One of the greatest returns in WWE has to be CM Punk in 2023. However, the second spot could very well be destined for his wife, AJ Lee, this year. She came back basically to rescue her husband, but is now readily involved in some stuff. What could have been seen as a one-time appearance is being made into a long-term run. Lee is about to wrestle her second match after that return, and that too inside a WarGames.
She recently spoke on What’s Your Story? with Stephanie McMahon about her immediate placement in the Women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series. Lee, who was revealed as the final participant on SmackDown, joins a team featuring Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss.
“I figured because I was in a generation where we got like seven minutes max I thought I would just jump into the deep end and do 30 minute matches and fu*king WarGames cage matches,” she joked, noting her unusual approach to “ease back into things.” Lee acknowledged that her initial return was intended to be a “one and done,” focusing on having fun as per her comfort level.
However, Lee cited the current roster of women as a major factor in her decision to continue wrestling. She expressed her admiration, stating, “Part of the appeal in ‘ok let’s keep doing this’ is that group of women. I’m a fan of all of them…” Lee emphasized the happiness she feels being surrounded by them, giving “great credit” to the women for making the return appealing.
AJ Lee recalls her iconic fan signing moment with Lita
AJ Lee then shared a personal anecdote about her very first fan signing. She recalled the iconic meet with WWE Hall of Famer Lita which ultimately shaped her own career and fan interactions. Lee recounted attending the signing only for her. She walked up to her and presented the legend with a heartfelt, albeit “embarrassing” letter. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, she emphasized impact Lita had on her.
“If she had been mean or dismissive or anything, if she was anything but warm and wonderful, who knows what direction I would have went in life,” she stated. “Maybe I would have hated wrestling and never done it,” said Lee, mentioning how critical some fan moments can be.
She then revealed the hardship she was facing at the time, noting that Lita was unaware of her circumstances. “So that little girl is starving; she’s probably living in a motel.” Despite not knowing her struggle, Lita was “so kind.” She accepted the letter, saying, “I will read this,” and then gave Lee her own marker, which she treasured for years.
Because of that experience, she approaches her own fan signings with profound respect and enthusiasm. She now aims to make the most of every interaction, recognizing the effort fans make to see her. “You’ve given me your whole day, you’ve traveled here for seven hours… I only get these two minutes with you, they’re going to be the best f**king two minutes in the world,” she said.