AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently spoke out in favor of AJ Lee’s rumored return to WWE, sharing his thoughts during the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast. Ross lauded Lee’s in-ring prowess and marketability, emphasizing that she’s not just a new face but a well-established draw whose return could reignite fan interest. He said, “It’s not a new star… a star that has certainly built up anticipation for her return… Any star that has name identity, and she has name identity.” Ross also highlighted her athleticism, charisma, and unique presence, calling her “a unique character” and stating he’s “pulling for her.” Wrestling NoticiasITR Wrestling
- Historical Context & Commentary:
- Money on the Line: Potential Mixed Tag Headliner at Wrestlepalooza.
- WWE Shop’s Deleted Tweet Fuels Belief in Return
- Natalya Weighs In: AJ Lee Looks In-Ring Ready
- Sleight of Hand? Analyst Suggests AJ May Be a “Red Herring”
- A Divisive Legacy: AJ’s Relationship with Behind-the-Scenes Culture
- Summary Table: Who Said What?
- Final Thoughts: The Full Picture
Historical Context & Commentary:
By breaking the stereotype of the Divas division as aggressive, witty, and not afraid to express herself, AJ Lee gained attention back in the early 2010s. The statements above highlight the legacy of Ross: not a nostalgia act, but a proven asset. In pro wrestling, someone with a name and a personality will be able to change viewing dynamics, which will initiate a new story interest, and AJ fits exactly that description.
Money on the Line: Potential Mixed Tag Headliner at Wrestlepalooza.
It has been said that the return of AJ Lee is not a cameo. She and her husband, CM Punk, are also reportedly scheduled to be entered into a mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza, presumably against a combination of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
Stat Insight:
Wrestlepalooza is WWE’s first Premium Live Event (PLE) on ESPN, scheduled for September 20, 2025, a launch with maximum visibility. A mixed tag featuring two beloved real-life couples could drive record viewership and social media buzz.
My Take:
Pairing AJ and Punk against Rollins and Lynch isn’t just a match; it’s narrative alchemy. Punk brings his straight-edge intensity; Rollins and Lynch bring star power. AJ’s return would inject emotional weight and mainstream draw, reviving a storied past into fresh drama.
WWE Shop’s Deleted Tweet Fuels Belief in Return
Adding fuel to the fire, the official WWE Shop account on X (formerly Twitter) briefly posted a message referencing “AJ Lee’s return to the ring” and hinted at new merchandise timed with Wrestlepalooza, only to delete it soon after. talkSPORT
Implication:
Merchandise drops often align with official confirmation. That this message was published even briefly hints at internal planning, though the deletion suggests WWE is still controlling the narrative rollout.
Commentary:
In modern wrestling marketing, even a misfired tweet can drive headlines. This blunder allowed fans to engage, speculate, and amplify the return narrative even if WWE prefers to keep the reveal tightly scripted.
Natalya Weighs In: AJ Lee Looks In-Ring Ready
On the Busted Open podcast, WWE veteran Natalya offered her professional take on whether AJ Lee could physically perform if she returns. She replied confidently: “I think yes. I think she will be able to go… I saw a picture of her a couple of months ago. She looked jacked.” Natalya suggested AJ would have the emotional drive to step back in the ring, especially if it meant standing up for Punk. SEScoops
Analysis:
AJ retired in 2015 primarily due to cervical spine issues. That someone like Natalya, with deep wrestling experience, vouches for her readiness raises credibility. It amplifies the emotional stakes. Comebacks are not just about storylines; they’re about healing and defying limitations.
Sleight of Hand? Analyst Suggests AJ May Be a “Red Herring”
Wrestling analyst Sam Roberts offered an alternate theory on his Notsam Wrestling podcast: he speculates AJ Lee might be a deliberate “red herring,” a misdirection possibly to pivot fans’ expectations toward Rhea Ripley instead. Roberts highlighted a recent RAW segment teasing a friendly dynamic between CM Punk and Ripley, querying: “Is it… CM Punk and Rhea Ripley [at Wrestlepalooza]?” He suggested WWE may be building multiple possible branches depending on how storylines evolve. Wrestling Noticias
Context & Take:
WWE often thrives on ambiguity, drawing viewers in with one direction before pivoting to another. If AJ’s return is real, this speculation adds depth and fear of disappointment. If not, WWE can pivot to Ripley seamlessly.
A Divisive Legacy: AJ’s Relationship with Behind-the-Scenes Culture
Not all fandom is unanimous. Veteran manager Dutch Mantell recently claimed AJ Lee wasn’t warmly received backstage: her audacious demeanor, refusal to fall in line, and strong personality allegedly rubbed colleagues the wrong way. Mantell described her as a “heat-seeking magnet” whose bold presence transcended on-camera storylines. Still, he acknowledged her undeniable impact, noting her nearly 300-day+ Divas Championship reign, a landmark run. Wrestling World
Reflection:
AJ Lee wasn’t built for comfort; she was built for ripple effects. Her backstage reputation speaks volumes about her unapologetic brand. In wrestling, that polarizing quality often translates to memorable characters and sometimes storyline inspiration.
Summary Table: Who Said What?
| Voice | Key Quote / Insight |
|---|---|
| Jim Ross | Hopes AJ’s return gives WWE some “name identity”… “Anything new and significant… good for pro wrestling.” |
| Natalya | Believes AJ looks physically ready. “She looked jacked.” |
| Sam Roberts | Revealed, AJ was unpopular behind the curtain “heat-seeking magnet” yet impactful. |
| Dutch Mantell | Revealed, AJ was unpopular behind the curtain “heat-seeking magnet” yet impactful. |
Final Thoughts: The Full Picture
AJ Lee’s potential return to WWE carries multi-layered significance:
- An effective Nostalgia Moment: She is more than a returning nostalgia; she is an established attraction with in-ring credibility and personality.
- Main Event Potential: A CM Punk and Rollins/Lynch mixed tag on ESPN during Wrestlepalooza is story gold.
- Peer credibility: When other voices, such as Ross and Nataly, provide positive support, it lends credibility.
- Marketing Drama: The post that WWE Shop deleted shows internal momentum- even though WWE is controlling the reveal.
- Potential Misdirection: The theory by Sam Roberts reveals the way in which wrestling flourishes on a stratified narrative.
- Complicated Legacy: AJ’s divisive personality may add realism and texture to her return storyline.
Whether AJ Lee steps back into the ring on September 20, 2025, remains unconfirmed, though the stars are aligning and fans are primed for history to potentially repeat with added fire.
