CM Punk Ignites Chicago with First Pitch and AJ Lee Return on SmackDown

CM Punk energized his hometown on September 5, 2025, by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field and later storming WWE SmackDown to reunite with AJ Lee in Chicago’s Allstate Arena.

The wrestling icon’s dual appearances underscored his enduring connection with Chicago fans and set social media ablaze, reinforcing his status as one of the most electrifying personalities in sports entertainment.

First Pitch at Wrigley Field

• CM Punk donned Cubs red and delivered a swift, low fastball to the catcher before the home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, earning cheers and viral praise on Twitter.

SmackDown Showdown in Allstate Arena

• Opening SmackDown, Punk confronted Becky Lynch after her taunts about Chicago’s sports teams, vowing to settle their rivalry once and for all.
• In a surprise moment, Punk introduced AJ Lee-his real-life spouse and former WWE Women’s Champion-who stormed the ring and delivered a slap to Lynch, igniting chants of “CM Punk! CM Punk!”
• The episode also featured John Cena’s farewell promo interrupted by Sami Zayn, a no-contest U.S. Title match, and Brock Lesnar’s ominous WrestlePalooza challenge.

Social Media Reaction Fans on X (formerly Twitter) celebrated Punk’s split-day appearances with the hashtag #CMInChicago trending nationwide by midnight. Highlight clips of Punk’s first pitch and AJ Lee’s return surpassed one million views within hours.

What’s Next CM Punk is slated for a sit-down interview on WWE’s post-show podcast tomorrow, where he promises to detail his in-ring plans and relationship with AJ Lee moving forward.