When former WWE superstar AJ Lee retired from wrestling in 2015, fans hoped that she would one day return. Especially after her husband, CM Punk, made a shocking comeback, these hopes were further fueled.
WWE Return Updates: AJ Lee still holds a special place in the hearts of wrestling fans. Since she left WWE in 2015, the question has remained: Will AJ Lee ever appear in the wrestling ring again? Now, AJ Lee herself has answered this question during San Diego Comic-Con.
Why did AJ Lee leave WWE?
AJ Lee, whose real name is April Mendez, left WWE in 2015. In a Comic-Con panel discussion, she clarified that she retired from wrestling with satisfaction. She said: "I accomplished all my dreams in wrestling. I got everything I imagined – titles, storylines, and most importantly – the love of the fans." This statement makes it clear that she did not leave WWE in a dispute or in haste, but rather made a balanced and well-thought-out decision.
AJ Lee also acknowledged that a serious neck injury and backstage politics influenced her decision. Mentioning the physical and mental pressures of wrestling, she said: "Falling in the ring every night, getting injured, and enduring mental stress is not easy. I am now focusing on my mental and physical health by staying away from that world."
An emotional message for fans
AJ Lee also stated in her statement that she does not miss championship belts or victories, but what she misses the most are her fans. She said: "I miss the fans the most. They were my people. They understood me, supported me, and made me realize that I mattered to someone."
This reflects the passion that AJ Lee shared with her fans throughout her career. When asked if she might return to the ring in the future, she smiled and said: "Recently, when I stepped into the ring for the TV show Heels, it felt like I had never left. It was like riding a bicycle – just with a lot more pain."
However, she also made it clear that she has not been pressured by WWE or any other wrestling promotion to return. But her fellow wrestlers and fans still call for her comeback.
Hopes increased after CM Punk's return
When CM Punk, AJ Lee's husband, made a shocking comeback, his fans hoped that maybe AJ would also return. However, AJ has made it clear that her path is different and her priorities have now changed. After leaving WWE, AJ Lee wrote comic books, advocated for mental health, and participated in many pop culture projects. She has emerged as a voice for women and her work is not limited to wrestling anymore.
