made her return official by signing a contract with the Chief Content Officer. However, Triple H was noticeably “absent” when the earth-shattering moment went down in Chicago.
This is because Larry, CM Punk’s rescue pooch, took over The Game’s seat at the Gorilla position as The Second City Saint posted on his Instagram story.
Check out Punk’s story below with Larry:
Triple H did not book the show. It was Larry! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/HBarE5FSwg
— Mollie Smith (@Molliestake87) September 6, 2025
In the closing moments of this week’s episode, the Allstate Arena erupted upon the arrival of Lee. It was a can’t-miss moment for the crowd in the Windy City as they chanted “AJ Lee” when she stared at Becky Lynch and made her signature skip around the ring afterward to make her presence felt to The Man.
AJ Lee shared a heartfelt moment with CM Punk on SmackDown
As this week’s episode of SmackDown came to a close, AJ Lee celebrated her long-awaited WWE comeback by hugging her husband, CM Punk, and sharing a kiss in the process. Post-show, she picked up Becky Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship belt and skipped around the ring with it.
The Second City Saint also went down on his knees and watched her wife bask in her glory. He left the ring and clapped as the former women’s champion expressed her elation to the WWE Universe.
FULL VIDEO OF AJ LEE AND CM PUNK AFTER SMACKDOWN WENT OFF THE AIR HANGING OUT WITH THE CROWD ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Xh0Yr9Yr7r
— Teffo (@Teffo_01) September 6, 2025
Afterward, CM Punk and AJ Lee greeted the fans and thanked them for all their support throughout the journey. When they were about to make their exits, the former Divas Champion decided to go back to the ring to celebrate further, and he eventually followed suit.
To close the show, Lee skipped on her way to the backstage area, and Punk couldn’t hide his joy and genuine happiness when the camera focused on him.