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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n one of the most emotional moments in recent WWE history, John Cena appeared to officially pass the torch to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025 in front of a sold-out crowd at MetLife Stadium.

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But this wasn’t just a match. It was a legacy-defining street fight that pushed both men to their physical and emotional limits. Rhodes defeated Cena to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship, claiming his second reign after originally winning the title at WrestleMania 40.

The crowd erupted when Cena made his entrance to the iconic “My Time is Now” theme—a nostalgic callback that even drew a smirk from Rhodes. But once the bell rang, the pleasantries were over.

This is your time now,” Cena was heard whispering to Rhodes after the final bell, in what many are calling a symbolic passing of the torch.

The street fight was nothing short of chaotic. Rhodes absorbed a crutch shot, slammed Cena on the steel steps, and even executed a banned piledriver. Cena retaliated with his trademark Attitude Adjustment, not once but multiple times—including a jaw-dropping version through the Spanish announce table, launched from atop Michael Cole and Wade Barrett’s desk.

The match was as psychological as it was physical. Rhodes—known as The American Nightmare—struggled internally, hesitating between honor and aggression. Cena—long seen as The Face That Runs the Place—played possum, striking when least expected. Their chemistry in the ring was a masterclass in storytelling.

Still, Rhodes dug deep, channeling his late father Dusty Rhodes, and landed a Cody Cutter, followed by the controversial piledriver. He would eventually secure the win—and history—by pinning the 17-time world champion after a breathtaking final sequence.

Cena, battered and bloodied, stood up and raised Rhodes’ hand in the center of the ring before walking up the ramp, possibly for the last time.

I’ve done everything I could for this business. Now it’s his turn to carry it forward,” Cena said backstage to WWE.com

What’s Next?

While Rhodes continues to etch his name among the greats, questions now swirl around Cena’s future. Is this the final chapter in one of wrestling’s most iconic careers? Or is there still one more run left for the Doctor of Thuganomics?

Regardless, this night will go down in WWE history—not just for the title change, but for the symbolic moment that every fan in attendance will never forget.

Terry Bollea, better known to the world as Hulk Hogan, has passed away at the age of 71, marking the end of an era in professional wrestling. The man whose 24-inch pythons and booming “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” captivated millions died after years of battling serious health issues, including a chronic back injury stemming from decades in the ring.

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Despite retiring from active wrestling in 2012, Hogan had recently launched a new venture — Real American Freestyle Wrestling — and was planning to open a bar in New York City, just across from Madison Square Garden, the venue that hosted some of his most iconic matches.

From Mr. T to The Rock — Hogan owned the spotlight

In 1985, Hulk Hogan became a household name when he teamed up with Mr. T at the inaugural WrestleMania to battle Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. That match, broadcast via closed-circuit television, drew over a million viewers and catapulted the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) into the cultural mainstream.

His epic showdown with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III became the stuff of legend. With 80,000 fans packing the Pontiac Silverdome, it was the match that defined an era. The rematch later aired on NBC and drew a staggering 33 million viewers, solidifying Hogan as wrestling’s first true megastar.

Heel turn of the century — the NWO revolution

In 1996, with his hero image fading, Hogan executed one of the most shocking “heel turns” in wrestling history. He joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and became the ruthless leader of the New World Order (NWO). Reinventing himself as “Hollywood Hogan,” he ditched the red and yellow for black and white and led WCW to 83 straight weeks of ratings dominance over the WWF.

The move revitalized not just Hogan’s career but also the wrestling industry, reflecting the darker, edgier tone of the 1990s. For fans who had grown up idolizing him, it was a surreal twist — but one that worked.

The comeback that made the crowd flip

In 2002, Hogan returned to WWE to face The Rock at WrestleMania 18 in Toronto. Though he entered as a villain, the 68,000-strong crowd wasn’t having it. They roared for Hogan, forcing WWE to repackage him once more as the beloved “Real American” character.

Hogan would go on to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest performers in sports entertainment history.

From the ring to real-life controversy

However, Hogan’s post-wrestling life was marred by scandal. In 2015, a leaked video revealed him using racial slurs and making deeply offensive remarks. WWE severed ties, only to reintroduce him three years later as a “legend” with limited appearances.

Later that same year, a sex tape featuring Hogan was leaked by Gawker. Hogan sued the media outlet for invasion of privacy and emotional distress — and won. The court awarded him a jaw-dropping $115 million in damages, a case that became a landmark in digital privacy law.

Despite his attempts at a comeback, Hogan was booed by fans during WWE’s Netflix debut in Los Angeles earlier this year when promoting his new Real American Beer brand.

Donald Trump calls Hogan “a great friend”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had a long-running friendship with Hogan, was among the first to pay tribute.

We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, one of the highlights of the week. His cultural impact was massive.

WWE still under scrutiny as Laurinaitis settles in Grant case

As the wrestling world mourns the loss of Hogan, WWE is grappling with another storm — a bombshell lawsuit involving former WWE executive John Laurinaitis and accusations of sexual misconduct brought by former employee Janel Grant.

Laurinaitis, who once wrestled as “Johnny Ace,” has reached a confidential settlement with Grant and is now reportedly providing evidence in her ongoing case against WWE and former CEO Vince McMahon.

Grant alleges years of sexual abuse and coercion, and claims she was pressured into signing a $3 million nondisclosure agreement — of which only $1 million was paid. The case, which includes graphic allegations and explicit text messages, continues to send shockwaves through the wrestling industry.

McMahon, who bought the WWF in 1982 and turned it into a global powerhouse, resigned from his position in TKO Group Holdings earlier this year amid mounting legal pressure. He continues to deny all allegations and is pushing for the case to move into private arbitration.

A bittersweet farewell

For fans around the world, Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler — he was the wrestler. He defined a generation, transcended the sport, and became a symbol of charisma, strength, and spectacle.

Yet, as with many legends, his legacy is complicated. Hogan leaves behind a mixed history — one of extraordinary influence and achievement, marred by personal failings and public backlash.

Even so, the roar of the crowd when “Real American” hit the speakers will never be forgotten.