WWE Universe Goes Berserk as AJ Lee Returns to SmackDown After 10-Year Absence

WWE stars like Triple H, Bayley and Naomi reacted to AJ Lee's shocking return to the promotion after 3812 days.

WWE Universe Goes Berserk as AJ Lee Returns to SmackDown After 10-Year Absence

AJ Lee (via WWE YouTube)

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After 3,812 days, AJ Lee has finally returned to WWE. The former Divas Champion made her shocking comeback on the September 5 episode of SmackDown, stepping back into the spotlight in her hometown of Chicago. Lee retired in 2015, shortly after WrestleMania 31, citing injuries and the fact that she had already achieved her goals.

Ever since, fans have been calling for her return, especially after CM Punk rejoined the company in 2023. On Friday night, Punk once again found himself targeted by Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch. While Punk insisted his issues were only with Seth Rollins, Lynch refused to back down. That’s when her iconic music hit, and Lee appeared, skipping her way to the ring with that familiar mischievous smile.

The crowd erupted as Lee confronted Lynch, who looked like she had seen a ghost. After soaking in the deafening ovation, Lee unleashed on ‘The Man,’ forcing her to retreat. In a symbolic moment, she picked up the Women’s IC title belt that Lynch had dropped, teasing her own championship ambitions.

Moreover, the night ended with Lee celebrating in the ring alongside Punk, closing out a chaotic SmackDown with a heartfelt embrace. With Lee officially back, fans are now buzzing about a potential mixed tag showdown at Wrestlepalooza, where John Cena and Brock Lesnar are already set to collide. 

WWE stars like Naomi, Bayley, and Triple H react to AJ Lee’s monumental return

Upon her return, AJ Lee wasted no time targeting Becky Lynch and sent the Irishwoman retreating. The wrestling world exploded with excitement. Social media lit up instantly with multiple trending hashtags, as fans and stars alike welcomed Lee back after a decade away.

CM Punk and AJ lee closing SmackDown
CM Punk and AJ lee closing SmackDown (via WWE YouTube)

Current and former WWE superstars also joined the celebration. Punk’s allies, Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade, shared their joy online, while big names like Naomi, Triple H, and Bayley praised Lee’s triumphant return to the company. Check out their reactions below. 

Triple H’s reaction carried special weight, as he has now orchestrated the WWE comebacks of two stars fans once thought were gone forever. Punk’s shocking return at Survivor Series 2023 in Chicago was unforgettable, and nearly two years later, AJ Lee’s homecoming feels just as monumental.

The WWE COO even shared a backstage video after SmackDown went off the air, showing Lee officially signing her new contract before making her entrance. Reports indicate this won’t be a one-off appearance. While the exact details of her deal remain under wraps, Lee is expected to make multiple appearances, setting the stage for long-awaited dream matches in the months ahead.

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