3 reasons AJ Lee hasn’t returned to WWE TV
Her last appearance came when she lost the Women’s Intercontinental Championship to Becky Lynch, and since that night, there hasn’t been a single on-screen hint about what comes next.
Fans noticed immediately. When Lee returned last September after nearly ten years away, it felt like a genuine moment. She wasn’t just another surprise cameo. She jumped straight into meaningful matches and a major rivalry. Now, with a WrestleVotes report via Fightful indicating she may not return anytime soon, the conversation has shifted from “when” to “why.”
Lee’s comeback revolved around her feud with Becky Lynch. It started with a mixed tag match at WWE Wrestlepalooza and built toward a WrestleMania showdown with the Women’s Intercontinental Championship on the line.
WWE’s women’s division is crowded right now. Both RAW and SmackDown are packed with champions, contenders, and rising stars fighting for screen time. If there is no immediate storyline that fits Lee at the top level, creative may prefer to wait rather than force her into something that feels secondary. For someone with her legacy, placement matters.
There is also a practical explanation. Lee was away from professional wrestling for almost a decade before stepping back into the ring. Her 2025 return was intense, packed with high-profile matches and physical demands that add up quickly.
CM Punk, her husband, is also currently off television following his WrestleMania 42 loss to Roman Reigns. Reports have clarified that his break is temporary and not tied to a lack of direction. The same situation could apply to Lee. A pause now allows recovery time and gives WWE space to build a fresh angle rather than rushing her back.
Another realistic possibility is that Lee is working a limited schedule. WWE has increasingly used major names on a part-time basis, bringing them in for key premium live events instead of weekly appearances.
That strategy keeps anticipation high. There are st
