Add as a preferred source on Google AJ Lee wasn’t part of WWE‘s original plans for SummerSlam, but a significant shift on the card has opened up a new possibility for her return to the ring.
In a new update on WrestleVotes Live via Fightful Select, it was reported that the former Women’s Intercontinental Champion wasn’t scheduled for the August 1-2 event at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. That, however, stopped being set in stone once Rhea Ripley went down with an injury.
“The only thing that we knew was that initially she wasn’t scheduled to be part of SummerSlam. But things change, injuries happen, matches get shuffled, and there are now three open spots for a ladder match. It just also so happens CM Punk is on SmackDown too.”
WWE announced a Five-Woman Ladder Match to crown an interim champion while Ripley recovers from a meniscus injury. Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill have already secured their spots, leaving three openings. Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax will compete for one of them on the next episode of SmackDown.
The mention of CM Punk isn’t a coincidence, either. The current Undisputed WWE Champion will defend his title against Cody Rhodes, putting the couple in the same creative and logistical environment as the event comes together.
AJ hasn’t wrestled since April 18, when she lost the Women’s Intercontinental Championship to Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 42.
Back in April, WrestleVotes had already reported that there were no immediate creative plans for AJ, though there was internal hope of using her at major events, with SummerSlam mentioned directly.
AJ Lee still isn’t confirmed for the Ladder Match. Ripley’s injury and the remaining open spots, however, have created the first concrete path to get her back on WWE TV since WrestleMania.