Get ready for a shockwave! Becky Lynch just kicked off 2026 with a bang, seizing the Women's Intercontinental Championship in a nail-biting showdown. But here's where it gets controversial... some are saying the win wasn't as clean as it seemed.
On the January 5th episode of WWE Raw, the tension between 'The Man' Becky Lynch and the fiery Maxxine Dupri reached fever pitch. As the first hour drew to a close, these two dynamos locked horns once again. Lynch, not one to back down from a challenge, aimed to reclaim the Women's Intercontinental Championship from the up-and-coming Dupri. This match was the latest chapter in their intense rivalry, a feud that has captivated audiences since its explosive start back in August of the previous year. Think of it as a classic tale of veteran versus newcomer, each with something to prove.
In a match filled with dramatic reversals and near-falls, Becky Lynch proved that her trash talk wasn't just for show. She ultimately triumphed over Dupri, reclaiming the coveted title. The match's climax was particularly contentious. Dupri had Lynch locked in a devastating ankle lock submission hold. Just when it looked like Lynch was about to tap out, she managed to cleverly reverse the pressure. With lightning-fast reflexes, she transitioned the hold into a pinning predicament, using the bottom rope to gain just enough leverage to secure the three-count. Many are questioning if this was within the rules...
(Quote from Twitter)
MAXXINE HAS THE ANKLE LOCK
BECKY GETS HER SHOULDERS ON THE MAT
SHE'S HOLDING THE ROPE, BUT STILL GETS THE 3
BECKY LYNCH IS THE NEW IC CHAMPION!#WWERAW (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWERAW?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) pic.twitter.com/22EthqZAXs (https://t.co/22EthqZAXs)
— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) January 6, 2026 (https://twitter.com/TheMovementXx/status/2008359269465309607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
With this victory, Lynch brought Dupri's reign as Women's Intercontinental Champion to an end after a relatively short 50 days. During her time with the title, Dupri successfully defended it once, defeating Ivy Nile on the December 15th episode of Raw. That was a hard-fought battle, showcasing Dupri's resilience and determination.
And this is the part most people miss... This win marks not just any victory, but the start of Lynch's second reign with the Women's Intercontinental Championship. Her first reign, back in 2025, was a dominant one, lasting a substantial 163 days. Can she surpass that this time around? Only time will tell.
So, what do you think of Lynch's victory? Was the rope usage a legitimate strategy, or did it cross the line? And how long do you predict her second reign as champion will last? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's get the conversation started!
