Becky Lynch’s recent promo on WWE RAW has ignited controversy after she referenced the late Ozzy Osbourne in a derogatory manner, prompting public outrage and reportedly sparking internal WWE discussions about issuing an apology. The incident occurred during the August 25, 2025, RAW episode broadcast live from Birmingham, England — Ozzy Osbourne’s hometown.
Becky Lynch’s Controversial Promo Sparks Backlash
During the segment, Lynch, the Women’s Intercontinental Champion and a prominent heel on the RAW roster, was cutting a promo ahead of her scheduled match against Nikki Bella at WWE Clash in Paris. Lynch declared she would not wrestle in Birmingham and added, “The only good thing to come out of here died a month ago. In fairness to Ozzy Osbourne, he moved to Los Angeles, a proper city. Because if I lived in Birmingham, I’d die too.” This comment directly called out both Osbourne and his hometown in a harsh tone[1][3].
While villainous promos often aim to provoke the crowd and draw heat, this particular statement was met with boos from attendees and immediate backlash on social media. Many fans felt the remarks were not just classic “heel” trash talk but crossed a line by disrespecting a recently deceased cultural icon and his community[3][4].
Kelly Osbourne’s Strong Response
Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne’s daughter, publicly condemned Becky Lynch’s comments, calling her a “disrespectful dirtbag” via Instagram Stories. Kelly criticized WWE for permitting such remarks about her father and Birmingham, her late father’s hometown, writing: “Shame on the WWE for allowing such things to be said about my father and his home.” She also defended Birmingham passionately, stating the city *“would not p** on [Lynch] if she was on fire”[2][3][5].
Kelly’s direct and emotional response added fuel to the controversy, turning what might have been a typical wrestling heel promo into a wider discussion about respect, taste, and timing in WWE’s programming.
WWE’s Backstage Reaction and Possible Apology
According to sources close to WWE, the company is now deliberating whether an official apology is warranted. A WWE insider revealed that backstage officials are concerned about the negative reaction not only from fans and Osbourne’s family but also from the media spotlight the comments have attracted.
The same source noted, “WWE is always walking a fine line with heel promos, but referencing a recently deceased legend’s death and hometown has many feeling it went too far. There’s internal talk about issuing a statement to address the backlash, but no final decision has been made yet.”[1][4]
This consideration is significant because WWE often thrives on controversial storylines and promos — however, there is usually a boundary regarding personal attacks on real-life figures, especially those no longer alive.
Context: Ozzy Osbourne’s Ties to WWE
Ozzy Osbourne was not just a rock legend but also had history with WWE. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s celebrity wing in April 2021 and made appearances on WWE programming, including serving as a guest host for Monday Night Raw during the height of his reality TV fame. His legacy remains strong among wrestling and music fans alike[2].
The timing of the promo — just one month after Osbourne’s death in July 2025 — intensified the emotional response. Many fans and critics felt that invoking his passing so soon, especially in a negative context, was in poor taste regardless of storyline intentions[3].
Fallout and Upcoming Match at Clash in Paris
Despite the controversy, Lynch and Nikki Bella are scheduled to face off at WWE Clash in Paris on August 31, 2025. The build-up to their match has been heated, with Lynch maintaining her villainous stance and Bella positioned as the challenger. It remains to be seen how this real-life backlash will impact their storyline or promotional efforts going forward[1].
Analysis: WWE’s Balancing Act of Storytelling and Sensitivity
The situation underscores the challenge WWE faces when crafting heel promos that require antagonizing audiences without alienating or offending segments of the fanbase or families of real individuals. Wrestling traditionally uses personal jabs and hometown insults to generate heat, but the line blurs when it involves deceased public figures and sensitive topics.
A former WWE writer familiar with company practices explained, “Heel promos are meant to get a reaction, but there’s always been an unspoken rule about not going too far with real deaths or tragedies. This is a lesson in where that line is.”
What’s Next?
WWE watchers and fans are now watching closely for any official statement from the promotion or Becky Lynch addressing the backlash. The company’s response will likely set a precedent for how future sensitive promos are handled. For now, Lynch remains the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, embroiled in a high-profile feud, but also under scrutiny outside the ring.
This incident highlights how wrestling’s blend of fiction and reality can sometimes clash, creating controversy that transcends the scripted universe. WWE’s next moves will reveal much about its approach to balancing compelling television with respect and responsibility.