Bayley to drag 3-time champion out of retirement after 9-year WWE hiatus at WrestleMania? Analyzing the chances
It has been exactly one year since CM Punk made his memorable return to WWE at the Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 Premium Live Event. The Stamford-based company has released a "behind-the-scenes" video of the Best in the World's return that night on their official YouTube channel.
In the video, Bayley is among several superstars seen interacting with Punk. This interaction has fueled speculation that The Role Model could soon bring a three-time WWE champion out of retirement. That would be none other than AJ Lee.
In the aforementioned video, Bayley can be seen asking Punk to bring his wife, Lee, back to WWE. The 37-year-old was last seen in a wrestling ring in 2015. Fans have been clamoring for the former Divas Champion's return for years now.
This could potentially happen as early as WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Given Bayley’s close friendship with AJ Lee, WWE could weave this into a storyline. The Role Model could even introduce Lee as a surprise tag team partner at The Show of Shows next year.
She could play a critical role in WWE's women's division moving forward. There is also a possibility of Lee having a run in NXT down the line against names such as Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade, who have often talked about the former's influence on their careers.
What could bring AJ Lee back to WWE?
AJ Lee’s last match was a six-woman tag team bout on RAW following WrestleMania 31. She has since been focused on various projects outside of wrestling.
Legendary wrestling journalist Bill Apter shared his thoughts on what might entice AJ Lee to return to WWE. He suggested that a strong offer combined with a compelling storyline could be enough to bring the 37-year-old back.
"I think the fans are dying for her (AJ Lee) to come back. She was great when she was in the business. We don't know what she'll—if she comes back she's got to be physically and mentally ready and I don't know her current situation or anything, I haven't been in touch with her. I've talked to Punk but I think if they make a good offer and there's a great angle, that will bring her back in," Bill Apter said.
It will be interesting to see if AJ Lee ever decides to make a return to professional wrestling.