The WWE Universe is still reeling from the jaw-dropping events on the September 5, 2025, episode of SmackDown in Chicago, where AJ Lee made a seismic return after nearly a decade away, unleashing a ferocious beatdown on Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch. The Allstate Arena erupted as Lee, absent since her 2015 retirement, stormed the ring to confront Lynch, who had been taunting her husband, CM Punk, following his scandalous kiss with Lynch at Clash in Paris. The assault left Lynch in a shocking state—bruised, disoriented, and fleeing with Seth Rollins—while fans and analysts alike grapple with the fallout of AJ’s explosive comeback.
The stage was set when Lynch, alongside Rollins in a skybox, mocked Punk after costing him the World Heavyweight Championship in Paris. Her taunts, punctuated by a slap to Punk’s face, pushed the Straight Edge Superstar to his limit. Punk’s cryptic response—“I’d never hit a lady, but I know someone who will”—ignited the crowd as AJ’s iconic theme blared. Lee, sporting her signature skip, charged at Lynch with unbridled fury, delivering a flurry of punches and a vicious Shining Wizard that left Lynch crumpled. The final blow, a resounding slap, echoed through the arena, drawing “AJ Lee!” chants and what Michael Cole called “the loudest pop in SmackDown history.”
Social media exploded, with fans on X posting, “AJ just obliterated Becky! This is personal!” and sharing clips of Lynch’s stunned expression. The attack was a direct response to Lynch’s actions in Paris, where her interference and the subsequent kiss from Punk fueled a deeply personal feud. Lee’s return, confirmed by Triple H as part of a multi-year deal, was meticulously planned, with WWE dropping subtle hints since Lynch’s low blow on Punk. Cageside Seats reported that creative pitches for AJ’s comeback gained traction after Paris, capitalizing on her real-life chemistry with Punk to escalate the storyline.
Lynch, known for her resilience, was left in a rare vulnerable state, her face swollen from Lee’s onslaught. Rollins, visibly shaken, helped her escape as the Chicago crowd roared. The incident sets up a blockbuster mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza on September 20, pitting Punk and Lee against Rollins and Lynch. Lee’s return not only rekindled nostalgia for her Divas Championship days but also showcased her evolved intensity, blending her “crazy chick” persona with a calculated edge. Fans are buzzing about her physicality, with one X user noting, “AJ’s still got it—she made Becky look mortal!”
As Wrestlepalooza approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Lee’s beatdown has shifted the feud’s dynamic, positioning her as a wildcard against Lynch’s dominance. Will AJ and Punk’s reunion overpower The Vision’s schemes, or will Lynch retaliate with her trademark ferocity? The wrestling world is on edge, captivated by this shocking display and eager for the next chapter in this deeply personal saga.
