CM Punk fuels AJ Lee’s return rumours following controversial loss in Paris
WWE’s Clash in Paris came complete with fireworks and not just of the explosive kind in the ring. Opening night headliner CM Punk was given a bitter defeat in the Fatal Four-Way World Heavyweight Championship match against Seth Rollins.
Completing the field were crowd pleasers Jey Uso and LA Knight, but it was the finish that will have everyone talking.
CM Punk Hints at Possible Return of AJ Lee to the Ring
Things had appeared to be going Punk’s way. With Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker removed from the building following brutal attacks on Roman Reigns, momentum had for a moment appeared to swing in Punk’s direction. But WWE watchers well know things can change in the time it takes to blink an eye.
The moment came when Becky Lynch, Rollins’ wife, appeared out of nowhere. A swift low blow on Punk left everyone agape and gave Rollins the window of opportunity to maintain the title. The sabotage, caught on camera and now everywhere, shocked the arena and the WWE Universe.
And the real buzz came a few moments later.
As Punk ascended the ramp, battered but unbowed, he paused. One sign held by a supporter caught his attention: “CM Punk bring back AJ Lee.” He paused, looked at it, and asked to be given the sign. And then the expression—a one that dared suggest, maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t so harebrained after all.
His brief reply, recorded on a now very-shared video clip, set social media ablaze.
Later in the evening of that night, Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp fueled the speculation further, reporting: “We can’t verify an AJ Lee return is on the books, but WWE sources indicated there has been more activity on it recently than there was in recent years.”
WWE has shopped AJ’s name in a number of innovative talks in recent times, according to The Takedown in Sports Illustrated. There is momentum building backstage, though word of official endorsement is yet to be heard.
CM Punk holding a “Bring back AJ Lee” sign during the #WWEClash post show pic.twitter.com/5UlwDTp5KJ
— Teffo (@Teffo_01) August 31, 2025
A Look Back at AJ Lee’s WWE Journey
38-year-old AJ Lee hasn’t stepped into the ring since her retirement back in 2015, yet her legacy lingers on.
She is a three-time WWE Divas Champion and was initially well-known after she appeared on NXT back in 2010. Although she was defeated by Kaitlyn, AJ was impressive enough to have been offered a WWE contract and debuted in the year that followed.
During the process, she engaged in a feud with other mainstream contenders like Paige and was caught up in soap-operatic scenarios with John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Kane, and Dolph Ziggler. Her attitude and in-your-face ring style earned her a loyal fan base.
No Ring-Readiness Problems
Interestingly, Ross Sapp also noted that WWE has no lingering doubts about AJ’s ring-readiness despite her decade-long hiatus. Physically, she appears capable. Whether she wants to lace up the boots again, though, remains her choice.
A silent exchange with a fan sign and a subtle expression from Punk have ignited serious buzz about AJ Lee’s comeback. Could WWE’s most beloved couple reunite under the bright lights once again?
With the chants of the fans growing and WWE seeming open to the idea, timing could not be better. CM Punk’s defeat, abetted by Rollins’ wife, has everyone itching for AJ Lee to exact revenge. A mixed-tag angle? A return bout? Back full-time?
Nothing’s official—yet—but that’s wrestling. Anything can happen.
