Becky Lynch and Maxxine Dupri continued their intense rivalry on Monday’s WWE Raw as Lynch lost to Dupri by disqualification but retained the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship. This marked their third high-profile encounter since August, with the score now standing at two wins apiece, adding more fuel to what has become one of Raw’s most competitive women’s feuds.
Third Time’s Still the Charm? Not Quite
On October 20, 2025, the anticipation was high as Becky Lynch defended her Women’s Intercontinental (IC) Title against the rising star Maxxine Dupri. The two had split victories heading into the match, each showcasing their contrasting styles and determination to claim supremacy over Raw’s women’s division. Yet, despite Maxxine’s aggressive performance, it was Lynch’s actions behind the referee’s back that steered the outcome into dramatic territory.
The bout concluded when Lynch snapped under pressure and blatantly attacked Dupri with her championship belt—an illegal move leading to a disqualification finish. However, due to WWE rules, the title could not change hands on a disqualification, allowing Lynch to retain her belt despite losing the match. The chaos left fans stunned, reigniting discussions about Lynch’s mindset and her control over the championship reign.
Key Moments from the Match
The match opened with Maxxine Dupri pressing the action, attempting to overpower Lynch and exploit any hint of vulnerability. Lynch appeared initially in control but soon grew visibly frustrated as Dupri continually rebounded, matching her intensity and resilience. As the bout wore on, Lynch’s frustration boiled over culminating in her striking Dupri from behind with the Women’s Intercontinental Title belt.
This blatant rule-breaking shocked the arena and forced the referee to call for the bell. Yet, as expected, the referee could only award Maxxine the victory via disqualification, leaving Lynch the reigning champion. The crowd’s reaction was mixed between boos at Lynch’s underhanded tactics and cheers for Maxxine’s impressive showing.
What This Means for the Rivalry
Becky Lynch’s retention, despite losing the match, adds a compelling layer to their rivalry. Maxxine Dupri has proven she can stand toe-to-toe with one of WWE’s most decorated women’s champions, raising her stock significantly in the process. However, the controversial finish keeps the storyline open-ended, hinting that their feud will continue to escalate.
According to insiders close to WWE’s creative team, “Becky’s hair-trigger temper is being spotlighted here, setting up a potential explosive payoff down the line. They want to keep Maxxine looking strong while keeping Becky’s reign believable. This feud is far from over.” This backstage insight underlines WWE’s direction of building sustained tension without prematurely resolving the storyline.
Becky Lynch’s Champion Persona Under Pressure
Becky Lynch, often portrayed as the fierce and savvy champion, displayed a darker edge during this match, showing signs of desperation. Her resort to using the title belt as a weapon indicates cracks in her composure a narrative WWE seems to be exploring to heighten drama and emotional investment.
Fans and analysts alike speculate Lynch may be entering a volatile period, where her championship reign is threatened not only by external challengers like Dupri but also by her own internal struggles. This complexity adds depth to her character, a move WWE frequently uses to maintain audience engagement over extended arcs.
Maxxine Dupri’s Rise as a Legitimate Contender
Maxxine Dupri’s performance, despite the loss, further cements her as a major player in the Raw women’s division. Having defeated Lynch once previously in a non-title match and now pushing her champion hard in a title bout, Dupri’s relentless pursuit signals a shift in the division dynamics.
WWE insiders reveal, “Maxxine has been vocal backstage about carving her path to gold. Her tenacity is getting noticed, and management is looking to invest in her as a future face of Raw.” This aligns with recent WWE trends of elevating fresh talent alongside established stars, ensuring a balanced competitive environment.
What’s Next for the Women’s Intercontinental Division?
With the rivalry between Becky Lynch and Maxxine Dupri far from settled, speculation runs rampant on what WWE might schedule next. Potential scenarios include:
- A steel cage or no-disqualification match to prevent outside interference and avoid another controversial finish.
- A tag team match involving allies to add complexity and further story development.
- Advancement of conspiratorial backstage angles involving general managers or other wrestlers to intensify the feud.
Whatever the next step, WWE is clearly committed to using this rivalry to drive interest and ratings for the women’s division on Raw.
Backstage Reaction and Future Outlook
Sources close to the locker room note heightened emotions surrounding this feud. One WWE insider explained, “Both women bring incredible work ethics and charisma. Becky wants to prove she’s still the top dog, but Maxxine isn’t backing down anytime soon. This shoot of theirs is real, and it’s translating into top-tier storytelling.”
With such momentum building, WWE fans can expect this feud to dominate the women’s division through the coming months, possibly culminating in a marquee match at a major pay-per-view event.