forbes.com
AJ Lee Returns to WWE After 10 Years, Setting Up Intergender Tag Team Match at Wrestlepalooza
Former WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee returned to WWE on SmackDown in Chicago on September 5, 2025, assisting her husband CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, leading to an intergender tag team match at ESPN's Wrestlepalooza on September 20th.
- What is the significance of AJ Lee's return to WWE after a decade-long absence?
- AJ Lee's return marks a major event in professional wrestling, setting up a high-profile intergender tag team match against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins at WWE's Wrestlepalooza on ESPN. This match is particularly significant due to the intergender aspect and Lee's substantial absence from the ring since March 2015.
- What are the broader implications of AJ Lee's return for WWE and women's wrestling?
- AJ Lee's return could reignite interest in women's wrestling, especially given her past advocacy for increased opportunities (#GiveDivasAChance). Her presence on ESPN's Wrestlepalooza, a significant platform, could elevate the visibility of women's wrestling within the broader sports landscape and potentially inspire future generations of wrestlers.
- How does AJ Lee's return impact the ongoing storyline between CM Punk, Becky Lynch, and Seth Rollins?
- AJ Lee's intervention directly escalates the conflict between Punk and Rollins, shifting the rivalry into an intergender tag team match at Wrestlepalooza. This expands the feud's scope and provides a high-stakes resolution to the storyline, further enhanced by the presence of Lynch.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a predominantly positive framing of AJ Lee's return, emphasizing the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event. The headline itself, "AJ Lee's Imminent Return", creates a sense of urgency and importance. The description of the crowd's reaction ("enormous explosion") and the repeated use of terms like "huge" and "dream matches" contribute to this positive framing. However, the inclusion of Becky Lynch's dismissive comment ("classic, always chanting for a dope who doesn't work here") offers a counterpoint, albeit a brief one, suggesting a slightly more balanced approach. The description of Tony Khan moving AEW All Out to avoid competition also subtly positions WWE as the victor in a scheduling conflict.
Language Bias
The language used is largely enthusiastic and celebratory, but some phrases could be considered loaded. For example, describing Lynch as "terrified" might be subjective and hyperbolic. The repeated use of terms like "dope" and "scared-to-death" also injects a level of informal and potentially biased language into the narrative. More neutral alternatives could include 'surprised,' 'concerned,' and 'moved the event'.
Bias by Omission
While the article highlights AJ Lee's past advocacy for women's wrestling, it omits discussion of potential criticisms of her career or the Divas era itself. The article also doesn't delve into potential negative aspects of the intergender match storyline, such as potential risks or criticisms of such matches. This omission might leave the reader with an incomplete picture of the situation and the various perspectives involved.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified portrayal of the WWE vs. AEW rivalry, suggesting a clear victory for WWE due to the scheduling change of All Out. The article does not explore the complexities of the situation or offer alternative interpretations of AEW's decision. This oversimplification could mislead readers into believing that AEW was definitively defeated by WWE.
Gender Bias
The article focuses heavily on AJ Lee's physical appearance and relationship with CM Punk. While these elements are relevant to the storyline, the level of emphasis could be perceived as stereotypical. The article also portrays Becky Lynch as a provocateur, using a somewhat dismissive tone when describing her actions. More equitable coverage could delve into Becky Lynch's wrestling achievements beyond her role as a foil to AJ Lee, while offering more nuanced discussion of both women's in-ring skills and accomplishments without reducing them to their relationships or appearances.
Sustainable Development Goals
AJ Lee's return to WWE after a decade-long absence challenges traditional gender roles in professional wrestling. Her past advocacy for better opportunities for women wrestlers (#GiveDivasAChance) and her current involvement in an intergender match directly contribute to promoting gender equality in the industry. The article highlights the evolution of women's wrestling, showcasing the progress made since Lee's previous involvement and positioning her return as a catalyst for further advancements in gender representation and equality within the sport.