AJ Lee Returns on WWE SmackDown to Thunderous Ovation

The thing happened. AJ Lee finally made her long-awaited WWE return on SmackDown on Friday night.

Lee returned to a monstrous pop from the All State Arena crowd in Chicago after her iconic “Let’s Light It Up” theme song echoed throughout the arena.

It’s been over a decade since the 38-year-old superstar last appeared on WWE television. Her final match was March 30, 2015, when she participated in a six-woman tag team contest the night after WrestleMania 31. She announced her retirement four days later on April 3.

Now, Lee has returned to help out her husband, CM Punk, equalize the playing field against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, who recently inserted herself into the picture by helping her spouse retain the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Paris a couple of weeks ago.

Signs Were Brewing for AJ Lee’s WWE Return

WWE has been dropping several Easter eggs over the last few weeks about the three-time WWE Divas Champion’s potential return. Fans first speculated AJ Lee’s impending return at Clash In Paris, when Lynch helped Rollins retain his title. Punk even took a “Bring Back AJ Lee” sign following his loss at the PLE.

Those rumblings grew even louder earlier this Monday on Raw. During the episode, Punk explicitly asked Raw general manager Adam Pearce where SmackDown was taking place. Pearce revealed the episode was taking place in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, to which the Second City Saint simply responded, “tremendous.”

Later that evening, Punk walked out into the ring demanding Seth Rollins to come out. The World Heavyweight Champion’s music hit, but instead of The Visionary, it was his wife Becky Lynch who came out. Lynch and Punk got into a heated verbal back and forth before Rollins finally showed up, said a few words, and left shortly after, leaving the Chicago-native hanging.

The Women’s Intercontinental Champion then unleashed a barrage of slaps on Punk, who had no choice but to take the hits. But he didn’t leave Becky with his tail tied between his legs. Instead, The Best In The World left her a chilling warning:

Another Easter egg that the WWE dropped happened in a house show during the company’s recent European Tour. While doing his entrance, Punk was seen mimicking his wife’s signature skip.

AJ Lee Finally Makes Long-Awaited WWE Return

The segment started with Seth Rollins making a surprise appearance on the blue brand. He soon introduced his wife, Becky Lynch, who was greeted with a chorus of boos. As the Women’s Intercontinental Champion gloated about her greatness, CM Punk finally came out to greet his hometown followers.

The Chicago hero accused the World Heavyweight Champion, who was up in the bleachers, of hiding behind his wife. As the Lynch and Punk exchanged heated words, Becky once again unleashed a barrage of slaps at the Second City Saint.

Punk walked out of the ring and said he would never put his hands on a lady. But he knew someone who would.

With tension building up around the arena, the crowd lit up when AJ Lee’s iconic “Let’s Light It Up” theme song hit. With her signature grin, Lee basked in the glory of her much-awaited return. The former Divas Champion skipped her way down the ramp, just like the way she used to 11 years ago.

With Becky taken aback, AJ unleashed on the Women’s Intercontinental Champion and sent her packing.

CM Punk and AJ Lee ended the segment with a big hug in the middle of the ring as the Chicago crowd celebrated the return of the beloved icon.