Tag: AJ Lee

Triple H Posts Footage Of AJ Lee Signing New WWE Contract Before SmackDown Return

WWE fans in Chicago got the surprise they’d been waiting on for years last night—though most of them probably saw it coming. AJ Lee officially returned on SmackDown, stepping in to help her husband CM Punk when Becky Lynch tried to take him out in the main event segment.

From the second the show kicked off, chants of “AJ Lee” echoed through the arena, and it didn’t take long for those rumors to become reality. Between the Chicago setting and the Punk/Lynch confrontation being saved for the main event, all the signs were there that WWE had something big up their sleeve.

Adding to the excitement, Triple H took to social media after the show, posting a video of Lee signing her brand-new WWE contract just hours before walking back through the curtain. In the clip, AJ is dressed head-to-toe in black to keep her return under wraps, sharing a quick moment with The Game where she expressed how happy she was to be back in the fold.

Now that she’s officially on the roster, speculation is already heating up about her in-ring future. The leading rumor points toward a blockbuster mixed tag match: AJ Lee & CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins at the upcoming WrestlePalooza, the first-ever ESPN and WWE crossover event. That would not only pit two of wrestling’s most prominent real-life couples against each other, but it would also mark AJ and Becky’s first-ever showdown—something fans never thought they’d see given how their WWE careers never overlapped.

Beyond the dream-match possibilities, AJ’s return carries plenty of emotional weight. The former Divas Champion was a trailblazer for WWE’s women’s division, inspiring a generation of wrestlers who now fill out today’s roster. Seeing her share the ring with those she helped influence will be a full-circle moment that could reshape the women’s scene moving forward.

One thing’s for sure—AJ Lee being back in WWE is a game-changer, and if last night’s reaction in Chicago is any indication, the fans couldn’t be more ready for it.

AJ Lee Returns to WWE in Chicago, Aligns With Her Husband CM Punk Against Rollins & Lynch

WWE fans in Chicago witnessed a moment many thought they’d never see again — AJ Lee is back. After more than a decade away from the company, the former Divas Champion shocked the wrestling world with a surprise return on the September 5 edition of Friday Night SmackDown.

The stage was set in the main event segment, where World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins introduced his wife, Becky Lynch. “The Man” wasted no time trashing CM Punk and his hometown, drawing the expected chorus of boos. The Chicago crowd, however, had other plans, drowning out Lynch with loud chants for AJ Lee.

That’s when business picked up. Punk came out to confront Lynch directly, branding Rollins a coward for “hiding behind his wife.” After a heated exchange, Lynch slapped Punk across the face, prompting him to fire back with a pointed line: while he’d never hit a woman, he knew someone who would.

Right on cue, the familiar music of AJ Lee hit to a massive ovation. Sprinting to the ring, Lee laid out Lynch with a spear and a rapid-fire flurry of offense before sending her retreating up the ramp. The emotional reunion of Punk and AJ in the ring closed out the show, as Rollins and Lynch fumed from the stage.

This shocking return all but solidifies WWE’s rumored plans for a blockbuster mixed tag team clash. AJ Lee & CM Punk are now on a collision course with Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch at WrestlePalooza on September 20. The feud stems back to Clash in Paris, where Lynch cost Punk the World Heavyweight Championship by interfering on Rollins’ behalf. AJ’s return evens the odds and injects major star power into one of WWE’s hottest storylines.

For fans who have been waiting years to see AJ Lee back inside a WWE ring, the moment finally came — and it couldn’t have happened in a more fitting city than Chicago.

Report: AJ Lee Set For WWE Return, Possible Tag Match With CM Punk At WrestlePalooza

It looks like the long-awaited return of AJ Lee is finally on the horizon. Nearly a decade after her WWE retirement, the former Divas Champion is rumored to be lacing up the boots again—this time teaming with her husband, CM Punk, at the upcoming WrestlePalooza event.

According to Fightful Select, WWE has penciled in Lee’s comeback for September 20, when the company launches its first premium live event on ESPN’s new streaming platform. Sources indicate her on-screen return is “imminent.”

Speculation caught fire this past weekend at Clash in Paris when Becky Lynch got involved in Seth Rollins’ World Heavyweight Championship match, delivering a low blow to Punk. Things escalated further on Raw, where Punk warned Lynch she’d “regret putting her hands on him.” That storyline direction points strongly toward a mixed tag showdown: Punk and Lee vs. Rollins and Lynch at WrestlePalooza.

Wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez also backed up the report, noting WWE has indeed been planning the match. Fightful added that creative pitches for AJ’s return have been floating around for some time. Punk himself hinted at something brewing when he teased GM Adam Pearce on Raw about this week’s SmackDown being in Chicago—the couple’s hometown.

Perhaps the biggest note: insiders stress that Lee’s comeback might not be a one-time deal. WWE reportedly has bigger hopes for her beyond WrestlePalooza. While many on the roster haven’t seen AJ since her 2015 exit, there’s no bad blood between her and the company, and word is several of today’s top female stars—who grew up as AJ fans—are thrilled about the possibility of finally sharing the ring with her.

If the reports hold true, WrestlePalooza could mark one of the most talked-about WWE returns in years.

Rumors Heat Up on AJ Lee’s Possible WWE Comeback After Clash in Paris

The closing moments of WWE’s Clash in Paris have fans buzzing—not just about the World Heavyweight Championship match, but about the potential return of one of the most beloved stars of the last decade: AJ Lee.

The speculation picked up after Seth Rollins, with an assist from his wife Becky Lynch, targeted CM Punk in the show’s final angle. Given the history, it didn’t take long for fans to start connecting the dots and wondering if Punk’s real-life wife could be next to step back into a WWE ring.

According to Fightful Select, WWE’s creative team has recently floated multiple ideas involving Lee, and unlike years past, higher-ups reportedly haven’t been quick to shoot them down. Some inside the company even admitted they hoped that the whispers following the Paris event meant there was something real in the works. Still, there’s no confirmation that a deal—or even serious talks—are happening just yet.

What’s interesting is that WWE apparently isn’t concerned about AJ’s long absence from the ring. Insiders say she still looks just like she did during her 2015 run, and with Punk himself proving you can return after a long layoff, any concerns seem minimal. Her only recent in-ring activity came during filming of the wrestling drama Heels, where she surprised herself by quickly regaining her rhythm.

That said, AJ has been vocal in the past about not wanting to wrestle again. Even during her involvement with WOW Women of Wrestling, she stayed strictly behind the scenes, declining opportunities to lace up the boots. But the intrigue remains—especially with stars in both WWE and AEW reportedly urging Punk to convince her to come back.

For now, the only thing certain is that WWE reignited speculation with the way Clash in Paris ended. Rollins and Lynch’s reunion—helping him retain the World Heavyweight Championship by taking out Punk—was their first on-screen alliance since 2019. Whether that shocking moment sets the stage for AJ Lee’s return remains to be seen, but it’s clear WWE fans are more hopeful than ever.

AJ Mendez Makes Big Announcement Regarding WOW’s TV Return

AJ Mendez is coming back in a big way with Women Of Wrestling.

The former AJ Lee in WWE is the executive producer and color commentator for the promotion with origins to GLOW and she was the figurehead to speak on behalf of the company’s return to television with a video announcement. Mendez notes that the promotion will return to television on September 17 under the Paramount/CBS banner. Full details and information are below:

WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING, the world’s premier all-female sports entertainment entity, today revealed its new key art and announced that the series will premiere nationwide the weekend of Sept. 17. WOW, the only all-female wrestling organization with a global TV footprint, will be available in syndication via Paramount Global Content Distribution, marking the largest-ever distribution deal in the history of women’s wrestling.

WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING has been cleared in 100% of the U.S. including the following station groups: CBS-owned-and-operated stations, Sinclair Communications, Nexstar Broadcasting, Hearst Television, TEGNA Media, Weigel Broadcasting, Gray Media and Cox Television. Internationally, the show has also already been licensed in Canada (CHCH and CHEK), Australia (10 Play) and Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (MOLA), with more to come.

WOW is owned by trailblazing sports executive Jeanie Buss and was created by David McLane, founder of the original GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Global professional wrestling superstar, screenwriter, mental health advocate and New York Times bestselling author AJ Mendez serves as executive producer and color commentator.

“From sports to politics to business and beyond, women’s voices are being heard louder than ever, and the Superheroes of WOW couldn’t be more excited to step into the ring on Sept. 17 and join this revolution,” said WOW owner Jeanie Buss. “We’re grateful to our partners at Paramount Global Content Distribution for providing a platform for these inspiring athletes.”

“The Superheroes of WOW have come from all walks of life to prove who’s the best, and are eager to show the world what’s been missing for years from women’s professional wrestling,” said WOW creator David McLane.

“We can’t wait to share the thrilling sports entertainment experience of WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING with a wider audience,” says Dan Cohen, chief content licensing officer at Paramount Global. “We know viewers will be inspired and empowered by the Superheroes’ athleticism and emotional backstories, while being thoroughly entertained by this unique roster of athletes. We look forward to working with Jeanie Buss and David McLane as we continue to grow this brand.”

The return of WOW had big plans in place as the promotion was reportedly in talks to bring in Lita, but the WWE Hall Of Famer had no interest in working with David McLane. Tessa Blanchard was also signed on to work with WOW, but the former IMPACT World Champion reportedly had a falling out with McLane and the promotion after she went too far in a promo with WOW star Samatha Sage.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AJ Lee Provides Updates On WOW – Women Of Wrestling

Former three-time WWE Divas Champion, AJ Lee, joined Freddie Prinze Jr. on this week’s Wrestling with Freddie podcast from iHeart Media’s My Cultra Network.

A hot topic that Freddie Prinze Jr. was keen to discuss was AJ’s involvement with WOW – Women of Wrestling. Lee is currently signed as an Executive Producer for the brand. She provided more details about when we can expect to see WOW in the future and what inspired her to join.

“So we’ll actually be shooting pretty soon, I think we’re maybe 60 days out, so it’s getting kinda close,” AJ Lee revealed. “We’re gonna be in syndication in the fall of 2022. Please check wowe.com for your local listings. It’s also on the CWC app and Pluto app. But you know, what really inspired me to join WOW, was the idea that it was women behind the scenes in every capacity and women in front of the camera in every capacity.

“And, to me, I love wrestling. I never stopped loving wrestling and this was the perfect way to rejoin the world of wrestling, but also combine it with what I’m doing now [as a writer] and what I have a passion for now. ”

AJ Lee also disclosed that she has had some offers to return to the ring, but ultimately, she felt the desire to compete again in the squared circle was absent.

“Wrestling opportunities have popped up over the years and I’ve just never been ready for that,” AJ said. “I’m not sure like physically that something like that the fires there, but the art of it, that’s always been there.”

It was announced that AJ Lee had signed with WOW in October 2021, alongside the promotion announcing that they had signed into a multi-year distribution agreement with ViacomCBS. Not only will AJ be working behind the scenes, but she will also be providing color commentary for the all-woman shows.

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to Wrestling with Freddie podcast

AJ Lee Speaks Out About Her Suicide Attempt And How A Stranger Saved Her Life

The former WWE Superstar planned on committing suicide in 2014 but was saved by a stranger on the other end of the phone.

Trigger warning: this article includes discussions about suicidal feelings and a suicide attempt.

The women’s division in WWE has come a long way over the course of the past six years or so. While the likes of Paige, Charlotte Flair, and Bayley quite rightly get a lot of the credit for that, there are quite a few others who were around beforehand who are yet to really reap the rewards. Perhaps most notably AJ Lee who left WWE, possibly never to return, in 2015.

Lee arguably left at the top of her game, something most wrestlers can only dream of. She won her final match, not to mention the match the night before at WrestleMania, and held the Divas Title on three occasions during the year prior to her departure. She also married CM Punk during that period, which is why it might surprise fans to hear Lee’s life was far from perfect at the time.

Lee planned to take her own life in 2014 while Divas Champion and after getting married. The former WWE Superstar recently opened up about her suicide attempt for the first time during an appearance on Maurice Benard: State Of Mind. You can check out the whole episode below in which Lee discusses her bipolar disorder and how nobody knew she had gone to a hotel with the intention of ending her life.

“It was my bipolar disorder couldn’t handle it. It was too much for me,” Lee explained, laying out the highs of her titles wins and getting married to the lows of getting hurt and having to undergo multiple surgeries. “The only solution to me, the only thing I could do was just, I booked a hotel room and that was my plan.”

Something in Lee’s brain told her to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline. Since she was in a different area, the person on the other end urged her to call the number linked to the area she was in for the purposes of needing to potentially call an ambulance. Lee saw that as a sign she should go through with her suicide attempt, but at the last moment she called 311 to get the other number. A man at the end of the 311 call listened to Lee as she poured her heart out. The retired wrestler credits him with saving her life. She doesn’t know his name or who he is, but she can still hear his voice all these years later.

Source: TheSportster – Josh Coulson

After six years away from the wrestling industry, AJ Lee (April Mendez Brooks) joined the WOW – Women of Wrestling promotion as an executive producer in October 2021, serving alongside Jeanie Buss. This announcement coincided with WOW entering into a multi-year distribution agreement with ViacomCBS, the biggest distribution opportunity in the U.S. and abroad in the history of women’s professional wrestling. Mendez will also provide color commentary for their upcoming weekly program beginning in late 2022.

AJ Lee Announces Her Return To Wrestling For Relaunch Of WOW Women of Wrestling As Executive Producer And Color Commentator

AJ Lee has been revealed as an executive producer and color commentator for the returning Women of Wrestling.

AJ Lee is returning to the wrestling business, six years after she wrestled her final match with WWE and retired due to injuries.

AJ Lee is returning to the wrestling business, six years after she wrestled her final match with WWE and retired due to injuries.

The last few years in wrestling have been peppered with return matches from people fans thought were done with the business. Wrestlers like Daniel Bryan, Edge, and even CM Punk. Speaking of Punk, shortly after he signed with AEW he began fielding questions about his wife’s potential return. Punk is married to former WWE Divas’ Champion, AJ Lee.

Punk gave off mixed messages when asked, saying that she was done in one interview but saying “you never know” in another. An announcement made by Women of Wrestling on Wednesday may explain why Punk danced around the question. Turns out Lee is returning to wrestling, it just won’t be to compete between the ropes, nor will she be following Punk to AEW.

Lee spoke at a press conference during which a number of major details about WOW were revealed, including its pretty impressive TV deal. An accompanying press release (H/T Cageside Seats) reveals that Lee will be an executive producer for the show alongside WoW owner Jeanie Buss. Lee will also provide color commentary for the show when it debuts roughly a year from now.

The other notable name mentioned in WoW’s press release is Tessa Blanchard. It was revealed earlier this week that Blanchard had signed a deal with the returning WoW. Blanchard hasn’t been attached to a promotion ever since she left Impact more than a year ago under controversial circumstances. Blanchard was Impact Champion at the time and allegedly refused to return and wrestle when she was supposed to. She has been linked with AEW and WWE multiple times since.

Lee wrestled her final match for WWE more than six years ago. A six-person tag match the night after WrestleMania 31. Neck injuries likely mean she can never wrestle again. However, as the names mentioned above highlight, you really can never say never nowadays. Lee teamed with Paige in her final match, someone else who has had to retire earlier than she would have wanted. However, Paige has recently been teasing that she also might be prepping for a return.

Source: TheSportster

AJ Lee Dealt With Racist Incident Yesterday

Former WWE Star AJ Lee shared a story on social media about having to deal with racism. She wrote that a woman driving by in her car shouted at her to go back to where she came from.

The former Divas Champion responded that instead of being angry she was going to keep writing about strong, brilliant, Latina superheroes.

WWE Reaches Out To AJ Lee About Appearing At Upcoming Evolution PPV

Image result for WWE reaches out to AJ Lee about return for Evolution

WWE recently announced their first-ever all women’s PPV Evolution, which will be taking place in October from the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, NY.

As you would expect WWE is planning to pull out all the stops for this event, as we have already started to see with the announcement of WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus’ return to singles action for the first time in seven years, as she takes on former RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss on the show.

Following the announcement of the Evolution PPV, WWE released a poll where they asked fans which former WWE Female Superstars they would like to return at Evolution. Interestingly enough, one of the names included in the poll was AJ Lee.

One would expect that the chances of AJ Lee making a return to wrestling, even for one night seem pretty slim especially considering the long drawn out and expensive legal battle her husband CM Punk just went through with WWE. However, AJ Lee’s possible appearance at Evolution might actually be a lot closer to a reality than you’d think.

Recently on Barn Burner‘s No Holds Barred podcast the host Joseph Peisich revealed that WWE has in fact reached out to AJ Lee about a return at Evolution, and his sources told him that they are closing in on a deal.

Regarding AJ Lee’s potential WWE return at Evolution, Peisich said:

“Vince McMahon picked up the phone and he reached out to AJ Lee about returning at the Evolution pay-per-view. AJ has not confirmed or denied that. Sources tell me they’re closing in on a deal with AJ Lee.”

 

Source: Body Slam