Add as a preferred source on Google AJ Lee returned to WWE in a very different reality from the one she experienced during her first run with the company.
During a recent interview with The Match-Up, the former Women’s Intercontinental Champion said she was positively surprised by how WWE has changed its approach to mental health. According to AJ, her main concern before returning was whether she would be safe working within the company’s schedule again.
“I couldn’t even reveal my diagnosis ten years ago. Now, it’s part of my contract.”
AJ explained that she directly asked whether her mental health would be protected, whether the company understood the need for time away for that reason, and whether it would be treated as a priority. According to her, the response was positive, and the clause ended up being included in her current WWE deal.
The Importance of Triple H and Nick Khan Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes, Nick Khan and Triple H’s leadership is viewed as one of the major factors behind that new environment. Khan remains one of WWE’s top executives, while Triple H has overseen creative since the company entered its new era.
AJ also recalled that her final year as a wrestler before leaving in 2015 was the worst of her life from a mental health standpoint. Even while appearing as champion and standing as one of the top names in the women’s division, she said she was deeply depressed.
The wrestler returned to WWE in September 2025 after more than ten years away from the ring, and officially competed again at Wrestlepalooza, teaming with CM Punk against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
Since then, her public connection to the subject has only grown stronger. In November, AJ revealed that fans told her they started therapy after one of her promos on RAW, which led to “therapy” chants in the arena.
In other words, beyond marking her in-ring return, this new run also represents a significant personal and professional shift for AJ Lee.