Becky Lynch’s reign as WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion came to an abrupt and controversial end this past Monday on RAW, when Maxxine Dupri scored a stunning upset amid chaos and interference from a returning AJ Lee. Lynch’s explosive reaction backstage and online has set the wrestling world abuzz, as questions swirl about what’s next for “The Man” and the women’s division.
Stunning Title Change Rocks WWE RAW
In front of a raucous crowd at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Becky Lynch walked into RAW confident as ever, ready to defend her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Maxxine Dupri of Alpha Academy. Most fans expected Lynch, one of WWE’s most decorated Superstars, to make quick work of her challenger. Instead, they witnessed the most shocking title change in recent memory.
The match itself was competitive, with Dupri showing impressive resilience and flashes of brilliance that kept the crowd invested. Lynch, known for her aggressive style and ring IQ, controlled much of the action, but the momentum shifted dramatically as the minutes ticked by. Just as Lynch appeared poised to finish the match, the arena erupted with the shock return of AJ Lee—a legend whose presence instantly shifted the tide[3][5].
Lee’s arrival caused a visible distraction, catching Lynch off guard. Dupri seized the moment, executing a high-flying crossbody from the top rope and scoring the pinfall to become the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion—a first in her career and a result that sent shockwaves through the division[1][3].
Controversy Erupts: “Horrible and Disgraceful” Finish
The aftermath was immediate and explosive. Lynch, visibly stunned in the ring, wasted no time taking her frustrations public. On social media, she blasted the outcome as “horrible and disgraceful,” directly calling out not just AJ Lee, but also RAW General Manager Adam Pearce and referee Jessika Carr for their roles in the chaotic finish[1][6][10]. Lynch’s posts hinted at suspicions of a conspiracy, though she stopped short of outright accusing WWE officials of rigging the match.
“I’ve been saddled with a crooked referee who is hell-bent on holding me down,” Lynch later declared in a fiery in-ring promo, referencing Carr’s officiating and the events that led to her loss[4]. She went on to warn Dupri that “you don’t survive in this business by being lucky, you survive by being good,” making it clear she doesn’t see her defeat as legitimate.
According to a WWE insider, Lynch’s anger was palpable backstage immediately after her loss:
“Becky was absolutely livid when she got through the curtain. She felt blindsided—not just by AJ’s interference, but by how the officials handled the situation. There’s real tension between her and some of the RAW management right now.”
AJ Lee’s Shocking Return: Motivation Revealed?
AJ Lee’s involvement has sparked widespread speculation. The former Divas Champion had been absent from WWE programming for months, making her return all the more impactful. While Lee has yet to explain her actions publicly, sources backstage suggest she and Lynch have unresolved issues dating back to their last encounters, and that Lee’s return could signal the start of a heated rivalry[1][9].
Fans are already buzzing about the possibility of a Lynch vs. Lee feud, with many calling Lee’s interference a “game-changer” for the RAW women’s division. “AJ Lee picking this moment to return and cost Becky the title? That’s going to have major implications heading into the next pay-per-view,” a veteran WWE producer was overheard saying after RAW.
Maxxine Dupri: A Star Is Born
While much of the attention has focused on the controversy, Maxxine Dupri’s achievement cannot be overlooked. The Alpha Academy member has gone from underdog to champion in a matter of weeks, and Monday’s victory marks the biggest moment of her career. Dupri celebrated her win with the Dallas crowd, visibly emotional as she hoisted the Intercontinental Championship for the first time[2][3].
Fans and analysts alike have praised Dupri’s performance, noting her ability to capitalize on a high-pressure situation. As one commentator put it, “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Maxxine Dupri just made herself a household name in the WWE women’s division”[3].
Fallout: Lynch’s War on WWE Management
Lynch’s post-match actions show no signs of slowing down. Beyond her social media tirades, she has threatened legal action and demanded a rematch, blaming General Manager Pearce and referee Carr for “allowing” the interference and failing to maintain order in the championship match[1][10][11].
During a heated segment on RAW, Lynch interrupted the show to address the WWE Universe and her recent hardships, referencing both her personal life and professional setbacks:
“I got a lot to get off my chest. I have been through a lot these last few weeks. I’ve been saddled with a crooked referee, Adam Pearce sends me home to cool down, and now Maxxine Dupri walks around like she’s earned something. But I’m not just good—I’m the greatest female wrestler of all time. Maxxine, you’re going to find out what that means, up close and personal”[4].
What’s Next for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship?
With Dupri now holding the gold and AJ Lee back in the mix, the RAW women’s division is more volatile than ever. Lynch has demanded an immediate rematch, but with her war of words targeting WWE officials, it remains to be seen if she’ll get her wish. Meanwhile, insiders speculate that AJ Lee’s return could lead to a triple threat scenario, or even a full-scale faction war involving Lynch, Lee, and Dupri’s Alpha Academy allies.
Sources close to the situation reveal that WWE is considering several options for the upcoming premium live event, including a high-stakes rematch or a multi-woman contest that could further shake up the division.
The Road Ahead: Can Lynch Reclaim Her Throne?
Becky Lynch’s legacy as “The Man” is secure, but her recent loss and ongoing feud with management and AJ Lee have put her at a crossroads. As the dust settles from one of RAW’s most controversial moments, all eyes are on Lynch—will she channel her fury into reclaiming the title, or will the forces aligned against her prove too much to overcome?
One thing is certain: the WWE Universe will be watching closely as this story continues to unfold, with the Women’s Intercontinental Championship—and the reputation of some of WWE’s biggest stars—hanging in the balance.