Following her return to WWE, AJ Lee has several interesting paths she could take to shake up the women’s division. From targeting established champions and igniting fresh rivalries to forging nostalgic alliances, her presence opens the door for compelling new storylines.
Based on current champions and roster dynamics, here is a look at five potential directions for the returning superstar.
5. Spark a Feud with Roxanne Perez
A compelling “past vs. future” rivalry could be ignited with Roxanne Perez. On September 9, 2025, Perez shared a recreated childhood photo with Lee on social media, highlighting a long-standing respect. Lee could use this as a foundation for a storyline, confronting Perez on Raw and questioning if the former NXT Women’s Champion is truly ready to live up to the legacy of her heroes. This angle would create a technical showcase between a seasoned veteran and a rising star, culminating in a marquee match that would elevate Perez while reaffirming Lee’s status.
4. A Reunion with Bayley
Lee and Bayley share a well-documented real-life friendship. Since Lee’s return, Bayley has shown support by wearing her merchandise, including CM Punk’s jacket that reads “AJ’s Husband.” This off-screen connection could easily transition into an on-screen alliance. A backstage segment where Lee surprises Bayley, reminding her of their bond, could launch a powerful tag team. Together, they could challenge dominant heel duos or team with a third partner like Lyra Valkyria for six-woman tag matches, bringing both nostalgia and new energy to the tag team division.
3. Join Forces with Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, both of whom held the WWE Women’s World Championship earlier in 2025, recently teamed up at Crown Jewel against The Kabuki Warriors. Lee could insert herself into this dynamic by approaching them backstage and proposing a three-woman alliance under her veteran leadership. This could create a dominant force, leading to a series of six-woman tag matches and potentially building towards a major clash inside the double cage at Survivor Series: WarGames.
2. Challenge Becky Lynch for the Intercontinental Championship
AJ Lee’s return was framed around teaching a lesson to Becky Lynch, who has been dominant as the Intercontinental Champion. Lee already holds a victory over “The Man,” having made her submit to the Black Widow at Wrestlepalooza. With Lynch currently engaged in matches against talent like Maxxine Dupri, a challenge from Lee would represent a significant threat to her title reign and shake up the established order. A championship feud would be the logical next step in their rivalry.
1. Challenge for a WWE Women’s World Title
The ultimate goal for any returning legend is championship gold. Depending on which brand Lee officially joins, she could challenge either of the top champions. She could set her sights on the newly crowned Women’s World Champion, Stephanie Vaquer, or the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton. Both champions are coming off major feuds—Vaquer with Rhea Ripley and Stratton with Nia Jax and Jade Cargill—making it an opportune time for a new challenger like Lee to step up and aim to cement her legacy as one of the all-time greats.
