Full Breakdown
Recent Returns in Professional Wrestling: AJ Lee and Ken Anderson
9/7/2025, 6:04:47 AM
AJ Lee's Return to WWE
On September 5, 2025, AJ Lee made a highly anticipated return to WWE during the Friday Night SmackDown episode held at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. This marked her first appearance in WWE since her retirement in 2015. The segment began with World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins introducing his wife, Becky Lynch, who was met with chants for AJ Lee from the audience. Lynch responded negatively to the crowd's chants, which led to a confrontation with CM Punk, AJ Lee's husband.
As tensions escalated, CM Punk stated he would not put his hands on a woman but indicated he had someone who would. At that moment, AJ Lee's entrance music played, and she made her way to the ring, receiving a raucous welcome from the crowd. Lee immediately attacked Lynch, delivering a series of strikes and a slap that sent Lynch retreating from the ring. This segment concluded with AJ Lee and CM Punk celebrating together in the ring, setting the stage for a potential mixed tag team match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event on September 20, where they are expected to face Rollins and Lynch.
Ken Anderson's Return to TNA Wrestling
On the same day, Ken Anderson, known in WWE as Mr. Kennedy, returned to TNA Wrestling after nearly a decade away. His appearance occurred during TNA's television tapings at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he participated in a match alongside Steve Maclin against Frankie Kazarian and Jake Something. This marked Anderson's first TNA match since January 2016.
During the tapings, Kazarian mocked Maclin's military service, which provoked Anderson, a member of the National Guard. Following this, Anderson was attacked by Jake Something, but Maclin intervened to assist him. The match concluded with Anderson and Maclin securing a victory, and this return has sparked speculation about Anderson's future involvement with TNA.
Official Statements & Responses
CM Punk expressed his disbelief and excitement over AJ Lee's return, stating on social media, “When you don’t sleep because you don’t want to wake up and have it be a dream.” Meanwhile, TNA Wrestling has not officially commented on Anderson's return, but the positive crowd reaction indicates strong support for his comeback.
Criticism & Opposition
While the returns of both AJ Lee and Ken Anderson have been largely celebrated, some fans have expressed concerns regarding the reliance on nostalgia in wrestling promotions. Critics argue that frequent returns of past stars may overshadow current talent and hinder the development of new storylines.
What's Next
AJ Lee is expected to appear on WWE RAW following her return, as WWE has confirmed she signed a new contract. Meanwhile, TNA Wrestling will continue to build towards their Bound for Glory event on October 12, where Anderson's role may be further defined.
Both returns highlight a trend in professional wrestling where past stars are reintroduced to engage audiences, raising questions about the balance between nostalgia and the promotion of new talent.
