WWE has officially announced that Becky Lynch will defend her WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Hall of Famer Nikki Bella at the upcoming Clash in Paris event. This match marks a significant moment as the relatively new Women’s Intercontinental title gains high-profile spotlight, featuring history-making competitors inside the squared circle.
A High-Stakes Match Adds Star Power to Clash in Paris
The Clash in Paris card is shaping up to be one of WWE’s most exciting events of 2025, with numerous marquee matchups confirmed. Becky Lynch, who has held the Women’s Intercontinental Championship since June 7, 2025, will put her title on the line against Nikki Bella, a 2-time Divas Champion and WWE Hall of Famer known for her influence on women’s wrestling.
Becky captured the title at Money in the Bank 2025 by defeating Lyra Valkyria, the inaugural champion crowned in January 2025 after a groundbreaking tournament[1][2]. Since winning, Lynch has been dominant, combining her fierce in-ring style with her strong connection to the WWE Universe. This title defense against Nikki Bella is expected to elevate the championship’s prestige even further.
According to a WWE insider, “This match was pushed hard backstage because Nikki Bella’s return brings a legendary presence, while Becky is fresh off securing the championship and proving she’s a fighting champion. The chemistry and history between these two will give fans an unforgettable contest.”
The Evolution of the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship
The WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship was unveiled on the November 25, 2024, episode of Raw, establishing WWE’s newest midcard title for women on the Raw brand[2]. It was introduced as a counterpart to the legendary men’s Intercontinental Championship, and its inception was part of WWE’s recent expansion of women’s championships following the introduction of the NXT Women’s North American and WWE Women’s United States titles.
The first ever Women’s Intercontinental Championship was decided through a 12-competitor tournament, culminating in Lyra Valkyria’s victory over Dakota Kai on January 13, 2025, on Raw[2][3]. Valkyria held the title for 144 days, the longest reign to date, before dropping it to Becky Lynch at Money in the Bank 2025[1][3].
The championship has quickly become a key feature of WWE’s women’s division, pushing the boundaries of competition beyond the main event scene while providing a platform for rising stars and established veterans alike.
Nikki Bella’s Return and Title Opportunity
Nikki Bella’s return to WWE has generated strong buzz across the wrestling community. As a WWE Hall of Famer and one half of the renowned Bella Twins, her influence on the women’s wrestling revolution of the 2010s remains undeniable. Though primarily remembered for her time as a star in the Divas era, Nikki has continuously evolved and remains connected to WWE’s audience through her media ventures and sporadic wrestling appearances.
Her challenge for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship signals WWE’s intention to mix legend with the new era — an effort to bridge generational gaps and attract both nostalgic fans and newcomers.
A source close to WWE revealed, “Nikki’s involvement at Clash in Paris is not just a nostalgia play. WWE believes she can still deliver strong in-ring performances, and this title opportunity is a way to test the waters for potential future high-profile storylines.”
What Clash in Paris Means for Women’s Titles and Future Storylines
Clash in Paris, scheduled for later this year, has become WWE’s latest arena to showcase the evolution of its women’s division. Featuring Becky Lynch defending the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Nikki Bella adds significant credibility to the title’s status on the card.
This match also hints at WWE’s strategy to use established stars to elevate secondary titles, thereby deepening the narrative pool and increasing viewer investment. It’s expected that the match will blend athleticism, storytelling, and emotional resonance, potentially setting up new rivalries or alliances post-event.
Becky Lynch’s Path Forward as Champion
With 76+ days as champion and counting, Becky Lynch has fast become a hallmark of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship’s legitimacy[1]. She has proven resilient and adaptable, combining technical prowess with fiery charisma. This defense against Nikki Bella will be her first high-profile title defense on a major international card outside the U.S., augmenting her global appeal.
WWE officials reportedly see Becky as a cornerstone to build the championship’s long-term value. As one WWE creative team member stated, “Becky is more than just a champion; she’s the cornerstone for this belt’s identity. This match in Paris will be a statement — showing that the Women’s Intercontinental Championship belongs on big stages and in main event scenes.”
Looking Ahead: Implications for WWE Women’s Division
This title defense marks an important milestone not only for Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella but for WWE’s broader plans around its women’s midcard titles. Since the belt’s inception less than a year ago, it has quickly evolved into a serious championship showcasing rising talents and providing depth to the women’s roster on Raw.
As Becky Lynch continues her reign, the clash with Nikki Bella is poised to:
Boost overall interest in the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Allow Nikki Bella to re-establish herself as a major presence in WWE.
Create opportunities for fresh rivalries and storylines moving forward.
In light of this, fans can expect Clash in Paris to deliver a landmark match that pushes WWE’s women’s division to new heights on a global platform.
This upcoming title defense between Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella promises an electrifying encounter, blending WWE’s storied past with its dynamic present. As the clash intensifies, the Women’s Intercontinental Championship is set to shine brighter than ever before.