Women’s Intercontinental Champion Maxxine Dupri is set to defend her title in a rematch against former champion Becky Lynch on the first WWE Raw episode of 2026. This special show also celebrates the red brand’s one-year anniversary on Netflix. The match was confirmed during Monday’s taped Raw, marking Lynch’s first return to WWE following her loss in a Women’s WarGames match where AJ Lee’s submission ended the bout.
After being defeated by Dupri with Lee’s interference, Lynch declared she was back to address issues related to alleged referee corruption after consulting with lawyers. The confrontation escalated in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Dupri interrupted Lynch and fired a harsh promo, reminding Lynch that she had beaten her three times and questioned if her prime was over, which led to Lynch slapping Dupri.
Though Lynch initially won the encounter, Dupri countered with an ankle lock, forcing Lynch to exit the ring to escape. Their official title match will be contested live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Fan Take: This storyline reintroduces Becky Lynch with high stakes, reigniting fan enthusiasm for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship scene. It sets up a compelling rivalry that could elevate both competitors and bring fresh energy to WWE’s women’s division in 2026.
