Pro wrestling has evolved into a highly unpredictable sport. Wrestlers are no longer known by the promotion they work in, but by their work. Associating one’s wrestling career with their personas, matches and achievements helps add more significance to their professional attitude. In times like these, anything and everything is possible around and within a wrestling ring. As is the case with CM Punk. At last night’s AEW Rampage: The First Dance, the much-anticipated return of CM Punk to the squared circle finally came to fruition. The wait is seemingly over after seven years of Punk’s self-imposed exile. But besides being a trending sports headline, Punk’s return has out-shined the possibilities of another awaited return – the return of AJ Lee.
The former WWE Divas Champion and Punk’s beloved wife might have an opportunity knocking at her door. Although she had declared her retirement from wrestling and has now settled as a renowned author and mental health advocate, AJ Lee can please her fans with a return. Will the former “Crazy Chick” follow her husband to the All Elite zone? Let’s take a look at how Lee changed the wrestling landscape back in the early 2010s and what prospects lie ahead for her, should she ever follow Punk back into pro wrestling.
AJ Lee’s Wrestling Career So Far
AJ Lee had been a part of the main roster for only three years, out of her total five-year span in the WWE. Those three years were filled with her energetic, romantic and innocent yet oppressing character. Debuting in the third season of NXT, Lee participated in a six female contest to determine the next “breakout” star. Although she was eliminated at the third spot, Lee soon got a chance at the main roster to further influence the WWE Universe.
She began pairing with Daniel Bryan on SmackDown, subsequently rising to greater fame. Her intriguing love arc in WWE extended from Primo, Bryan and Punk to John Cena, Kane and Dolph Ziggler. Lee’s animated personality helped her get recognized in no time. In April 2013, she earned her shot at the Divas Championship after winning a battle royal. At Payback, she defeated her former tag team partner Kaitlyn to win the Diva’s Championship for the first time.
This proved to be just one of her three reigns as the Diva’s Champion, with an overall record 406 days reign. She had been awarded PWI’s “Woman of the Year” Award and was ranked No. 2 in the PWI Female 50 in 2014.
Present Health Conditions
One of the many reasons contributing to Lee’s retirement from wrestling was her damaged cervical spine. During the 2014 Survivor Series PPV, she had sustained some injuries to her spine. Over three months later, she returned to the ring to fuel a feud against the Bella Twins (Nikki and Brie). At WrestleMania 31, Lee and Paige (who was arguably made by AJ Lee, after Paige memorably defeated her for the Diva’s Championship in her main roster debut post-WrestleMania 30) emerged victorious over the Bella Twins and a night later, Lee wrestled her last match.
Since then, there have been no reports of Lee’s in-ring performance. Given her neck issues, if the 34-year-old decides to return to the ring, she might seem to be a bit rusty. But with her strong willpower and some training, Lee possesses the talent and drive to manage to turn back time to the wrestler she was. Returns in pro-wrestling are always unpredictable, as has been the case with Sting’s surreal performance in AEW so far.
Potential Roles in AEW
The possibilities for any Pro Wrestling return these days are limitless. As much as we want AJ Lee to return to the ring, an individual’s personal health is not to be taken for granted. In case AEW turns out to be the landing spot for Lee, she can choose whatever she wants to do.
Her current profession as an author can incline her towards the commentary booth. AEW can surely benefit from having Lee alongside Tony Schiavone, Excalibur and the evergreen Jim Ross (J.R.). Plus, she can bring a much needed female influence to the commentary team.
Another potential role for Lee would be that of a manager. It’s not like AEW lacks in managerial positions, but Lee can certainly be different. She can join forces alongside Punk as his manager, or appoint a female wrestler as her client. We’ve seen her take command over Tamina Snuka and Big E during her time in WWE. With her scathing promos and cunning strategies, Lee may happen to be an even better manager. As a manager in AEW, one can always look forward to forming stables and factions.
Meanwhile returning as a wrestler is always going to be a huge hit for Lee. For AEW’s present women’s division, she could introduce the star power and charisma she’s known for. There are several options available to her to set up exciting matches and feuds. The chief goal can be to capture the Women’s Championship or prove her point in a grudge storyline. She can pick a fight with Hikaru Shida, Britt Baker, Tay Conti, Anna Jay, Jade Cargill or Serena Deeb – the big names keep coming. Besides, with the Forbidden Door creaking open, she can venture into the unknown and expand her legacy.
Would Lee Be A Good Fit for AEW?
With all the aforementioned opportunities awaiting AJ Lee in AEW, she would definitely be a great fit for the promotion. No matter which role she chooses to pursue, Lee’s work will be appreciated for the energy she adds to it. Fans all around the globe have been patiently waiting for her return. If she shows up in an “All Elite” arena someday, the crowd will surely put on a tremendous welcome.
More from LWOS Pro Wrestling
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TNT and AEW Dark: Elevation (Monday nights) and AEW: Dark (Tuesday nights) at 7 PM ET on YouTube. AEW’s new show, AEW Rampage, airs on TNT at 10 PM EST every Friday night.
