When CM Punk made his return to WWE in 2023, the wrestling fandom was shocked beyond belief. After all, we all witnessed him walk out and lambast leadership in a company that did not appreciate him for the firebrand he was at that time. Though there were many people who saw his return as a desperate money grab after being ousted by All Elite Wrestling, his journey as a grizzled veteran during the Triple H era has been filled with wrongs made right, enthralling feuds, and WrestleMania main event dreams being realized. One could say that Punk returned to his first star-making love.
But in speaking of love, there is an inevitability that lies with our beloved "Best in the World": wherever he goes, his better half is always mentioned. The fandom has been clamoring for an AJ Mendez (FKA AJ Lee) return for years, and it reached a fever pitch on the road to the Royal Rumble and Evolution. Now we are in the aftermath of Clash in Paris, and the loudest name that was chanted in the craziness of Seth Rollins's screw job over Punk with Women's Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch was AJ's. With the return of AJ Lee seemingly on the horizon this week, it not only adds further personal intrigue to the battle of Rollins and Punk. It also breathes new life into a women's division that was built on her unsung foundation. Let's explore the possibilities of a fresh AJ Lee run.
Exposure to New Wrestling Fans
AJ Lee's name and likeness were invoked during CM Punk's high-profile feud with Drew McIntyre in 2024. As the Scottish psychopath sought to destroy the Chicago hero's goals, he used a fan-made friendship bracelet with her and their dog Larry's name on it to torture Punk on an emotional level. As newer fans have joined the wrestling community, they may only know the entity of AJ as CM Punk's wife, whom he passionately champions at times. They may not have witnessed her unconventional rise from small valet to formidable champion that challenged the norms of the then-Divas division or her fun flirtations with Bryan Danielson (FKA Daniel Bryan), WWE Hall of Famer Kane, and John Cena. They also would not have witnessed how she represented unconventional beauty and nerdy interests during a time in which women were only expected to be model hot and fight over minuscule issues on screen.
If AJ Lee's return is on the horizon, the current wrestling fandom can fall in love with her. Seeing an evolved version of Lee in a WWE that would be more accepting of a multi-layered women's wrestling star like her would be a culmination of what the women's evolution is about. Female viewers would see a star who is well-versed in her craft and full of charisma that fits any era of entertainment. They would also feel connected to a woman who is open about her nerdy interests and struggles with mental health. AJ's presence in WWE would truly enthrall the current fanbase.
Adding More Legitimacy to the Women's Intercontinental Championship
A common complaint about WWE's women's division is that there is not enough effort being put behind feuds that are centered on the Women's United States and Intercontinental championships. The creation of these titles was supposed to create more opportunity for other women who were not in the larger championship pictures, but it seems that they are treated as more of an afterthought at times. If these titles are meant to be perceived as equal to their male equivalents, there needs to be more of an effort to legitimize them with more time and substantial feuds. With AJ Lee's return, we could see just that. Becky Lynch has not only disrespected AJ's husband in the name of World Heavyweight Champion Seth Freakin' Rollins's name. She has also placed an even larger target on her back.
The second-longest reigning Divas Champion and New York Times bestselling author could join Punk's crusade of dethroning Rollins by also taking the gold away from Lynch. With that type of spiteful feud, the Women's Intercontinental title picture could reach new heights as two of the best women from their eras could clash in an epic showdown. Plus, Lee could fight for a championship that did not exist during her initial run. The history of the Women's Intercontinental title is off to a great start, but a Lee versus Lynch battle could send its journey into legendary status.
Filling The Absences of the Women's Division's Biggest Stars
If AJ Lee is on her way home to WWE, she would be returning to a women's division that has been missing star power through circumstances beyond the company's control. Since April, Bianca Bel Air has been recovering from a broken hand sustained during her incredible performance at WrestleMania against Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. The Judgment Day's Liv Morgan suffered a separated shoulder during a match on Raw against Kairi Sane in June. Then after winning the Money in the Bank briefcase, fighting Jade Cargill in a No Holds Barred match and cashing in on Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky to become the Women's World Champion at Evolution and retaining at SummerSlam, Naomi had to relinquish the title due to being pregnant with her first child.
With the loss of so much talent, various stories have been prolonged and replaced with other stars like Nia Jax or Roxanne Perez. But AJ Lee's arrival could shake things up and fill the void that has been empty for a while. It can be argued that the small but fierce veteran embodies the cagey nature of Naomi, the allure of Liv Morgan and the undeniable excellence of Bianca Bel Air. Her essence could bring another welcome challenge to a division of newer stars seeking to make their name in a new age. Imagine Lee feuding with Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Zelina Vega or newcomer Kiana James. Or even causing chaos in NXT or TNA with those ladies. The creative possibilities are endless. Our favorite Black Widow could be around the corner! Are you ready to let love bite you again?