A recent promo on WWE Raw from Birmingham, England, ignited intense backlash after Becky Lynch disparaged the city and referenced the late Ozzy Osbourne, provoking a sharp rebuke from Ozzy’s daughter, Kelly Osbourne. The moment has sparked debate about the boundaries of wrestling promos, particularly when touching on real-life loss, and WWE’s responsibility in such contexts.
Becky Lynch’s Controversial Promo on Raw in Birmingham
During the go-home episode of WWE Raw leading up to the Clash in Paris event, Becky Lynch—currently the Women’s Intercontinental Champion—cut a sharply villainous promo against the city of Birmingham, where the show was broadcast. Lynch recounted her WWE tryout experience in Birmingham, labeling the city “a dump then and a dump now.” She escalated the heat by making a pointed remark about Ozzy Osbourne, a native of Birmingham who had passed away just a month earlier.
Lynch said, “Yeah, the only good thing that came out of here died a month ago. But in fairness to Ozzy Osbourne, he had the good sense to move to LA—a proper city. Because if I lived in Birmingham, I’d die too.” The crowd’s reaction was notably hostile, as Lynch’s words struck a nerve with local fans and viewers worldwide given the recent mourning of the rock legend[1][2][3].
Following this, Nikki Bella appeared on Raw to challenge Lynch for the Intercontinental title, but Lynch refused to defend the championship in Birmingham due to her insults. Their title match is set for WWE’s premium live event, Clash in Paris, but not in Lynch’s criticized hometown[1][5].
Kelly Osbourne’s Fierce Response on Social Media
The promo drew immediate condemnation from Kelly Osbourne, who took to Instagram Stories with a scathing post. She called Becky Lynch a “disrespectful dirtbag” and criticized WWE for allowing such a segment to air that disparaged both her late father and his hometown.
Kelly wrote, “Birmingham would not piss on you if you were on fire. #birminghamforever Shame on WWE for allowing such things to be said about my father and his home!!!” Her strong reaction clearly illustrated the pain caused by invoking Ozzy Osbourne’s passing in a negative context, especially so soon after his death in July 2025[1][2][4][5].
WWE’s Balancing Act: Character Work or Crossing the Line?
The incident raises broader questions about the nature of wrestling promos, particularly heel (villain) promos that are designed to provoke crowds by insulting hometowns or beloved figures. Insulting the hometown crowd is part of wrestling storytelling, but this promo’s timing and specific reference to Ozzy Osbourne’s death drew considerable criticism online and among wrestling fans.
Several fans and commentators felt Lynch’s remarks were “too soon” and unnecessarily harsh. Some expressed that the promo crossed an ethical line, blending kayfabe storytelling with real grief. As one fan commented, “You guys owe Ozzy Osbourne’s family an apology.” Lynch’s intent was clearly to generate heel heat, but the real-life sensitivity surrounding Ozzy’s passing complicated the reception[3].
According to a WWE insider, “WWE constantly walks a razor’s edge when it comes to integrating real-life events into storylines. This promo was approved through the usual channels, but the negative reaction has understandably made them reconsider how they handle similar situations in the future.” The company has not issued an official statement regarding Kelly Osbourne’s criticism or the promo content so far.
Context: Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy and WWE Connection
Ozzy Osbourne was not only a legendary figure in heavy metal music but had long-standing ties with WWE. He hosted Monday Night Raw during the peak of his reality TV fame and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s celebrity wing in 2021. His connection to the sport through his appearances and legacy made the promo’s reference resonate deeply, especially airing in his hometown of Birmingham.
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, and the UK city mourned the loss of one of its most famous sons. Using his name in a disparaging way during a high-profile WWE show raised alarms among fans and Osbourne’s family, as emotions were still raw[1][3][5].
Looking Ahead: Lynch vs. Bella at Clash in Paris
Despite the ongoing controversy, Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella will face off for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Clash in Paris on Sunday. Lynch’s refusal to wrestle in Birmingham adds another storyline layer to their rivalry, which will undoubtedly be fueled by the fallout from this promo.
Wrestling observers speculate that WWE may tread carefully with future promos involving real-life personalities recently deceased. A WWE creative team source shared, “They want to keep storylines engaging, but after this backlash, expect more caution when referencing people like Ozzy Osbourne moving forward.”
Final Thoughts
The promo controversy serves as a reminder that professional wrestling, despite its scripted nature, provokes real emotions. When stories intersect with recent tragedies, it demands sensitivity from performers and promotions alike. Becky Lynch’s intent to play a villain led to a real-world backlash that highlights the challenge of balancing entertainment with respect.
Kelly Osbourne’s public condemnation ensures the issue will remain a talking point as WWE continues to incorporate real cultural figures into its storylines. Whether WWE reworks its approach to such promos remains to be seen, but the incident spotlights the impact of words in the world of sports entertainment.