WWE replaces AJ Lee with John Cena for RAW banner November 17, 2025

AJ Lee’s return looks in a bind.

WWE has made a surprising change ahead of one of its biggest upcoming shows of the year. The company has replaced AJ Lee with John Cena on the official promotional banner for the November 17, 2025, edition of Monday Night RAW from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The switch has raised eyebrows across the WWE Universe, especially given AJ Lee’s sudden absence from television in recent weeks. The former Divas Champion was last seen competing at Wrestlepalooza 2025, where she teamed up with her husband, CM Punk, to defeat Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a high-profile Mixed Tag Team Match. After the victory, fans expected AJ to pursue Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship, but she never returned to WWE TV.

AJ Lee missing amid rumors of return

Since her absence, speculation has run rampant about AJ Lee’s status. Some reports hinted that she could return before Survivor Series: WarGames to help form the women’s team for the event. However, WWE has remained quiet about her status, neither confirming nor denying her return.

Interestingly, AJ was initially featured on Netflix’s banner for the November 17 RAW event, but her image was later replaced by John Cena’s.

The decision instantly caught fans’ attention, fueling speculation that WWE might be hiding something major. Cena’s addition, meanwhile, gives the episode an even bigger spotlight, given his box-office appeal and ongoing storyline with CM Punk.

AJ Lee addresses her absence and sends a message to Becky Lynch

While she hasn’t appeared on WWE programming, AJ has kept herself busy. The former champion is currently promoting her Day Of The Dead Girl book tour, confirming through Facebook that she isn’t injured but is simply taking some time away.

She also made headlines with a pointed message to Becky Lynch, thanking “The Man” for keeping the Women’s Intercontinental Title “warm.” Her post hinted that a return could be imminent, suggesting unfinished business between the two.

The banner replacement might therefore be part of WWE’s broader strategy to protect a potential surprise. Given the company’s history of using misleading promotional material to build intrigue, AJ’s removal could be designed to amplify shock value when she does return, potentially setting up a massive rematch with Lynch.

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