AJ Lee is lacing up her wrestling boots for the primary time in 10 years at WWE Wrestlepalooza. “By no means say by no means” is a well-liked adage in skilled wrestling. Even Lee, who appeared snug with retirement, ultimately returned for a field workplace match along with her husband, CM Punk. Though Lee returns to a well-recognized atmosphere, her 10-year break brings new fears.

Lee returned to WWE on Sept. 5, aiding her husband and setting the stage for a giant tag staff match: Punk and Lee vs. Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. On Saturday, the three-time WWE Divas champion will wrestle her first match since March 2015.

“It has been 10 years,” Lee informed ESPN. “I attempt to stretch as a lot as I can, however do not you actually know what’s gonna occur while you get on the market. However in the identical manner that does really feel form of scary, and as Becky stated, a legal responsibility in a single manner, I feel it is an asset.”

Lee rejoining the corporate was extra seemingly after Punk mended fences with WWE in 2023. Nevertheless, not like different retired wrestlers in search of one final style of glory, Lee appeared fairly content material along with her retirement. Lee’s solely foray into professional wrestling after leaving WWE was as an govt producer for the “WOW — Ladies of Wrestling” reboot.

“It is form of been one thing that was within the air for the previous couple of years as an possibility,” Lee stated. “Nevertheless, after I retired, I used to be very snug staying retired, and I felt very full in my profession. I’ve at all times got down to do one thing, to embark on a brand new journey, it has to really feel model new and really feel like I am wanted, and it has to really feel thrilling and form of scary.” 

Whereas Lee balances concern and pleasure, Punk is giddy to share the ring along with her. Punk finds consolation in touring along with his spouse once more, and commends her dedication to making ready accordingly for her main return match.

“I am having the time of my life,” Punk informed the “Pardon My Take” podcast. “I am just like the uber-nerdiest spouse man. I at all times wish to say I attempt to spend as a lot time with my spouse as I can, and I spend loads of time along with her. And it by no means feels prefer it’s sufficient. So having her be again on this atmosphere with me at work is sort of a dream come true”. 

“She’s inspirational, actually. Her willpower, quite a lot of that is food plan. However she’s additionally tremendous sturdy within the health club and she or he’s, like, lifting heavy weights and busting her ass all of the time.”