5 Shocking Ways AJ Lee’s 2025 WWE Return Has Redefined The Women's Division

The "Black Widow" is officially back, and the landscape of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has been irrevocably altered. As of December 2025, April Jeanette Mendez, known globally as AJ Lee, has ended her nearly decade-long hiatus from in-ring competition, making a sensational return that has dominated headlines and social media. This unexpected comeback, which began with a stunning appearance on *SmackDown* in September, has not only thrilled her dedicated fanbase but has also instantly injected a new level of star power and unpredictability into the Women's Division. The timing of her return, coinciding with her husband CM Punk’s own recent high-profile WWE tenure, has created a powerhouse couple dynamic that harkens back to their original run, but with an entirely new level of legitimacy and financial success. From high-stakes tag team matches to a major role in the annual *Survivor Series: WarGames* event, AJ Lee’s 2025 has been a whirlwind of career-defining moments that prove she remains one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling history.

AJ Lee: Complete Biography and Career Profile

April Jeanette Mendez, born on March 19, 1987, in Union City, New Jersey, is an American professional wrestler and accomplished author. Her journey from a humble, unstable childhood—a story detailed in her best-selling book—to a multi-time champion in the world’s largest wrestling promotion is a testament to her tenacity and unique character.

• Full Name: April Jeanette Mendez (formerly Brooks)
• Ring Name: AJ Lee
• Born: March 19, 1987 (Age 38 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Union City, New Jersey
• WWE Debut: 2009 (Florida Championship Wrestling/NXT)
• Main Roster Debut: 2011
• WWE Championship Reigns: 3-time Divas Champion
• Longest Divas Championship Reign: 295 days (First reign)
• Slammy Awards: Diva of the Year (2012, 2014), Kiss of the Year (2012 with John Cena)
• Key Storylines: Relationships with Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, and Kane; Feuds with Kaitlyn and Paige; The infamous "Pipe Bombshell" promo against the *Total Divas* cast.
• Post-WWE Career: Author (*Crazy Is My Superpower*), Executive Producer for WOW - Women Of Wrestling (2021-2023).
• Spouse: Phil Brooks (CM Punk)

The Sensational 2025 Comeback: From Retirement to WarGames

AJ Lee’s initial retirement in April 2015 was a shock, largely attributed to the intense physicality of her career and the fallout from her husband CM Punk’s departure from the company. After a decade of focusing on her mental health advocacy, writing career, and a brief executive role with WOW (Women Of Wrestling), the wrestling world had largely accepted that her in-ring days were over. This is why her 2025 return is arguably the biggest news story of the year.

The first sign came in September 2025, when she appeared on *SmackDown*, initially to address the ongoing feud involving CM Punk. This quickly escalated into a full-scale return, culminating in her first match in nearly ten years at the special *Wrestlepalooza 2025* event. The match saw her team with her husband, CM Punk, in a highly-anticipated mixed tag team contest, a full-circle moment for the real-life couple.

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The momentum didn't stop there. By November 2025, AJ Lee was confirmed as a key participant in the *Survivor Series: WarGames* match. She joined a team alongside major stars like Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss. Her inclusion in this high-stakes, violent structure match against a team including Asuka and Kairi Sane underscored her immediate positioning as a top-tier competitor, not just a nostalgic figure. This move solidified her presence in the modern Women’s Division, proving she is back to compete at the highest level.

How AJ Lee’s Return Reinvigorates the Women’s Division

AJ Lee’s influence on women's wrestling is undeniable. She was a bridge figure, a trailblazer who used her character work and superior mic skills to command attention during the "Divas Era," laying groundwork for the subsequent Women's Evolution. Her return in 2025, where the division is already stacked with talent, has created five distinct, shocking impacts that are redefining the landscape.

1. The Return of the "Pipe Bombshell" Character

AJ Lee's character was always a complex mix of "Geek Goddess" and unpredictable wild card. Her return has instantly brought back a much-needed layer of edgy, authentic character work that contrasts with the more polished presentation of many current stars. Her mic work, particularly her ability to deliver scathing, reality-based promos—like the famous "Total Divas" rant—is unmatched. This immediately elevates her feuds with Becky Lynch and the other women in the WarGames match, making every confrontation feel intensely personal and must-see.

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2. The CM Punk Power Couple Dynamic

The real-life marriage of AJ Lee and CM Punk is one of wrestling's most compelling narratives. Their joint financial success in 2025, estimated at a combined $16 million, gives them an aura of untouchable star power. Their on-screen reunion is a massive draw, creating the most dominant power couple in the company since the days of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. This partnership opens the door for high-profile mixed tag team matches and cross-brand storylines that involve both the Men’s and Women’s World Championships, adding immense topical authority to both divisions.

3. Dream Matches and New Rivalries

A decade away means AJ Lee has never faced many of the current generation's biggest names. Her return immediately sets up a plethora of dream matches that fans have clamored for. Potential feuds with reigning champions and top contenders are now on the table, including:

• AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch: A battle of two iconic figures who define different eras.
• AJ Lee vs. Rhea Ripley: A clash of generations and styles, pitting the unpredictable veteran against the dominant Mami.
• AJ Lee vs. IYO SKY: A technical masterpiece against one of the best in-ring performers in the world.
• AJ Lee vs. Bayley: A psychological war between two of the most popular female wrestlers of the last fifteen years.

These fresh matchups are crucial for maintaining fan interest and driving viewership into 2026.

4. Validating the Divas Championship Legacy

As a three-time Divas Champion with the longest reign of that era, AJ Lee's return brings legitimacy back to a title that some had dismissed. Her success reminds fans that the Divas Championship was a stepping stone for the current Women's Evolution. Her presence honors the legacy of competitors like Kaitlyn, Eve Torres, and Natalya, while simultaneously showing the current generation that the roots of their success run deep. She is a living link between the "Divas Era" and the "Women's Evolution," bridging the historical gap.

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5. Mental Health Advocacy on a Global Platform

AJ Lee’s book, *Crazy Is My Superpower*, detailed her struggles with bipolar disorder and her advocacy for mental health awareness. Her return to the global stage of WWE provides an unparalleled platform to continue this vital discussion. Her character's unpredictable nature is now seen through the lens of her real-life transparency, allowing her to connect with fans on a deeper, more personal level. This authentic connection is a powerful tool that no other wrestler currently possesses, giving her a unique role as a champion both in and out of the ring.