On the October 20 episode of WWE RAW from Sacramento, California, Becky Lynch retained her WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship in a highly controversial and heated match against Maxxine Dupri, ending the night with a shocking dirty finish that left the WWE Universe incensed. Lynch’s underhanded tactics culminated in her using the championship belt as a weapon against Dupri, escalating their feud and igniting social media debates about the ethics of her title defense.
A Fierce Rivalry Comes to a Boiling Point
Leading into the match, tensions between Becky Lynch and Maxxine Dupri had been steadily rising. Dupri, riding a wave of momentum after a previous non-title victory over Lynch, was determined to shock the world and capture the Intercontinental crown. Lynch, known for her fiery persona and fierce pride as champion, openly disrespected Dupri in promos, escalating the stakes for their confrontation on RAW.
The match itself was hard-fought and emotionally charged, with Dupri showing resilience and athleticism that impressed fans and commentators alike. However, as the contest reached its crescendo, Lynch resorted to crossing the line. After dominating certain moments, Lynch brutally struck Dupri with her WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship belt, delivering a textbook “dirty finish” that secured her victory by disqualification but preserved her title reign.
The Controversial Finish Fans Are Talking About
The conclusion left many viewers frustrated and angered by the perceived injustice. Rather than a clean, decisive victory, Lynch’s opportunistic use of the title belt as a weapon overshadowed the athletic competition inside the ring. This was a calculated move to extend the rivalry and maintain her championship status without risking a clean loss to Dupri.
According to sources close to WWE backstage, Lynch is fully invested in portraying a ruthless champion figurehead, committed to doing whatever it takes to keep the gold. “Becky wants to push the narrative of the queen who will bend the rules to stay at the top,” a WWE insider revealed. “This adds layers to her character and sets up a longer, more personal feud with Maxxine”[1].
Other Highlights from WWE RAW October 20
In addition to the blistering main event, RAW delivered a packed card featuring multiple title matches and significant plot developments:
- The Judgment Day’s JD McDonagh and Finn Balor defended their WWE World Tag Team Championships against the veteran duo of AJ Styles and Dragon Lee. The match was praised for its high-energy sequences and technical prowess.
- Dominik Mysterio successfully defended the Men’s Intercontinental Championship against a strong challenge from Rusev, who has been on an impressive winning streak recently.
- The show also featured a major update on Seth Rollins, following last week’s shocking attack by Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, adding intrigue to the ongoing World Heavyweight Championship storyline.
What This Means for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Scene
Becky Lynch’s controversial retention keeps the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship precious in her hands, but the bitterness of the finish signals the brewing intensity of her feud with Maxxine Dupri. The latter has proven she can go toe-to-toe with one of WWE’s top stars, and the unresolved tension promises future encounters with even higher stakes and possibly stipulation matches to ensure clean finishes.
WWE creative appears to be capitalizing on the momentum of this rivalry, with backstage sources indicating plans for this storyline to be a significant feature heading into the upcoming WWE events. “Maxxine’s rise and her ability to generate audience investment against Becky is exactly what the division needs,” commented another WWE insider. “Expect more aggressive promos and possibly mixed tag matches that further develop their personal vendetta”[1].
Fan and Critical Reaction
The WWE Universe was split on social media and wrestling forums after the broadcast. Many fans praised the in-ring performances and the dramatic storytelling, acknowledging that a “dirty finish” often triggers stronger audience emotions and drew attention to the title scene.
Conversely, some viewers voiced frustration, arguing that Dupri deserved a clean win based on her recent performances, feeling that the finish undermined her credibility as a serious challenger. Wrestling analysts speculated that this finish was designed to build sympathy for Dupri while reinforcing Becky Lynch’s heel persona as a champion willing to bend the rules to hold onto her gold.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Becky Lynch and Maxxine Dupri?
With the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship still around Becky Lynch’s waist, the rivalry with Maxxine Dupri is far from over. Given the contentious nature of their last encounter, WWE is likely to book a rematch with added stipulations possibly a no-disqualification or a cage match to guarantee a clear winner and elevate the drama.
Expect Lynch to continue utilizing psychological tactics to unnerve Dupri, while Maxxine will work to refine her in-ring strategy and character to take full advantage of any opportunity to seize the championship belt.
Final Word
The October 20 edition of WWE RAW provided a blend of intense competition and storyline progression, with Becky Lynch’s controversial win over Maxxine Dupri crystallizing the night’s drama. As WWE builds toward future pay-per-views, this feud promises to be one of the must-watch rivalries in the women’s division combining athleticism, character-driven storytelling, and unpredictable twists.