AJ Lee Returns to WWE SmackDown After 10-Year Hiatus

Professional wrestling fans got a night to remember in Chicago when AJ Lee, the former WWE Divas Champion and fan favorite, made her long-awaited return after a decade away from the ring. On a packed episode of SmackDown, WWE delivered nostalgia, surprises, and drama in true wrestling fashion. From Lee’s shocking entrance to John Cena’s farewell, and Brock Lesnar’s brutal attack, the night gave fans plenty to talk about.

AJ Lee Lights Up Chicago

The return of AJ Lee was not only one of the most anticipated WWE moments of the year but also one of the most emotional. Many fans believed Lee would never return after retiring ten years ago. Yet, when her music hit in her hometown of Chicago, the arena exploded with excitement.

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For some fans, especially those who missed her original run in WWE, the return carried a mix of surprise and joy. Even without seeing her career in real-time, it was impossible not to feel the emotions of her comeback. She stepped out in her old “crazy” gimmick, a reminder of her unique character that once made her stand out in the Divas era.

Her comeback also mirrored that of her husband, CM Punk, who returned after a long absence and was thought never to wrestle again. The similarities made her return even more special, almost like a family reunion in the wrestling world.

The Segment That Stole the Show

The moment began with Seth Rollins opening the show alongside his wife, WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch. The two received a lively reaction from the Chicago crowd. Lynch even joked about Chicago’s sports teams, teasing that every team besides the Bears “sucked,” which drew laughs and cheers.

Soon after, CM Punk entered the scene, leading to a tense back-and-forth with Lynch. The fans could sense what was coming as chants of “AJ Lee” filled the arena. Punk teased the audience by suggesting he could bring out other friends, but eventually, he called for AJ.

As her entrance music played, the crowd roared, and AJ Lee appeared, skipping down to the ring with her trademark smile and mischievous energy. Becky Lynch’s exaggerated reaction of fear worked well with the story, reminding everyone of AJ’s unpredictable character. Commentary highlighted her history and gimmick, making the return even more impactful.

A mixed tag-team match at Wrestlepalooza featuring Punk, AJ Lee, Rollins, and Becky Lynch now seems almost certain. After that, fans hope AJ Lee gets a real chance to shine in the current women’s division, which is far stronger than it was during her original run. With so many fresh opponents, Lee’s second chapter could be just as memorable as her first.

John Cena Bids Farewell on SmackDown

While AJ Lee’s return grabbed the headlines, another emotional moment came when John Cena appeared to officially say goodbye to SmackDown as a regular performer. The legend opened the show by addressing the Chicago fans, recalling his history in the city and thanking them for years of support.

Cena claimed he had nothing else to say except “thank you,” which felt like a heartfelt goodbye. Just as he was about to leave, new U.S. Champion Sami Zayn interrupted him. The Chicago crowd booed Zayn heavily, treating him as if he were a villain, even though he is usually loved by fans.

The segment played off history, as Zayn reminded Cena of the U.S. Championship open challenge years ago that revived Cena’s career. Now, Zayn wanted to return the favor by offering Cena a title shot. Cena accepted on the spot, and the match began.

John Cena vs. Sami Zayn: A Match of Generations

The match was a thrilling callback to Cena’s past. Zayn fought hard, surviving two Attitude Adjustments and other big moves. Cena even paid tribute to past rivals by using moves like the Angle Slam, Ankle Lock, GTS, and Spear, drawing cheers from fans who recognized the references.

Zayn proved his resilience by kicking out of multiple finishers, making him look strong against one of the biggest stars of all time. But just as the match was reaching its peak, the outcome turned predictable.

Brock Lesnar stormed into the ring, attacking Cena with an F-5 and causing a disqualification. Lesnar then delivered a short but chilling message: “Hey, John. I’ll see you at Wrestlepalooza, b****.”

The ending frustrated fans, as yet another major TV match ended in disqualification. Despite that, the seeds are clearly planted for Cena vs. Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza.

Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest Ends in Confusion

Another match that drew attention was Aleister Black versus Damian Priest. The two delivered a physical and intense contest. Black attacked Priest on the ramp before the match officially began, creating a sense of chaos.

After hitting a Razor’s Edge on Black through the announce table, Priest seemed in control. But inside the ring, things got strange. Black shoved the referee into Priest, used the distraction, and landed the Black Mass for the win.

The problem? Black had physically attacked the referee, which should have caused a disqualification. Instead, the referee counted the pin, leaving fans scratching their heads. It was a clunky and confusing finish, likely signaling that this feud will continue, whether fans like it or not.

Low Points of the Night

Not everything on SmackDown hit the mark. A few segments fell flat and left viewers unimpressed:

• Drew McIntyre & Randy Orton’s Promo: The two veterans shared a promotional video for Twisted Tea. It felt awkward and uninspired, offering nothing fresh for a rivalry that has been overdone.

• Jade Cargill & Nia Jax Backstage: Ahead of Cargill’s Women’s WWE Championship rematch with Tiffany Stratton, she teased giving Nia Jax a future title shot. Fans showed little interest, as this matchup doesn’t excite most viewers.

• Giulia vs. Michin: Giulia defended her U.S. title against Michin but only after outside interference from Kiana James. Giulia doesn’t need help to win and deserves better booking. The match itself lacked chemistry, wasting Giulia’s talent.

This episode of SmackDown in Chicago will be remembered most for AJ Lee’s stunning return after ten years away. The moment captured the energy of the crowd and delivered a shot of nostalgia and excitement. Alongside that, John Cena’s farewell, Brock Lesnar’s attack, and Sami Zayn’s gutsy performance kept fans entertained.

However, the night was not without flaws. Questionable finishes, forced rivalries, and weak segments reminded fans of WWE’s occasional booking missteps. Still, the positives outweighed the negatives, and AJ Lee’s return promises exciting storylines heading into Wrestlepalooza.