5 Shocking Details About AJ Lee's Explosive WWE Return In 2025
The wrestling world is still buzzing following one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent history. As of late 2025, April Jeanette Mendez, known globally as AJ Lee, has officially returned to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), ending a decade-long hiatus that many fans believed would never conclude. Her dramatic return on the September 5, 2025, edition of SmackDown was not just a nostalgic moment, but an immediate, seismic shift in the company's landscape, instantly aligning her with her real-life husband, CM Punk, in a high-stakes, deeply personal rivalry.
This article dives deep into the verified, current details of AJ Lee's return, exploring the reasons behind her decision, the specific role she is playing, and what her future holds in the new era of WWE. From her emotional reunion with CM Punk to the star-studded mixed-tag match at Wrestlepalooza 2025, the "Black Widow" is back, and she is already dominating the wrestling conversation.
April Jeanette Mendez: A Comprehensive Biography and Career Profile
Before her stunning return in 2025, AJ Lee had already cemented her legacy as one of the most influential female wrestlers of her generation, bridging the gap between the "Divas Era" and the "Women’s Evolution."
- Ring Name: AJ Lee
- Real Name: April Jeanette Mendez
- Born: March 19, 1987
- Hometown: Union City, New Jersey
- Debut: 2007 (Independent Circuit)
- WWE Debut: 2009 (Florida Championship Wrestling/NXT)
- Signature Moves: Black Widow (Octopus Hold Submission), Shining Wizard, Diving Crossbody.
- Career Highlights & Championships:
- 3-time WWE Divas Champion (Holding the record for the longest single reign at the time of her retirement).
- Slammy Award for Diva of the Year (2012, 2014).
- General Manager of Monday Night Raw (2012).
- Post-WWE Career: Bestselling author of the memoir Crazy Is My Superpower, and Executive Producer/Commentator for WOW - Women of Wrestling (2021-2023).
- Retirement: Retired from in-ring competition in 2015 due to a spinal injury.
- Current Status (Late 2025): Signed to WWE as an active wrestler.
The Reason Behind the 10-Year Hiatus and the 2025 Comeback
AJ Lee’s initial retirement in 2015 was a surprise to many, coming just days after WrestleMania 31. The primary factors were a combination of health issues, specifically a spinal injury, and the desire to focus on her writing career and personal life. For years, she maintained that she was content with her retirement and had no plans to return to the ring, even while working behind the scenes in WOW - Women of Wrestling.
The landscape changed dramatically with the return of her husband, CM Punk, in late 2023. While she initially remained on the sidelines, the opportunity to return became too compelling to pass up. AJ Lee herself explained that the key factors for her 2025 comeback were the chance to work alongside Punk and to settle an old score.
Her return promo on SmackDown in September 2025 was a "brilliant moment" that explained her motivation. She cited the current high-level of women's wrestling and the chance to add her unique "Crazy Chick" persona back into the mix as major draws. CM Punk, in turn, gushed about his wife's return, calling it a "dream come true."
The Immediate Impact: Feuding with the Power Couple
AJ Lee did not return to WWE for a simple one-off appearance; she immediately entered a marquee feud that has dominated WWE programming. Her comeback was specifically orchestrated to assist CM Punk in his ongoing, bitter rivalry with the "Visionary" Seth Rollins and his wife, "The Man" Becky Lynch.
The Mixed-Tag Masterpiece at Wrestlepalooza 2025
The central conflict quickly led to a highly anticipated match: a massive mixed-tag team bout at the "Wrestlepalooza 2025" event. This was AJ Lee's first in-ring action in over a decade, and the pressure was immense. The match pitted the real-life couple of CM Punk and AJ Lee against the formidable duo of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a classic "husband and wife vs. husband and wife" scenario.
The contest delivered on the hype, showcasing AJ Lee's incredible ring rust-free performance and her signature intensity. The victory for the Punk/Lee team solidified her return as a major player and immediately established the feud as the most personal and high-profile on the roster.
The Ongoing Rivalries and Future Opponents
While the feud with Rollins and Lynch is the main focus, AJ Lee’s return has opened the door for numerous dream matches against the current crop of WWE Superstars. Her presence has added a new layer of topical authority to the women's division, with fans clamoring for matchups against the likes of:
- IYO SKY: A clash of styles between the veteran "Black Widow" and the high-flying former champion.
- Rhea Ripley: A powerhouse vs. underdog dynamic that would echo AJ Lee’s classic feuds.
- Bayley: A match between two of the most popular and influential women in modern wrestling.
- Stephanie Vaquer: A new, international opponent mentioned in the same breath as AJ Lee’s return, suggesting a future program.
Furthermore, the September 8, 2025, edition of WWE Now also previewed a contract signing between IYO SKY and Stephanie Vaquer, indicating a busy and competitive environment that AJ Lee has stepped back into.
The Legacy and Future of the "Crazy Chick"
AJ Lee’s return is more than just a nostalgic moment; it is a significant boost to the entire WWE product. Her original run was pivotal in demonstrating that female wrestlers could be main-event level characters, known for their compelling storytelling, unique personas, and excellent in-ring work, rather than just their looks.
In her latest interviews, AJ Lee admitted that coming back after such a long absence was "scary," but the emotional outpouring from the fans and the chance to create new history with CM Punk made the decision worthwhile. Her initial return promo was hailed as one of the "Wildest Mic Drops of 2025," proving her ability to command the spotlight remains intact.
The future for AJ Lee in WWE is bright and appears to be a full-time commitment, as rumors suggest she signed a full-time deal. Her immediate goal is likely to capture a Women's Championship, potentially targeting the World Women's Championship or the WWE Women's Championship, solidifying her status not just as a legend from the past, but as a dominant force in the present. With her husband by her side and a roster full of dream opponents, the "Black Widow" is poised to weave a new, unforgettable chapter in her storied career.
Detail Author:
- Name : Beatrice Kessler
- Username : lincoln.yost
- Email : bridie19@friesen.com
- Birthdate : 1981-05-19
- Address : 7902 Arthur Burg Apt. 036 McDermottberg, TX 21376-0819
- Phone : 937-941-7271
- Company : Casper-Cruickshank
- Job : Highway Maintenance Worker
- Bio : Nisi veniam sequi modi corrupti reiciendis. Et voluptatem earum saepe ut sed aut ea. Quibusdam non et et laudantium voluptatibus est est. In harum natus molestiae est sunt natus.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/wiegand2007
- username : wiegand2007
- bio : Et rem illum est expedita ea qui alias esse.
- followers : 6649
- following : 771
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@eastonwiegand
- username : eastonwiegand
- bio : Dolorem ipsam explicabo veritatis consequatur consequatur iusto.
- followers : 6433
- following : 1187
