All week the wrestling world has been buzzing about a potential AJ Lee return, and there was a lot of anticipation heading into Friday’s episode of SmackDown in Chicago, IL. Becky Lynch made a surprise appearance when she arrived in a SUV, and she was later approached backstage by General Manager Nick Aldis who said that he wasn’t expecting her, and he told her not to start any issues. The Man insisted that she never causes any issues.
Ahead of the main event segment Seth Rollins’ music hit, and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion appeared in the crowd with his title belt before the show went to commercial break. Rollins got on the mic and told the fans that tonight we’re all witnesses to history because the legend of CM Punk dies right here, right now. He then introduced “the greatest female wrestler in the history of planet Earth” and Becky Lynch made her way out.
As soon as Becky stepped into the ring the fans started chanting “AJ Lee.” Becky tried to tell everyone how great she is, but the fans drowned her out with boos. She said all the Chicago sports teams suck, and that CM Punk sucks as well. Punk’s music hit and the fans sang along as he walked to the ring. Seth Rollins looked on from the crowd as CM Punk came face to face with Becky Lynch.
CM Punk called Rollins a coward for standing the crowd. He called Rollins out for hiding behind his wife, and he gave Becky the chance to walk away as he told her this has nothing to do with her. The fans chanted “AJ Lee” and Punk pointed to his ears. Becky told them to shut up, and Punk told her that she will let them chant her name because this is Chicago.
Punk said he has friends in Chicago and mentioned that he could ask one of his sisters, or Bayley, or Rhea Ripley to help him. Becky Lynch slapped CM Punk several times and asked what he’s going to do about it. She called him pathetic as Punk stepped out of the ring. He told her he would never put his hands on a lady, but thankfully he has someone who will.
AJ Lee’s music hit and Becky looked stunned. She skipped her way around the ring then looked at Punk before setting her sights on Becky. AJ speared Becky and then started the pummel her. Becky tried to retreat and AJ grabbed her then pulled her back into the ring. AJ continued to attack Becky, but The Man eventually got away.
CM Punk stepped into the ring and he hugged AJ. Seth Rollins and Becky looked furious as Punk and AJ celebrated in the ring as the show went off the air.
As of this writing WWE has yet to officially announce the match, but it was recently reported that CM Punk and AJ Lee are expected to face Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch at WrestlePalooza on September 20th.
Stay tuned for updates.
AJ LEE IS BACK!!!!! pic.twitter.com/UPsT7EcVdE
— WWE (@WWE) September 6, 2025
Things we love to see @cmpunk pic.twitter.com/SdwtWk3tqJ
— WWE (@WWE) September 6, 2025