The crowd inside Chicago’s SmackDown arena erupted on September 5 as one of wrestling’s most beloved figures, AJ Lee, made her long-awaited return to WWE. Ten years after stepping away from the ring, Lee stunned fans when she joined her husband, CM Punk, in a fiery confrontation against fellow power couple Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.

“It’s time to light it up,” the signature phrase once tied to Lee’s entrances, felt alive again as she skipped her way back into the squared circle, immediately throwing hands with Lynch before the Women’s Intercontinental Champion retreated. The moment wasn’t just nostalgia—it was a declaration.

A decade in the making

Lee’s WWE return is more than just another storyline. For fans who followed her rise in the early 2010s, this was a full-circle moment. Known for her unstable yet magnetic persona, sharp promos, and iconic skip, Lee carved her place as a three-time Divas Champion, a record she shares at the top of what was then WWE’s most prestigious women’s title.

Her run was short but impactful. Lee debuted on the main roster in 2011, captured the hearts of fans through storylines with Daniel Bryan, Kane, and Punk, and became the face of WWE’s women’s division long before the “Women’s Revolution” was in full swing.

But by April 2015, Lee was gone. After her final appearance on Raw, WWE announced her retirement. In her memoir Crazy Is My Superpower, she revealed that damage to her cervical spine contributed heavily to her decision. Fans thought they had seen the last of her in the ring.

The Punk–Rollins–Lynch triangle

The timing of her return is no accident. Punk, who himself shocked the wrestling world when he came back to WWE in 2023, is knee-deep in a feud with Rollins. At SummerSlam 2025, Punk won the World Heavyweight Championship—only to have Rollins cash in his Money in the Bank contract moments later to steal the gold.

The saga escalated at Clash in Paris, where Punk’s bid to reclaim the title was spoiled by none other than Lynch, who interfered to ensure her husband held onto the belt. On Raw, Lynch added salt to the wound by slapping Punk on live television. Punk teased that something—or someone—was coming. That tease became reality at SmackDown when Lee appeared, changing the game.

WrestlePalooza on the horizon

All signs now point to a blockbuster mixed tag team match at WrestlePalooza on September 20, WWE’s first premium live event airing on ESPN’s streaming platform. If confirmed, it would be AJ Lee’s first official in-ring match in nearly a decade.

The idea of Lee and Punk uniting against Rollins and Lynch reads like a dream scenario for fans. Two real-life married couples colliding in the ring, each carrying a unique legacy. Punk’s rebellious edge paired with Lee’s unpredictable energy could prove to be a nightmare for Rollins and Lynch, who pride themselves on being WWE’s most dominant duo.

Life beyond the ring

Even during her absence, Lee never truly left the wrestling world. She authored books, wrote for film and TV, and even worked as an executive producer for Women of Wrestling between 2021 and 2023. She also made a fictional wrestling return in the TV series Heels, which many fans saw as a sign of things to come.

Her influence extended beyond entertainment. For many women in wrestling, Lee was a trailblazer who brought a mix of charisma, athleticism, and relatability. Her presence helped inspire the generation that includes today’s headliners like Charlotte Flair and Lynch.

Why her return matters

Lee’s return feels bigger than just nostalgia. It represents the merging of past and present, where fans who cheered her in 2012 now get to introduce her to a new wave of WWE followers. It also signals WWE’s strategy to pair big names with long-term storytelling—something that could pull even casual viewers into the fold.

And let’s not forget the personal stakes: Punk’s redemption arc is now intertwined with Lee’s comeback story. For two stars who left under complicated circumstances, this is a chance to rewrite history on their terms.

The road ahead

As the wrestling calendar marches toward WrestlePalooza, anticipation is at an all-time high. Will Lee officially step back into the ring? Can Punk and Lee dethrone Rollins and Lynch as WWE’s most powerful couple? Or will Rollins and Lynch use their chemistry and experience to cement their dominance?

Whatever happens, one thing is clear—AJ Lee’s return has already reignited excitement in WWE in a way that hasn’t been seen in years.

For fans in Chicago and beyond, it was a reminder of why wrestling thrives on moments that blur the line between reality and story. This wasn’t just a comeback—it was a statement.

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Wrestling fans around the globe witnessed a once-in-a-generation moment at TNA Slammiversary 2025 when AJ Styles made a shocking return after 12 years, stepping back into the ring not to fight, but to inspire. As the crowd roared in disbelief, the former X-Division Champion and WWE megastar entered the ring to honor Leon Slater, the youngest X-Division Champion in TNA history.

Just minutes earlier, Slater had delivered a spectacular performance against veteran Moose, sealing the win with a high-risk Swanton Bomb followed by a jaw-dropping 450 Swanton Bomb. With the crowd still on their feet, Moose showed immense sportsmanship, handing the title belt over to Slater. But what followed turned the event into an unforgettable milestone in pro wrestling history.

AJ Styles’ music hit.

And the arena erupted.

“You’re not just phenomenal. You’re built for this.”
These words from Styles’ emotional open letter echoed throughout the venue as fans realized the torch was being passed — from one X-Division icon to a new prodigy ready to etch his name into history.

“Two Eras. One Legacy.” — AJ Styles’ Message of Growth and Faith

Before his surprise appearance, AJ Styles had teased fans with a heartfelt letter to himself on social media titled “Two Eras. One Legacy. AJ Returns.” In it, the 47-year-old veteran looked back on his journey from TNA rookie to becoming a global icon in WWE, reminding himself and fans of the long road filled with both triumph and adversity.

“If I had the ability to go back in time, I’d tell myself ‘You have no idea how far this ride’s about to take you…’”
“…Stay humble, stay hungry, and trust God’s timing—it’s perfect, even when it doesn’t feel like it,” Styles wrote.

You can read the full message on AJ Styles’ official X account.

The Rise of Leon Slater: A New Chapter Begins

At just 19 years old, Leon Slater has become the youngest X-Division Champion ever — a feat that many believed would take years to achieve. Trained in the UK indie scene, Slater has consistently impressed fans with his agility, resilience, and high-flying style reminiscent of a young AJ.

In his post-match speech, AJ told Slater to “carry the legacy forward,” signaling the passing of the X-Division mantle from one legend to another. The moment has been hailed as TNA’s most emotional Slammiversary moment in over a decade.

Fans immediately took to social media platforms like Reddit and X to share their emotions, with many saying they were brought to tears.

AJ Styles and TNA: A History That Changed Wrestling Forever

Allen Neal Jones, known professionally as AJ Styles (Wikipedia), was one of the original cornerstones of TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling), now rebranded as TNA Wrestling once again. His work during the early 2000s laid the foundation for what the X-Division represents today: speed, athleticism, innovation, and fearless storytelling.

Though Styles left TNA in 2013, he always carried a piece of it with him as he conquered New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and later WWE, where he became a WWE Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and a locker room leader.

His return to TNA isn’t about reclaiming glory — it’s about legacy, mentorship, and showing the new generation what it means to be phenomenal.

Wrestling World Reacts: “This Wasn’t Just a Return — It Was a Blessing”

Wrestling legend Kurt Angle, a fellow TNA alum, posted a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram saying, “This is why AJ Styles is one of the greatest. He didn’t return to wrestle. He returned to inspire.”

Moose, who graciously handed over the title to Slater, commented backstage:

“Leon earned it. AJ’s presence only made it more special. This was real. This was history.”

Even WWE personalities like Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens took to X to acknowledge the moment, showing just how wide Styles’ respect stretches across the wrestling world.

What’s Next for AJ Styles and Leon Slater?

While AJ Styles is still signed with WWE, his appearance at Slammiversary was reportedly sanctioned as a one-off tribute and not a full return to TNA. However, insiders speculate that this might open the door for future cross-promotional moments, especially with Triple H’s more open approach to collaborations.

Meanwhile, Leon Slater now carries the weight of legacy on his shoulders. With AJ’s blessing and the eyes of the wrestling world watching, Slater must prove that his moment wasn’t just magic — it was the beginning of something legendary.

And if Slammiversary 2025 taught us anything, it’s that wrestling still has the power to create goosebump moments — when the past returns not to compete, but to ignite the future.

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Just five days before Night of Champions promises to shake Riyadh, WWE RAW rolled into Columbus, Ohio’s Nationwide Arena—and it did not disappoint. A blend of impassioned promos, unexpected brawls, and nail-biting matches left the WWE Universe buzzing for what’s next. Here’s everything that unfolded on the June 23rd RAW broadcast.

Seth Rollins Proclaims Himself the ‘Endgame’

Opening RAW, Seth “Freakin” Rollins didn’t mince words. Surrounded by Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and “Big” Bronson Reed, Rollins claimed he is the reason Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and even Cody Rhodes are relevant today.

This is the finish line. This is the endgame. It has and always will be Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins.

Mic drops like this made his promo a standout—RAW’s flagship spark ignited right from the first bell.

Breakker vs. Penta: Spear Meets Mexican Destroyer

Right after Rollins’ sermon, Bron Breakker and Penta reignited their rivalry. Penta almost clinched victory with a textbook Mexican Destroyer, but Breakker’s mid-air spear flattened him for the pin. Rollins, lurking ringside, issued a stern warning to Penta: stay out of my business.

Goldberg Swears Revenge on Gunther

In a tightly edited sit-down, Goldberg revealed he’s been stewing ever since Gunther’s insult at Bad Blood last October. Now, the Hall of Famer vows to beat the living hell out of The Ring General this Saturday at Main Event. Short, powerful, and enough to pump fresh heat into Goldberg’s last stand.

Queen of the Ring Semifinal: Jade Cargill Crushes Roxanne Perez

Backstage pep talks by Finn Bálor kept Judgment Day’s momentum alive despite Liv Morgan’s injury. Then, Roxanne Perez battled powerhouse Jade Cargill in the Queen of the Ring semifinal. Perez smartly targeted Cargill’s knee but couldn’t stop the storm—Cargill sealed her spot in the final after a punishing powerbomb and Jaded.

Post-match, Cargill and Asuka’s icy staredown teased a must-see finale in Riyadh.

Gunther Fires Back: “I Will End Goldberg’s Myth!”

Not one to let Goldberg’s threats slide, Gunther unleashed an equally cutting promo in-ring. Calling the veteran a “58-year-old one trick pony,” Gunther promised to humiliate Goldberg once and for all—and the Columbus crowd surprisingly cheered him on.

Bayley vs. Becky Lynch: Chairs Fly, Emotions Boil

Another chapter in the classic Bayley-Becky Lynch saga saw both Superstars dig deep. Lynch zeroed in on Bayley’s right arm, cleverly forcing the challenger to adapt mid-match. An unexpected assist from Lyra Valkyria turned chaos into a disqualification win for Lynch, who walked out still IC champ, smirking as Bayley and Valkyria bickered in-ring

Ripley and Rodriguez: Tables, Trash Talk, and a Street Fight Incoming

A heated brawl erupted ringside when Raquel Rodriguez called out Rhea Ripley. Before Ripley could end it with a table slam, Roxanne Perez intervened, only for Rodriguez to powerbomb Ripley through the table anyway. WWE has since confirmed they’ll clash in a Street Fight soon—likely adding more fireworks to an already explosive card.

King of the Ring Main Event: Cody Rhodes Outlasts Jey Uso

The Columbus crowd got their money’s worth as Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso headlined with a thriller worthy of a premium event. Superkicks, spears, near-falls galore—Rhodes clinched the win with a breathtaking super Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes combo. Next up? A final showdown with Randy Orton in Riyadh.

RAW Overall: Solid Build, Red-Hot Ending

From Rollins’ opening declaration to Rhodes vs. Uso’s main event classic, RAW smartly stoked hype for Night of Champions and beyond. While not every segment was gold, big promos and strong matches earned this show a deserved B overall.