AJ Lee, the current Women’s Intercontinental Champion, is using her high-profile return to the spotlight to advocate for the return of two of her most influential former colleagues. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Lee expressed a strong desire to see both Paige and Kaitlyn return to the WWE, highlighting the deep personal and professional bonds she shared with them during her initial tenure with the company.
Lee’s call for WWE to bring back two former stars comes at a pivotal moment in her own career. After more than a decade away from the ring, she has rapidly ascended back to the top of the division, winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship from Becky Lynch at Elimination Chamber 2026 in her first singles match in over ten years, according to Newsweek.
The request for a reunion is not merely about nostalgia. Lee believes that the current state of the women’s division is significantly more supportive and collaborative than it was during the 2012 to 2014 era, which she and her requested peers helped define. She noted that the women in the current locker room “work together so beautifully” and are “so supportive,” making it an ideal environment for former stars to experience a homecoming.
This push for a reunion coincides with Lee’s preparation for one of the biggest stages in sports entertainment. She is currently gearing up for a championship defense at WrestleMania 42, where she is scheduled to face Becky Lynch on Saturday, April 18, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
A History of Rivalry and Mentorship
The connection between AJ Lee and the women she wants to see return is rooted in the foundational storylines of the early 2010s. Between 2012 and 2014, Lee, Paige, and Kaitlyn were central figures in the women’s division. Lee and Kaitlyn, in particular, engaged in an emotionally driven feud over the Divas Championship that remains one of the most remembered programs of that era.
Lee’s relationship with Paige, now known as Saraya, was characterized by both intense competition and a protective mentorship. Lee described herself as a “fairy godmother” to the younger star, stating, “I just took her under my wing and tried to protect her.” She emphasized that Paige is “so talented” and that seeing her return to the WWE fold would be “heartwarming and healing.”
The history between Lee and Paige culminated in a memorable alliance at WrestleMania 31, where the duo teamed up to defeat The Bella Twins. Shortly after that event, Lee departed the company, citing a feeling that she had accomplished everything possible within WWE while also managing neck issues.
The Path Back for Saraya and Kaitlyn
While Lee’s return has already been realized, the path for Paige (Saraya) and Kaitlyn has been more complex. Paige was forced into retirement just three years after Lee’s departure due to a neck injury. However, she made a return to professional wrestling in 2022 with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she captured the AEW Women’s World Championship and served as a mentor to wrestlers such as Harley Cameron.
Following an amicable separation agreement with AEW President Tony Khan early last year, Saraya spent the remainder of 2025 away from the ring to focus on outside projects. However, recent reports indicate that she has begun training again, keeping the possibility of a return to the ring open.
Kaitlyn’s return remains more speculative, as she was a defining figure of the 2012-2014 era alongside Lee, but has not had the same recent visibility in major promotions as Saraya. Despite this, Lee remains adamant that bringing both women back would be a significant addition to the current locker room.
WrestleMania 42 and the ‘Showcase of the Immortals’
The timing of Lee’s comments is particularly poignant as WrestleMania 42 approaches in Las Vegas. The event is already seeing a reunion of sorts; Nikki and Brie Bella are scheduled to compete in a Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. This leaves Paige as the only member of the original WrestleMania 31 tag team match who is not currently slated for the festivities in Sin City.
For Lee, the upcoming match against Becky Lynch is more than just a title defense; it is her fifth match since returning to professional wrestling in September and only her sixth total since her departure over a decade ago. Her victory at Elimination Chamber 2026 solidified her position as a top contender and champion, reigniting global interest in the legacy of the women who built the division’s foundation.
Key Takeaways from AJ Lee’s Call for Reunions
- Requested Returns: AJ Lee specifically called for the return of Paige (Saraya) and Kaitlyn to WWE.
- Motivations: Lee cites the evolved, supportive nature of the current women’s locker room as a primary reason for their return.
- Historical Context: Lee, Paige, and Kaitlyn were the defining figures of the 2012-2014 women’s division.
- Current Status: AJ Lee is the reigning Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
- Upcoming Event: Lee will defend her title against Becky Lynch on April 18 at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
The wrestling world now waits to see if WWE management will heed the request of their reigning champion. With Saraya already back in training and the Bella Twins returning for the tag team titles, the stage is set for a potential “running it back” scenario that could bridge the gap between the Divas era and the modern women’s evolution.
The next confirmed checkpoint for AJ Lee is her championship match against Becky Lynch on Saturday, April 18, at Allegiant Stadium. We invite our readers to share their thoughts in the comments: Do you think Paige and Kaitlyn should return to WWE? Let us know below.
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