CM Punk's Shadow: Will AJ Lee's WWE Return Dethrone Becky Lynch on SmackDown?

Sep 06, 2025

CM Punk's Shadow Looms: Will AJ Lee's Potential WWE Return Impact Becky Lynch's Reign on SmackDown?

The professional wrestling world is abuzz with speculation. Could AJ Lee, the fan-favorite former WWE Divas Champion and wife of CM Punk, be considering a return to the squared circle? And if so, what impact could her arrival have on the current landscape of SmackDown, particularly on the dominant reign of Becky Lynch?

This isn't just a simple 'what if' scenario; it's a complex interplay of history, character dynamics, and the ever-shifting sands of WWE storytelling. CM Punk's controversial departure from WWE nearly a decade ago still casts a long shadow, and his wife's potential return inevitably brings that legacy back into focus. Becky Lynch, meanwhile, has cemented herself as one of the biggest stars in the industry, a force to be reckoned with both in and out of the ring. A potential clash between these two iconic figures – or the ripple effects of AJ Lee's presence – could reshape the entire SmackDown women's division.

Understanding the Key Players

To fully appreciate the potential impact, let's break down the significance of each figure involved:

CM Punk: The Catalyst

While not directly involved in the in-ring action (though never say never in wrestling), CM Punk's name is intrinsically linked to AJ Lee's career. His acrimonious split from WWE in 2014, following years of frustration with the company's creative direction and handling of his health issues, left a lasting mark. Punk's subsequent career in MMA, followed by his surprise return to professional wrestling with AEW in 2021 and then his equally surprising and controversial return to WWE in 2023, have kept him in the spotlight. His on-screen and off-screen history – particularly his relationship with WWE – is a major factor in any discussion of AJ Lee's return.

Punk's issues with WWE centered around several factors, including creative control (or lack thereof), concerns about his physical well-being, and perceived broken promises. These grievances resonated with many fans who felt Punk was unfairly treated, turning him into a counter-culture icon within the wrestling world.

AJ Lee: The Game-Changer

AJ Lee wasn't just another Diva; she was a performer who transcended the stereotypical expectations of women's wrestling at the time. Known for her unique personality, quirky style, and undeniable in-ring talent, she carved out a distinct niche for herself. Her storylines often involved blurring the lines between reality and fiction, and her ability to portray a range of emotions made her a compelling character.

Lee's wrestling style was a blend of technical skill and unpredictable behavior. She popularized the Black Widow submission hold and wasn't afraid to take risks in the ring. She also had a natural connection with the audience, endearing herself to fans with her underdog persona and relatable struggles.

Her accomplishments include:

Three-time WWE Divas Champion
Longest-reigning Divas Champion of all time (at the time of her retirement)
Slammy Award winner

AJ Lee's departure from WWE in 2015, shortly after CM Punk's exit, was attributed to a combination of factors, including injuries and the desire to support her husband. While she has remained largely out of the wrestling spotlight since then, her popularity has never waned.

Becky Lynch: The Man

Becky Lynch's rise to the top of WWE is one of the most remarkable success stories in recent memory. She transformed from a talented but underutilized performer into a global superstar, rebranding herself as "The Man" and capturing the imagination of fans worldwide.

Lynch's charisma, in-ring skills, and willingness to embrace a more aggressive and edgy persona propelled her to new heights. Her feud with Ronda Rousey leading up to WrestleMania 35 was a watershed moment, culminating in her winning both the Raw and SmackDown Women's Championships in the main event – a first for women in WWE history.

Lynch's accomplishments are numerous and impressive:

Four-time WWE SmackDown Women's Champion
Two-time WWE Raw Women's Champion
WWE Women's Tag Team Champion
Royal Rumble winner (2019)
WrestleMania main eventer

Lynch's current reign on SmackDown is a testament to her enduring popularity and her ability to connect with audiences. She is a strong, confident, and articulate performer who embodies the modern WWE superstar. However, the arrival of AJ Lee could present a unique challenge to her dominance.

Potential Scenarios: How AJ Lee's Return Could Impact SmackDown

The possibilities are endless when considering the potential impact of AJ Lee's return. Here are a few scenarios, ranging from the subtle to the seismic:

Scenario 1: The Dream Match – AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch

This is the scenario that most fans would likely clamor for. A clash between two of the most popular and talented women's wrestlers of their respective eras would be a box office draw. The storyline possibilities are rich and varied:

The Veteran vs. The Modern Icon: The narrative could focus on the generational divide, with AJ Lee representing the past and Becky Lynch representing the present and future of women's wrestling.
The Clash of Styles: AJ Lee's unpredictable and unorthodox style could contrast sharply with Becky Lynch's more grounded and aggressive approach.
The Battle of Wits: Both women are known for their sharp wit and ability to deliver compelling promos. A war of words leading up to the match could be just as exciting as the in-ring action.

A victory for Becky Lynch would further solidify her position as the top star on SmackDown, while a victory for AJ Lee would instantly re-establish her as a major force in the division. The storyline could also explore the theme of legacy, with AJ Lee potentially passing the torch to Becky Lynch.

Scenario 2: The Mentor-Mentee Relationship

Rather than an immediate feud, WWE could choose to pair AJ Lee and Becky Lynch together, with AJ Lee acting as a mentor or advisor to Becky. This could be a way to introduce AJ Lee back into the WWE landscape gradually while also giving Becky Lynch a new dimension to her character.

The storyline could explore the following themes:

Sharing Knowledge: AJ Lee could share her experience and insights with Becky Lynch, helping her to navigate the challenges of being a top star.
Overcoming Adversity: Both women have faced adversity in their careers. Their shared experiences could form the basis of a strong bond.
Protecting the Division: AJ Lee and Becky Lynch could team up to protect the SmackDown women's division from outside threats.

This scenario could also pave the way for a future feud between the two, with AJ Lee eventually turning on Becky Lynch due to jealousy or a difference in philosophy.

Scenario 3: The Bitter Rivalry – A Connection Through CM Punk

WWE could delve into the personal history between AJ Lee and the company, referencing CM Punk's controversial departure and using it as a source of conflict between AJ Lee and Becky Lynch. This could be a risky move, as it could potentially alienate some fans who are sensitive to the real-life issues involved. However, it could also generate significant buzz and interest.

The storyline could explore the following themes:

Loyalty and Betrayal: Becky Lynch could be portrayed as a loyal company employee, while AJ Lee could be portrayed as someone who is still bitter about what happened to her husband.
Vengeance: AJ Lee could seek revenge on WWE for the way they treated CM Punk, using Becky Lynch as a pawn in her scheme.
The Power of the Past: The storyline could explore how the past can continue to influence the present, even years later.

This scenario would require careful handling to avoid crossing the line between entertainment and exploitation. However, if done correctly, it could be a compelling and emotionally charged storyline.

Scenario 4: A Managerial Role

AJ Lee might not return to in-ring competition at all. Instead, she could be brought in as a manager or on-screen personality. This would allow her to use her charisma and mic skills without the physical demands of wrestling. She could manage a new talent, or even align with an established star, potentially turning on them later to ignite a feud.

Scenario 5: The "Consultant" or Authority Figure

Similar to her run as General Manager, AJ Lee could take on a non-wrestling role as a consultant or even an authority figure on SmackDown. This would give her significant influence over the storylines and the direction of the women's division. This approach could create interesting power dynamics and conflicts.

The Potential Impact on Becky Lynch's Reign

Regardless of the specific storyline, AJ Lee's return would undoubtedly have a significant impact on Becky Lynch's reign as SmackDown Women's Champion. Here are some of the potential effects:

Increased Competition: AJ Lee's arrival would add another top-tier talent to the SmackDown women's division, increasing the level of competition for the championship.
Shifting Storylines: AJ Lee's presence could force WWE to change its plans for Becky Lynch and the SmackDown women's division, potentially leading to new and unexpected storylines.
Renewed Interest: The buzz surrounding AJ Lee's return could generate renewed interest in the SmackDown women's division, attracting new viewers and revitalizing existing fans.
Character Development: A feud or alliance with AJ Lee could help to further develop Becky Lynch's character, adding new layers and complexities.
The End of an Era?: While unlikely in the immediate future, a loss to AJ Lee could potentially signal the beginning of a new era on SmackDown, with AJ Lee taking over as the top female star.

The Challenges of Bringing Back AJ Lee

While the potential benefits of AJ Lee's return are undeniable, there are also some challenges that WWE would need to consider:

Injury Concerns: AJ Lee retired from wrestling due to injuries. WWE would need to ensure that she is physically capable of returning to the ring safely.
Ring Rust: AJ Lee has been away from wrestling for several years. It may take her some time to get back into ring shape and regain her timing.
CM Punk's Shadow: WWE would need to be careful about how they incorporate CM Punk's history into AJ Lee's storylines. They would need to avoid dredging up old controversies or alienating fans.
Balancing Act: WWE would need to balance the desire to capitalize on AJ Lee's popularity with the need to protect and promote their current stars, such as Becky Lynch.
Creative Direction: Giving AJ Lee a character that respects her history and talent, while also fitting into the current WWE landscape, will be key.

WWE's Perspective: What's in it for them?

From WWE's standpoint, bringing back AJ Lee is a calculated risk with potentially high rewards. Here's a breakdown of the potential benefits:

Ratings Boost: The initial buzz surrounding her return would undoubtedly lead to a spike in television ratings. Her name recognition alone draws viewers.
Merchandise Sales: AJ Lee merchandise would likely fly off the shelves. She was a popular figure during her previous run, and that fanbase is still active.
Social Media Engagement: Her return would generate massive social media buzz, creating a trending topic and increasing WWE's online visibility.
Positive PR: Bringing back a popular female wrestler can be seen as a positive step for WWE's image, particularly after past criticisms of their treatment of women.
New Storytelling Opportunities: As detailed above, her return opens up a wealth of new storyline possibilities, not just with Becky Lynch, but with the entire women's division.

The Fans' Perspective: What Do They Want?

The overwhelming majority of fans seem to be excited about the prospect of AJ Lee's return. They remember her fondly and believe she can bring something unique to the current WWE product. Here's what fans are likely hoping for:

Respect for Her Legacy: Fans want to see AJ Lee treated with the respect she deserves, not just as CM Punk's wife, but as a talented wrestler in her own right.
Meaningful Storylines: They want her to be involved in compelling storylines that showcase her talents and personality.
Fresh Matchups: They want to see her face off against new opponents she never had the chance to wrestle during her previous run.
Authenticity: They want her to remain true to herself and not be forced into a character that doesn't feel genuine.
Entertainment: Ultimately, fans just want to be entertained. They believe AJ Lee can deliver that in spades.

Beyond the Ring: The Cultural Impact

AJ Lee's impact extends beyond the wrestling ring. She was a pioneer for female wrestlers who didn't fit the traditional mold. She proved that you didn't have to be a stereotypical diva to be successful in WWE. She was a role model for many young women who aspired to be different and authentic.

Her struggles with mental health also resonated with many fans. She openly discussed her bipolar disorder and used her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues. This made her relatable and inspiring to fans who were dealing with similar challenges.

Conclusion: The Waiting Game

Ultimately, whether AJ Lee returns to WWE and what impact she might have on Becky Lynch's reign remains to be seen. It's a complex equation with many variables, including AJ Lee's own health and desires, WWE's creative plans, and the ever-changing landscape of the wrestling industry.

However, one thing is certain: the mere possibility of her return has already generated a tremendous amount of buzz and excitement. It speaks to her enduring popularity and her lasting legacy in the world of professional wrestling. If she does return, it's likely to be one of the biggest stories of the year, and it could reshape the entire SmackDown women's division.

For Becky Lynch, the potential arrival of AJ Lee could be a challenge, an opportunity, or a combination of both. It could force her to evolve and adapt, further solidifying her position as one of the top stars in the industry. Or, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter, with AJ Lee taking center stage once again.

Only time will tell what the future holds. But one thing is for sure: the wrestling world will be watching closely.