Former champion to make WWE return after a decade and challenge Bayley for the title? Exploring the possibility

Bayley returned at WWE Bash in Berlin and spoiled Tiffany Stratton's hopes of potentially cashing in her Money in the Bank briefcase. The Role Model has renewed her rivalry with Nia Jax and her new ally Tiffy after losing the title to the former at SummerSlam. She could soon find herself challenging for the world title, and if she reclaims the gold, a familiar face might be eyeing a return to face her.

AJ Lee recently spoke to Hayley Anne of ComicBook.com about her non-wrestling career. When asked about her WWE career and the current generation stars, she named Bayley and Naomi as 'her girls.'

A return for the former three-time Divas Champion looks unlikely, but fans are excited to hear her merely talk about the pro wrestling business. She last appeared in the Stamford-based promotion in 2015 and has since delved into other projects.

The 37-year-old has become a writer while also delving into the acting industry. She appeared in the 2024 movie Sacramento, starring Kristen Stewart and Michael Angarano and in the TV series Heels.

CM Punk, her husband, has also gone on record to downplay suggestions that an AJ return to the ring is impending. The Second City Saint touched on the many projects she has going.

Despite this, she will continuously be linked with a WWE reunion because of how much of a fan favorite she was during her career. A return match against Bayley would be must-see for the fans, if it ever takes place.

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Bayley on how AJ Lee inspired her when getting started

in WWE

Bayley's rise in WWE has been astounding. She's gone from NXT's bubbly hugger to one of the role models of the women's roster. She's the first women's Triple Crown Champion and Grand Slam winner in company history.

The 35-year-old spoke about her career and development in the promotion on After the Bell with Corey Graves in March 2021. She also highlighted the influence AJ has had on women's wrestlers like herself:

"I always have to give credit to AJ [Lee]. She changed my life when she just said it’s okay to be myself. Her whole thing was stay weird and be yourself and she dressed how she wanted to and it inspired so many girls. There’s a lot of women that people don’t even realize have made this all possible." [H/T - ITRWrestling]

The former WWE Women's Tag Team Champion is now shining in her role as a veteran in the locker room, putting over the younger talent. Tiffany Stratton is one of the newest generation stars benefitting from her experience working with the popular star.