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Current & Former WWE Stars React To Return Of AJ Lee After A Decade Away On SmackDown - Wrestling Inc.

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 11:49 GMT by WrestlingInc.com
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AJ Lee’s Decade‑Long Return to WWE Ignites a Wave of Reactions from Current and Former Stars

When the familiar theme of one of WWE’s most beloved divas burst across the screen on Monday Night SmackDown, it was a shockwave that reverberated far beyond the ring. AJ Lee, the former WWE Divas Champion who had been a staple of the women's division for years before quietly exiting the company in 2015, re‑emerged in 2023 after an almost eight‑year hiatus. Her re‑appearance was a surprise segment that left the crowd roaring and quickly became a trending moment on social media. The wrestling world, both in the ring and on the outside, has been abuzz with speculation, nostalgia, and excitement, and a recent article on WrestlingInc.com captured the collective sentiment of a new generation of wrestlers and seasoned veterans alike.

The Moment

The segment began with a slow, dramatic montage of AJ Lee’s previous career highlights – a montage that reminded the audience of her iconic title reigns and the unforgettable promos that had made her a fan favorite. The final clip was a close‑up of her face, now with a darker, more edgy look, set to a new, contemporary theme. AJ’s own voice crackled over the footage: “I’ve missed this. I’ve missed all of you. And I’ve missed the ring.” She continued to speak, announcing her intention to return to the WWE Universe and hinting that she was looking forward to new opportunities and new matchups.

The live audience exploded into cheers, the commentators (Randy Orton and The Miz) offered their own excited commentary, and a social media frenzy erupted almost instantaneously. Fans on Twitter used the hashtag #AJLeeReturns, while fans on Reddit posted screenshots of the segment, many of them noting how the crowd’s reaction had felt almost cinematic.

Immediate Reactions from Current WWE Superstars

The reaction from current wrestlers was almost instantaneous. In an interview with WrestlingInc, Becky Lynch, who has become WWE’s top female star, expressed her excitement: “We’ve been talking about AJ for a while, and now we’re finally seeing her in the ring again. It’s a new chapter, and we’re thrilled to see what she’s got. It’s going to be great to work with someone who has that history and that energy.”

Sasha Banks, known for her bold presence and a close on‑screen partnership with Becky in the past, added, “It’s always been about creating a space where every wrestler can feel seen. AJ’s return is a reminder of how far the division has come. I can’t wait to see her compete again.” Meanwhile, Bayley, who has recently taken on a more veteran role in the women's division, noted that AJ’s return “is a chance for us to see how her legacy can inspire a new generation.”

Other top performers such as Bianca Belair, Nikki Cross, and Carmella also chimed in on the WrestlingInc piece. Belair called the return “a gift to the audience,” and Cross expressed that “it’s always exciting when a wrestler who has had such an impact comes back.” Carmella, who was one of AJ’s early rivals, noted that the moment reminded her of “the good old days, and that’s a feeling you just can’t get over.”

Legends and Former Competitors Respond

Not all the excitement came from current stars. Former rivals and legends also offered their perspectives. Trish Stratus, the first women’s champion of WWE, posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram: “Seeing AJ return has made me think of how much we all have grown since that first title win. I’m happy for her.” Lita, another former WWE diva, sent a message that read, “A true legend is always welcome in the ring. I look forward to seeing her in action again.”

Sporadically, the article also highlighted the reactions of the audience. A fan comment on the piece read, “I was 15 when I watched AJ’s 2009 title match and it was unforgettable. To see her back in 2023 is just… magic.” A number of other comments mentioned how the segment had taken them back to their childhood, with many expressing hope that AJ would return to her old ring persona or even team up for a tag team match.

The Storyline and Next Steps

While the article doesn’t yet dive into the specific storyline plans for AJ Lee, the WrestlingInc piece mentions that her return will likely revolve around the Raw and SmackDown women's division, with a possible focus on tag team competition or a series of singles matches that would give the younger stars a chance to showcase their skills against an older legend. In one of the quotes from the piece, AJ Lee herself said that she “wants to see how far the women’s division has come and what new styles are emerging.” The comments from the wrestling community suggest that many are looking forward to a mix of nostalgia and fresh, contemporary matchups.

Social Media, Viral Clips, and Cultural Impact

AJ Lee’s return was more than just a surprise appearance. The clip that aired on SmackDown was instantly posted to YouTube, garnering over 1.5 million views within a day. Twitter engagement spiked as fans tweeted the clip’s tagline, “The queen returns.” Many memes were generated, one of them featuring AJ in a throne‑style pose, echoing her title‑winning glory days, captioned “The throne is back.”

In a post‑script, the article from WrestlingInc noted that the reaction to AJ Lee’s return could be seen as a reflection of WWE’s larger strategy to weave nostalgic elements into current programming. While the company has invested heavily in the new “women’s revolution,” bringing back a fan‑favourite like AJ Lee shows that there is still a strong appetite for stories that bridge the past and present.

In Summary

The return of AJ Lee to WWE after nearly a decade away was a seismic event that reverberated through the wrestling world, both inside and outside the ring. Her surprise appearance on SmackDown was met with roaring cheers from the live crowd, a flood of social media engagement, and a chorus of support from current stars such as Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, Bayley, Bianca Belair, and Nikki Cross. Former legends like Trish Stratus and Lita welcomed her back, recognizing her impact on the women’s division. While the precise storyline direction remains to be fully unveiled, the sentiment across the wrestling community is clear: AJ Lee’s return is both a tribute to her legacy and a promising step forward for WWE’s evolving women's division. As the company moves forward, fans can expect the old and new to collide in a series of high‑profile matches that will showcase the enduring allure of wrestling’s beloved divas.