AJ Lee Returns in Chicago to Confront Becky Lynch During CM Punk Segment on WWE SmackDown

The Allstate Arena in Chicago was already electric for CM Punk’s advertised hometown appearance, but fans left with a memory they’ll never forget: the shocking return of AJ Lee.

Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch Crash SmackDown

Despite being a Raw star, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins made his presence felt on SmackDown by emerging from a suite area in the crowd. Rollins introduced his wife, Becky Lynch, calling her “the best women’s wrestler in the history of professional wrestling.”

Lynch strutted to the ring and immediately drew heat from the Chicago faithful, running down the city, its sports teams, and especially CM Punk. The crowd roared in disapproval until Punk’s music hit, sending the Allstate Arena into a frenzy.

CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch on the Mic

Punk didn’t mince words, calling Rollins “a coward” and telling Lynch to leave the matter between him and her husband. Lynch doubled down, firing off insults and calling Punk “a loser.” The Chicago fans answered with thunderous “AJ LEE! AJ LEE!” chants.

Lynch snapped at the crowd to shut up, while Punk fueled the fire by openly encouraging them: “No, let them chant — AJ LEE.” For the first time in years, Punk spoke her name on WWE television.

Lynch then slapped Punk repeatedly across the face. Punk stepped out of the ring, warning he would never strike a woman, but hinted he knew someone who would — even name-dropping Rhea Ripley to stir speculation.

AJ Lee’s Shocking Return

Then it happened. AJ Lee’s music hit and the Allstate Arena nearly blew the roof off. The former Divas Champion skipped to the ring, soaking in chants she never consistently received during her last WWE run.

Sliding into the ring, Lee sat in her classic middle-rope pose before springing to life. Lynch charged, but AJ met her with a press and rained down stiff punches before slapping her across the face. Lynch retreated, crawling out of the ring toward her husband, who leapt the barricade in a failed attempt to save her.

Back inside, AJ stood tall with Punk, who smiled as she jumped into his arms. The show closed with the reunited couple celebrating as Chicago erupted, while the Wrestlepalooza logo flashed on the big screen — signaling a massive showdown to come.

🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

This was one of those moments that reminds fans why they love pro wrestling. For years, AJ Lee’s name echoed in chants but never in reality. Tonight, in CM Punk’s hometown, the dream became real. WWE not only brought AJ back, they tied her return into one of the hottest storylines in the company, setting the stage for Wrestlepalooza. With Punk, AJ, Rollins, and Lynch all colliding, this feud just escalated from personal to legendary.

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