Top five best career moments of AJ Lee as she kicks off her second WWE run

AJ Lee made her WWE return in Chicago!

This week’s Friday Night SmackDown in Chicago delivered one of the most emotional moments in recent wrestling memory. AJ Lee, the former Divas Champion, made her first WWE appearance in more than nine years, sparking thunderous chants from her hometown crowd.

Her return instantly fueled the rumored Wrestlepalooza mixed tag team match, where she’s expected to stand alongside her husband, CM Punk, against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. For longtime fans, this moment was the culmination of nearly a decade of waiting. And for newer fans, it was a chance to meet one of WWE’s most trailblazing figures.

With AJ Lee officially back on WWE television, let’s look at the top five defining moments of her storied career.

5. Fooling Kaitlyn and winning her first Divas Championship

AJ Lee’s first championship triumph in WWE came at Payback 2013, when she defeated Kaitlyn to win the Divas Title. But the lead-up was just as memorable. After securing her opportunity by winning a Battle Royal, Lee began playing mind games with her former best friend.

In one of WWE’s most talked-about storylines from the Divas Era, Kaitlyn believed she had a secret admirer. What looked like a budding romance with Big E turned out to be an elaborate ruse from AJ herself. The psychological warfare rattled Kaitlyn, leading to her downfall at Payback. AJ’s victory marked the first of three reigns as Divas Champion.

Also Read: When is AJ Lee’s next WWE appearance after her return on SmackDown?

4. Becoming Raw General Manager and leaving Daniel Bryan at the altar

In 2012, AJ Lee was at the heart of one of WWE’s wildest storylines. She was set to marry Daniel Bryan live on the 1000th episode of Monday Night Raw. But in a shocking twist, she left Bryan standing at the altar.

Moments later, Vince McMahon announced AJ as the new Raw General Manager, instantly propelling her into a position of authority. From there, she made life miserable for both Bryan and CM Punk, mixing romantic chaos with sharp storytelling. Though her tenure as GM ended after a feud with Vickie Guerrero and storyline rumors involving John Cena, the role showcased AJ’s versatility as a performer.

3. Delivering her own “Pipebomb”

When CM Punk changed wrestling with his infamous “pipebomb” promo in 2011, few could imagine AJ Lee would later deliver her own version. In the summer of 2013, as Divas Champion, she confronted the entire cast of Total Divas in a scathing speech.

AJ cut deep, mocking The Bella Twins, Natalya, and others for chasing fame on reality TV rather than wrestling credibility. The sharpest line came when she declared they could strut red carpets in “ridiculous heels” but could never lace up her Chuck Taylors. It was a rare, raw promo in an era where women’s voices often went unheard and it became one of the defining moments of her career.

2. Returning after nine years to attack Becky Lynch

Her return this week on SmackDown ranks among the most powerful moments of her journey. The closing segment began with Becky Lynch basking in the spotlight, mocking the Chicago crowd and dismissing chants for AJ Lee.

When CM Punk confronted her, Lynch slapped him across the face. Punk teased walking away but then declared he knew “someone who will” fight her. That’s when AJ Lee’s music hit. The arena erupted as she charged into the ring, tackled Lynch, and delivered a flurry of strikes.

Standing tall next to her husband as the show went off the air, AJ Lee’s comeback instantly shifted WWE’s landscape.

Also Read: Top five dream matches for AJ Lee after her WWE return

1. Kissing Daniel Bryan into an 18-second loss at WrestleMania 28

One of AJ Lee’s most iconic moments came at WrestleMania 28. Daniel Bryan, then her on-screen boyfriend, defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Sheamus. Before the bell, Bryan demanded a good-luck kiss from AJ.

She obliged, but the kiss proved costly. As Bryan turned around, he was hit with a thunderous Brogue Kick. Just 18 seconds later, Sheamus was champion, and AJ became forever linked to one of WrestleMania’s most shocking moments.

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