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**Summary:**
After a decade away from the ring, AJ Lee made a shocking return to WWE on SmackDown in Chicago, joining her husband CM Punk. The comeback occurred amidst the escalating feud between Punk and Seth Rollins, fueled by Rollins’ Money in the Bank cash-in and subsequent title win. Becky Lynch’s interference at Clash in Paris and a slap to Punk on Raw further intensified the rivalry. Lee confronted Lynch on SmackDown, foreshadowing a potential mixed tag team match at WrestlePalooza, WWE’s first major event on ESPN’s streaming service. Lee’s return is a welcome surprise for fans who have long hoped to see her back in action. Lee is a former three-time Divas Champion and her short tenure was cut short due to a cervical spine injury.
**News Article:**
**AJ Lee Returns to WWE After 10-Year Hiatus, Confronts Becky Lynch!**
**CHICAGO, IL –** The WWE Universe erupted on Tuesday night as AJ Lee, the former Divas Champion, made her long-awaited return to WWE on SmackDown, marking her first appearance in the squared circle in a decade.
Lee joined her husband, CM Punk, in his hometown of Chicago, and immediately inserted herself into the boiling feud between Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
The explosive return unfolded after weeks of escalating tensions. Rollins, after losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Punk at SummerSlam, cashed in his Money in the Bank contract at a later date, stealing the title back. The rivalry intensified at Clash in Paris, where Lynch’s interference helped Rollins retain the title.
The animosity reached a fever pitch on Monday Night Raw when Lynch berated and slapped Punk. Punk teased a response on SmackDown, and that response came in the form of his wife, AJ Lee.
Lee confronted Lynch in the ring, delivering a verbal jab before Lynch retreated, hinting at a future confrontation.
Rumors are swirling that this sets the stage for a mixed tag team match at WrestlePalooza on September 20th, WWE’s inaugural premium live event on ESPN’s streaming service, pitting Punk and Lee against Rollins and Lynch.
AJ Lee’s return is a massive shock to the wrestling world. Lee, known for her unique persona, in-ring skills, and promo prowess, retired from in-ring competition in 2015, citing a cervical spine injury. While she’s remained active in entertainment as a writer and producer, fans have long held out hope for a return to WWE. Now, after 10 years, that hope has been realized. The wrestling world will be watching to see what happens next.
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