AJ Lee is one of the most popular in-ring performers in the history of women's wrestling in WWE. The fans' appreciation for what she accomplished during her run with the company has led them to eagerly anticipate a return to the squared circle.

That anticipation heightened with the return of her real-life husband, CM Punk, to WWE last November.

A new report provides an update on whether that will happen and headlines this collection of backstage rumors, joined by the latest on NXT's Oba Femi and All Elite Wrestling's Jack Perry.

Latest on a Potential AJ Lee Return to WWE

CM Punk has been back in WWE since Survivor Series last November, but there are no plans for AJ Lee to join him in the promotion, according to Aaron Varble of SEScoops.com:

The news will be disappointing for longtime fans of Lee, who had hoped her husband's comeback might open the door for her own in-ring return. But she appears to be content to watch from a distance.

The 37-year-old helped lay the groundwork for the women's revolution along with the likes of Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bayley and Sasha Banks while establishing herself as one of the best female wrestlers in the company.

There may not be a return to action in the cards, but an eventual place in the WWE Hall of Fame alongside those who inspired her—Alundra Blayze, Bull Nakano and Sensational Sherri—would be a great show of appreciation.

Given what Lee did to help reestablish women's wrestling during an era when it was lucky to be spotlighted in one-minute matches, she has earned the honor.

Oba Femi Receiving Praise in NXT

NXT North American champion Oba Femi has been on a roll since winning the Breakout Tournament and cashing in his title opportunity to defeat Dragon Lee for the gold.

Sean Ross Sapp and Corey Brennan of Fightful Select reported that "officials in NXT have been impressed with Femi's performances since becoming NXT North American champion, with one NXT source noting Femi is expected to do big things in WWE, describing him as someone WWE view as a future WWE champion."

The report continued: "Officials have been surprised by Femi's development in the short time he has been on television, with the viewpoint of him being the 'total package' being a common one backstage. One source also noted that WWE sees Femi as a source of untapped potential and does not have any plans to rush Femi to the main roster despite his surging popularity."

The 25-year-old has been able to mesh athleticism and on-screen presence to become one of the most intriguing performers on the NXT roster. He has proved he can hang with a flashy, high-flying Lee one week and then stand opposite fellow big men Josh Briggs and Dijak and look physically imposing.

Femi has a natural charisma and X-factor that all stars need. And if he can continue to channel that into his performances, he will be a major star for the gold brand while he grows and evolves as an in-ring performer.

Jack Perry Still in the AEW Doghouse

Jack Perry has not been seen on AEW television since he dropped the FTW Championship to Hook at All In last September.

That same night at Wembley Stadium in London, a backstage confrontation with CM Punk eventually led Tony Khan to fire The Best in the World and suspend Perry.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Khan is "angry" at Perry and blames him for losing Punk, which is why Jungle Boy has been off TV and appearing for New Japan Pro-Wrestling instead.

Perry shoulders some blame as his comments on camera at the pay-per-view about real glass ignited the confrontation with Punk. Khan could have handled the friction in the locker room better between the former AEW star and The Elite that led to his departure. And of course, Punk is the one who should shoulder most of the blame for getting physical with an AEW employee allegedly for the second time.

Blaming Perry for "losing CM Punk" essentially amounts to passing the buck and failing to recognize multiple people are at fault in the situation.