Milwaukee was buzzing on September 8, 2025, as WWE Raw returned to the city with a jam-packed show that delivered surprises, emotional moments, and plenty of action. The spotlight, however, shone brightest on the return of AJ Lee, as she graced WWE television for the first time in over a decade, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that has the wrestling world talking.
AJ Lee’s entrance was met with thunderous applause as she walked down the aisle to her signature theme, “Light it Up.” Sporting Becky Lynch’s Intercontinental Championship—a trophy she’d taken home after Friday’s SmackDown—Lee immediately commanded the attention of both longtime fans and newcomers. For those unfamiliar with her legacy, Lee introduced herself with confidence, declaring, “I am your favorite wrestler’s favorite wrestler.” Her words resonated, reminding the audience why their millennial parents were so excited to see her back on WWE programming.
Lee’s promo was more than just a nostalgic return; it revealed a new, mature dimension to her character. She reflected on her previous retirement, explaining, “I felt like I had accomplished all of my dreams in wrestling. I was content. I hung up my Chuck Taylors, and I thought that was the end of my story.” But life had other plans. She detailed her journey outside the ring, which included becoming a New York Times best-selling author and, most importantly, focusing on her mental health. Lee shared, “I wasn’t healthy. I needed to take care of myself. I went to therapy.” The crowd’s reaction was immediate and supportive, with a spontaneous “Therapy!” chant breaking out twice during the segment—an unprecedented moment for WWE television.
Never one to shy away from vulnerability, Lee turned her struggles into a message of empowerment for the audience. “I found a way to turn all of this mental chaos into my superpower,” she said, encouraging viewers, “The fight is not easy. Every day is a fight, but let me tell you, if you are going through the same thing, the fight is worth it. You are worth it.”
The emotional moment was soon interrupted by Becky Lynch, who stormed to the ring to a chorus of boos from the Milwaukee faithful. Lynch, clearly agitated about Lee flaunting her Intercontinental Championship, was quick to confront the returning star. “This has nothing to do with your stank ass husband,” Lynch snapped, making it clear her anger was directed squarely at Lee. The tension escalated as Seth Rollins, Lynch’s husband and current World Heavyweight Champion, entered the scene. Rollins attempted to retrieve the championship belt, but Lee wasn’t ready to hand it over without a fight.
Just as the standoff reached its boiling point, CM Punk—Lee’s husband and Rollins’ longtime rival—slipped into the ring and attempted his signature GTS on Rollins, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The chaos set the stage for Lee’s bold challenge: a mixed tag team match pitting herself and Punk against Lynch and Rollins at WWE WrestlePalooza. The match was quickly agreed upon, and it’s now set for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with the action airing live on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Lee’s return and challenge weren’t the only highlights of the night. WWE Raw’s September 8 episode was packed with high-stakes bouts and shifting alliances. The Usos, reunited and as charismatic as ever, confronted Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, with LA Knight jumping into the fray. The tension between the teams was palpable, with Jey Uso reminding the crowd, “The Usos are now in your city,” while Reed and Breakker fired back about respect and family legacies. The animosity will continue to simmer until WrestlePalooza, where a tag team showdown is expected.
In singles action, AJ Styles was out for revenge and wasted no time unleashing his aggression on El Grande Americano. Despite interference attempts, Styles executed a slick reversal into the Styles Clash for a decisive pinfall victory, impressing both the live audience and commentators Joe Tessitore and Corey Graves.
Raquel Rodriguez and Lyra Valkyria put on a physically intense contest, with Rodriguez ultimately overpowering her opponent with a Tejana Bomb to secure the win. Meanwhile, Rusev and Penta delivered a hard-hitting match, with distractions from The New Day tipping the scales in Rusev’s favor. Asuka and Nikki Bella also squared off, with Asuka’s technical prowess proving too much for Bella, who eventually tapped out to the Asuka Lock.
Backstage drama continued to unfold as Bayley’s confessional videos hinted at her ongoing internal struggles, and Dominik Mysterio faced questions about his alliances. Roxanne Perez and other rising stars remained in the mix, ensuring that WWE’s women’s division is as competitive and unpredictable as ever.
The night’s main event saw Bronson Reed take on LA Knight, with outside interference from Breakker and The Usos creating a chaotic atmosphere. Reed capitalized on the confusion to pick up the win, but the real fireworks came after the bell. The Brons launched a post-match assault on Knight, and even Jimmy Uso’s intervention couldn’t turn the tide. Jey Uso, however, made a dramatic return, only to shock everyone by spearing Knight and leaving him laid out in the ring. The crowd was left reeling as the show went off the air, with alliances and motivations more uncertain than ever.
Amid all the action, it was AJ Lee’s heartfelt promo and challenge that stood out as the emotional centerpiece of the night. Her willingness to address her mental health journey and encourage others marked a groundbreaking moment for WWE, signaling a new era of openness and authenticity in sports entertainment. The anticipation for WrestlePalooza is now at fever pitch, as fans eagerly await the showdown between Lee & Punk and Lynch & Rollins—a match that promises to blend personal history, in-ring excellence, and real-life emotion.
With the dust still settling in Milwaukee, all eyes now turn to Indianapolis, where WrestlePalooza is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events in recent WWE history. The storylines are sizzling, the rivalries are personal, and the stakes have never been higher. Stay tuned—this ride is far from over.
