With less than a week left before WWE Elimination Chamber, AJ Lee has opened up about her championship match. On February 28, Lee will challenge Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Title at the United Center in Chicago. Ahead of the premium live event, Lee and her husband, World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, appeared on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike on February 24, where Lee shared her honest perspective on facing a woman she considers the pinnacle of the modern era.
Lee has respect for the “Man,” noting the similarities in their journeys and their status as icons of different periods in WWE history. For Lee, the match is a personal test to prove that she can still compete at the highest level after years away from the ring.
“I love me some Becky [Lynch], I feel like it is admiration, we’re very, very similar. I know I’m the best of my generation, I know she’s the best of hers, so it’s a morbid fascination of can I beat the best? Can I show that I can still go? So I love her, and I respect her, and I want to beat her pretty little face in,” Lee said.
While Lee maintained a tone of competitive respect, CM Punk took a much harsher stance toward Lynch and her husband, Seth “Freakin” Rollins. The World Heavyweight Champion, who is currently embroiled in a personal rivalry with Roman Reigns, made it clear that his feelings toward the power couple are far from amicable. Punk noted that he is tired of the constant questions regarding Rollins, a man he has frequently clashed with since returning to the company.
“I definitely hate Becky more than AJ does, and I can do without Seth. Every day I’ve gotta talk about this guy because people ask,” Punk admitted.
The Elimination Chamber event serves as a homecoming for the couple, as it takes place in Punk’s hometown of Chicago. While Lee chases her first title since returning to WWE, Punk is scheduled to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor. The event will also feature two Elimination Chamber matches to determine the top contenders for WrestleMania 42, with stars like LA Knight, Randy Orton, Rhea Ripley, and Tiffany Stratton all vying for a spot in Las Vegas this April.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can listen to the full interview on the ESPN app or via major podcast platforms.
