The wrestling world is buzzing, and the name on everyone’s lips is AJ Lee. What was once a persistent fan dream has erupted into credible, urgent speculation, with all signs pointing to one specific time and place: this Friday’s SmackDown in Chicago.
This isn’t just another baseless rumor. The current momentum is the direct result of a calculated story that began when Becky Lynch attacked CM Punk at Clash in Paris. The situation ignited this past Monday on Raw (Sep 1, 2025), when Becky Lynch slapped AJ Lee’s husband, escalating their feud to a deeply personal level.
Here, we break down the evidence, analyze the backstage reports, and explain why Chicago is the perfect stage for what could be one of the most anticipated comebacks in modern WWE history.
WWE’s Storytelling Has Always Been About Timing
WWE rarely lets major returns happen without careful buildup. From Edge’s Royal Rumble shocker to CM Punk’s unforgettable Survivor Series comeback, the company thrives on moments that create lasting buzz.
According to Fightful, AJ Lee’s name has been gaining traction in creative pitches, more than at any time in the past decade. Her return is more evident after the much awaited CM Punk’s return into the promotion.
The idea of saving her first appearance for a Chicago crowd adds another layer of anticipation, given the city’s emotional connection to both Punk and AJ Lee, especially since Chicago is CM Punk’s hometown.
Why Chicago Makes Perfect Sense?
Chicago is not just another stop on WWE’s calendar. It has historically been one of the loudest and most passionate markets for wrestling. Punk’s 2011 “pipebomb” promo and his return in 2023 both proved how significant the city is in shaping wrestling moments.
If AJ were to re-emerge in front of that same fanbase, WWE would maximize the emotional impact. Fans chanting her name for years could finally get the payoff they’ve been waiting for.
More importantly, it would tie AJ’s story to Punk’s ongoing arc, strengthening WWE’s narrative consistency.
The Becky Lynch Connection
The low blow delivered by Becky Lynch at Clash in Paris was not a throwaway moment. Many fans and analysts believe it was a deliberate setup to reignite AJ Lee’s story.
Moments like these are rarely accidental; they often serve as the first spark in a larger storyline. Many fans and analysts believe this was WWE’s way of opening the door for AJ Lee, especially given how personal the Punk–Lynch interactions have become.
Why Now Is Different From Past Rumors
It’s worth noting that AJ Lee has been linked to return rumors before, especially after Punk rejoined WWE. Yet, the momentum always fizzled. This time feels different:
- Creative talks are active: Multiple outlets, have reported that AJ’s name is no longer just “fantasy booking” but a serious discussion point backstage.
- Narrative alignment: WWE has an organic storyline that makes sense. Punk, Lynch, and AJ are all connected in some way.
- Fan demand is peaking: The Paris crowd proved that AJ chants aren’t going away, underscoring her lasting popularity.
The Bottom Line
While nothing has been officially confirmed, the strategy seems clear: WWE could be waiting to bring AJ Lee back until SmackDown in Chicago on Friday, September 5, 2025.
If WWE does pull the trigger, Chicago might not just witness a comeback; it could witness one of the defining returns of this era.
