
The wrestling world continues to buzz about potential comebacks, and NXT’s rising star Roxanne Perez just added fuel to the fire. In a candid interview with Sports Illustrated, the 23-year-old revealed her ultimate career aspiration: facing former WWE Women’s Champion AJ Lee in what she envisions as her retirement match.
The Dream Match That Could Define a Career
Perez didn’t hold back when discussing her wrestling bucket list. The young superstar expressed genuine optimism about the possibility of crossing paths with the legendary AJ Lee, who stepped away from WWE nearly a decade ago.
“Absolutely. AJ Lee is my… that could be my retirement match, to be honest. She is definitely my dream match, I have a feeling that that could happen if she comes back. Please come back.”
This bold statement reveals the deep respect Perez holds for AJ Lee’s legacy. It also demonstrates the lasting impact Lee made during her WWE tenure, continuing to inspire wrestlers who entered the business after her departure.
Why AJ Lee Remains Wrestling’s Most Wanted
AJ Lee’s absence from WWE programming since 2015 has only amplified calls for her return. Her innovative character work and compelling storylines during the early 2010s helped elevate women’s wrestling during a transitional period.
Perez joins a growing chorus of current WWE stars who have publicly campaigned for Lee’s comeback. The fact that wrestlers nearly a decade younger still view her as the ultimate opponent speaks volumes about her influence on the industry.
Perez’s Rising Star Power
While retirement remains far in the future, Perez has plenty of immediate goals to tackle. The former NXT Women’s Champion recently made her main roster transition, joining Monday Night Raw’s stacked women’s division.
Her next major opportunity arrives at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event on June 7th. Perez will climb the ladder alongside established stars including Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, Alexa Bliss, and Naomi in pursuit of a championship contract.
The Long Game Strategy
What makes Perez’s comments particularly intriguing is her strategic thinking about career milestones. Rather than focusing solely on immediate championship pursuits, she’s already envisioning legacy-defining moments that could cap off a successful career.
This forward-thinking approach suggests Perez understands the importance of storytelling in professional wrestling. A potential match with AJ Lee would represent the perfect passing of the torch moment between two generations of women’s wrestling.
As Perez continues building her main roster legacy, wrestling fans can’t help but wonder: could AJ Lee’s rumored return finally materialize, and would she answer the call from one of WWE’s brightest young stars? What other dream matches might become reality if Lee decides to lace up her boots once more?
